Concubine Lane Ipoh: A Must Visit Street In Ipoh (2020 Plus Food To Try)

Concubine Lane Ipoh has evolved a lot ever since Ipoh was featured by Lonely Planet in July 2016 in their list of best Asian destinations to visit.

Charming souvenir shops, fashion outlets, cafes and dessert houses line this nostalgic street of Ipoh. The street literally comes to life during the weekends!

The atmosphere is akin to the Armenian Street in Georgetown, Penang or Jonker Street in Melaka.

Touristy? Yes, but tourism helps preserve this part of Ipoh!

Table of contents:

• Concubine Lane Ipoh
• History
• Opening Hours
• Concubine Lane Ipoh Food
• Hotels Near Concubine Lane Ipoh
• Souvenirs From Ipoh
• Things To Do At Concubine Lane Ipoh
• Tips For Visiting Concubine Lane

Concubine Lane Ipoh

Although Concubine Lane is the most famous street in all of Ipoh:

There are 2 other historic lanes that were once concubine lanes too! Hale Lane and Market Lane.

All 3 of these lanes are in Ipoh Old Town and are walking distance from each other.

Which make them an easy item to check off the must-see list for any first-time visitors. And to include these places into their Ipoh itinerary too!

Neither lane is sheltered so make sure you take an umbrella and slap on some sunscreen before you go out to explore them!

Concubine Lane Ipoh History

Despite the superficial touristy appearance that might be your first impression here:

Concubine Lane (Yee Lai Hong in Cantonese) off Jalan Bandar Timah (Leech Street) in Ipoh has more than a century’s worth of history to it!

Back before Malaysia’s independence as a British colony, there was a fire in 1892.

Lanes of shops were introduced into the new layout when the town was rebuilt.

And the well-known mining tycoon (Yao Tet Shin) gifted 3 of these lanes to his 3 wives.

1. Wife Lane — Lorong Hale (大奶巷)
2. Concubine Lane — Lorong Panglima (二奶巷)
3. Second Concubine Lane — Market Lane (三奶巷)

If the Chinese translation confuses you:

The “first” concubine implies the wife while the “second” wife refers to concubine. And of course, the “third” wife is the second concubine.

Concubine Lane was one of those lanes together with Hale Lane and Market Lane as they are known today.

It is said that this is where the rich Chinese tin mining tycoons and British officers kept their mistresses.

But you’d never guess that the lanes previously housed opium and gambling dens too!

1. Past: Wife Lane — Now: Lorong Hale (大奶巷)

Seeing that this is the lane that belongs to the wife, you might expect it to be the longest lane, or the most vibrant.

However, this lane is quieter than the other two lanes.

The lane is not long and has a single mural of a fruit seller with his cart.

2. Past: Concubine Lane — Now: Lorong Panglima (二奶巷)

Of the 3 lanes, Concubine Lane is the most lively with its myriad of colorful little shops and stalls. The oldest shop here is Restoran Wong Koh Kee.

Don’t forget to look up when you’re exploring the lane!

Some of the shop lots still retain a hint of their former appearance (e.g. the second level of a Chinese brothel).

If you happen to come to Concubine Lane at night, the glow of the red lanterns will make it seem like you are in a red-light district!

3. Past: Second Concubine Lane — