When we talk about travel in Malaysia, places like Penang, Melaka, or Langkawi often steal the spotlight. But if you’re the kind of traveler who loves discovering quiet towns rich in history and charm, Kuala Kangsar deserves a spot on your list.
Located in Perak, this royal town is the official residence of the Sultan of Perak and offers a peaceful escape filled with colonial-era architecture, heritage mosques, and — to my surprise — incredible local food.
Where is Kuala Kangsar?
Located about 25km north of Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar is the royal town of Perak. It’s home to the Sultan of Perak’s palace and has long held cultural and historical importance — yet it remains surprisingly under the radar for many tourists.
✨ Why Visit Kuala Kangsar?
1. Architectural Marvels
Kuala Kangsar boasts some of the most stunning heritage buildings in Malaysia. The highlight is undoubtedly the Ubudiah Mosque — often regarded as one of the most beautiful mosques in the country. With its golden domes and Indo-Saracenic design, it looks like something straight out of a storybook.
Nearby, you’ll also find:
Istana Kenangan – a former royal residence built entirely without nails, showcasing traditional Malay architecture.
Istana Iskandariah – the current palace of the Sultan, visible from afar with its grand structure.
2. A Walk Through History
This town is full of stories — from being a royal seat to its colonial past. A stroll along the town’s old streets reveals colonial-era shoplots, traditional kopitiams, and a slow pace of life that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Don’t miss:
- Victoria Bridge, one of the oldest railway bridges in Malaysia.
- Kuala Kangsar big Tower
- Local Crafts and Culture
Did you know Kuala Kangsar is the birthplace of Labu Sayong — the traditional gourd-shaped earthenware used to store water? You can visit local workshops and even try your hand at making one.
Recommended places to eat in Kuala Kangsar!!
Some handmade kueh keuh
Laksa with telur garing on top
1. Kembar Laksa: Handmade with Love (Halal)
“Kembar” means twin, and it’s not just the name — it’s the idea behind the noodles. The laksa noodles here are handmade, and they come in pairs, like twins. They’re soft, chewy, and soak up the soup beautifully. You can really taste the difference — nothing like the usual factory-made noodles.
What really stood out was the laksa broth — rich, fragrant, with a depth that tells you it’s been simmered with care. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up, even under the hot Malaysian sun.
And here’s a tip: Ask for “telur garing” — crispy stir-fried egg on top. It adds a savoury crunch that takes the dish to the next level. Trust me, don’t skip it.
Address: Kampung Lubuk Merbau, near—opposite Laksa Kembor Lubok Merbau on Jalan Kuala Kangsar, 33000 Kuala Kangsar, Perak
2. KK Wong Seng Restaurant江沙皇城海鲜饭店 (non halal)
74L, 74, Jalan Dato Sagor, 33000 Kuala Kangsar, Perak
At night, this place comes alive — it’s filled with locals, and you’ll be surprised at how many people come out just to dine here. It’s clearly a favourite in Kuala Kangsar. The food is tasty, the prices are very affordable, and the portions are generous. One of their specialties you must try is the bread with curry prawns — warm, fluffy bread served with a rich, flavorful curry that’s perfect for dipping. Simple, but so satisfying!
Sweet and Sour Pork
Pork Rib
Curry king prawn with their signature freshly made bread that you could dip with their curry sauce.
Tofu in hotplate
We brought our own soon hock fish and asked them to steam for us in two different flavour, each cost RM22 to clean and steam for us.
The total is only RM177 but the 2 fishes belong to us with cleaning and cooking fees cost Rm 22 each. We have 10 pax
3. 天下の食 (Tenka no Shoku) – Kuala Kangsar Hidden Gem ( Japanese)
Address:
M‑2 Gerai Pasar Awam Jerlun, Kampung Baru Jerlun, 33000 Kuala Kangsar, Perak
Opening Hours: Approximately 5 pm–11 pm, closed on Mondays
✨ Why It Stands Out
Tucked in a quiet village (Jerlun), this unassuming restaurant transforms into a bustling late-night spot every evening. With its bright red lanterns and Japanese menu, it’s easy to miss unless someone points you there. But once inside, you’ll see why it’s beloved by both locals and visitors.
I personally spoke with the owner, who’s a local from Kuala Kangsar. He shared that he had worked in Japan for many years as a chef. Our conversation started when I casually asked if he spoke Japanese — and from there, we got talking and I learned more about his background. He’s been running this Japanese restaurant for over 10 years now.
The owner also mentioned that over the years, he has served many Japanese customers who work in a textile factory in Kuala Kangsar. That explains the authenticity — he really understands Japanese flavours, and his food has to live up to their expectations too.
This was actually my second time here, and honestly, I was shocked the first time I discovered a Japanese restaurant tucked away in such a remote kampung area. I was initially hesitant to try it, as I have pretty high standards when it comes to Japanese food — I lived in Japan for a few years and even worked part-time at a Japanese restaurant during my student days.
But to my surprise, the food here had such authentic Japanese flavours, it completely exceeded my expectations. I even told my cousin who brought me here that this is better than some of the big-name sushi chains back in Singapore.
The only downside of this restaurant is the dim lighting — you might find it a little hard to see clearly. But that also gives it a cosy, romantic vibe — a surprisingly nice spot to bring your date!
Tip: Bring some mosquito spray — there are quite a few mozzies around.
4. Riverside Breakfast Spot in Kuala Kangsar (Halal)
If you’re looking for a good halal breakfast spot in Kuala Kangsar, this riverside eatery is a local favourite — and for good reason. It’s run by a Chinese owner, but everything served here is halal, so it’s popular with everyone.
The stir-fried noodles, especially the yee mee and hor fun, are a must-try — they’re full of that wok hei (the smoky, charred aroma you only get from a hot wok). Truly satisfying and packed with flavour.
Another highlight is the sticky rice with kaya — the kaya here is incredibly fragrant, smooth, and on another level compared to what you usually get. Paired with the soft glutinous rice, it’s a simple but unforgettable breakfast combo.
Don’t miss the chee cheong fun with curry sauce — silky rice rolls drenched in rich, spicy curry. And if you’re a fan of pau, they have some really popular ones too.
⏰ Tip: Try to come before 9:30am — the sticky rice and kaya usually sell out fast!
The shop has no name and can’t find in google, but this is the rough location
Address Jalan Laksamana, Kampung Penaga, 33000 Kuala Kangsar, Perak, Malaysia
Sticky rice with their iconi kaya
Chee Cheong fun with curry sauce
No 1 seller, yee noodles stir fry, full of wok hei.
5. Karli Noodles — A Unique Specialty in Kuala Kangsar
ENGGOR CURRY NOODLE
Near Karai police station
Address :
Kampung Kapor, 31050 Enggor, Perak, Malaysia
Karli is a Chinese-run eatery famous for its specialty noodles, which you won’t find anywhere else in town. Unlike typical yellow noodles, these noodles do not use 碱水 (alkaline water), giving them a distinct texture and taste that sets them apart from the usual.
Their noodle dish is similar to yang tau fu style, where you get to choose your favorite ingredients like various types of fish balls, tofu, and more to add into your bowl.
The original noodle bowl comes generously topped with char siew and fried wonton for extra flavor and lots of clams. What truly makes Karli special is their iconic fried turnip — shaped like a hash brown but made from turnip, offering a unique crispy texture and taste you won’t find elsewhere.
If you’re in Kuala Kangsar and craving something different, Karli’s noodles are a must-try!
Signature deep fried turnip
6. Double Lion Restaurant (tea break only)
This place in Kuala Kangsar is a beloved establishment with over 80 years of history, famed for its nostalgic ambiance and traditional offerings. Located at 74 Jalan Kangsar, Bandar Baru, this vintage coffee shop continues to draw both locals and visitors looking to experience a taste of the past.
My grandparents used to bring us here, and back then, the bread tasted amazing — though nowadays, it’s just average for me. The restaurant has been passed down through generations and is now run by one of the sons, who is in his 70s. Interestingly, most of the current staff are from Myanmar.
Signature Dishes
Homemade Steamed Buns with Margarine and Kaya: A classic favourite, these soft buns are generously spread with margarine and kaya (coconut egg jam). Personally, I find the taste average nowadays.
Traditional Toasted Buns: Served with kaya and butter, these buns feature a crispy exterior and warm, soft interior — perfect when paired with a cup of kopi kaw (strong Malaysian coffee).
☕ Beverages
‘Kopi Kaw’ (Strong Coffee): Known for its robust flavor, this traditional Malaysian coffee remains a favourite among patrons.
If you’re seeking a vintage vibe, this place is perfect. Featuring classic furniture and old-school tunes, it creates a warm, nostalgic atmosphere that transports visitors back in time. The restaurant’s longevity is a testament to its high-quality building materials and well-maintained furniture that have stood the test of time.
Operating Hours
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Monday to Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
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Thursday to Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
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Closed on Wednesdays and during the 1st and 15th of the lunar month
Location
Double Lion Restaurant
74 Jalan Kangsar, Bandar Baru,
33000 Kuala Kangsar, Perak, Malaysia
7. Restoran Taman Kenas (海外天)
This is a must-try spot! Their stir-fried noodles are super tasty, and the one you must order is the Wat Tan Hor — full of wok hei and that classic smoky flavour.
We did a takeaway of stir-fried hor fun, yee mee, and lao shu fen — each packet only RM8 and came in big portions. Definitely worth it!
Address 20, A3, Taman Kenari, 33000 Kuala Kangsar, Perak, Malaysia
️江沙牛肉面 • Beef Noodles
A three-generation heritage eatery famous for handmade beef balls, pork balls, and tendon balls, served with traditional soup and noodles. A true breakfast staple in town.
Address:
Kuala Kangsar Beef Ball Noodles
No. 38, Jalan Daeng Selili,
33000 Kuala Kangsar, Perak
Opening Hours:
Daily from 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM, closed on Mondays.
Why This Place Stands Out
Family-run since the 1930s, now operated by the third generation.
Features three signature items:
Beef Balls: Freshly squeezed and boiled in house soup — tender and flavourful.
Beef Tendon Balls: Chewy texture mixed with ginger and onion aroma.
Pork Meat Balls: Special recipe including cuttlefish and spices for an unforgettable taste.
They also serve pork minced noodles with fried pork and soup broth, and yong tau foo (stuffed tofu). I super love their yong tau foo, I would rate it 10/10, is a must try item.
Where to Stay?
You won’t find big hotel chains here, and that’s part of the charm. Instead, opt for:
Airbnb : De’Kuale Homestay
1211 Persiaran Puteri 3/5, 33000 Kuala Kangsar, Perak, Malaysia
️ How to Get There?
Kuala Kangsar is easily accessible:
- By car: 2.5 to 3 hours from Kuala Lumpur via the North-South Expressway
- By train: ETS trains stop at the Kuala Kangsar station
- By bus: Available from major cities like Ipoh and KL
Final Thoughts
Kuala Kangsar is not flashy, not crowded, and that’s exactly why it’s special. It’s the kind of place where you slow down, soak in the charm, and rediscover what travel is really about — connection, culture, and curiosity.
If you’re looking for a hidden gem in Malaysia, let this royal town surprise you.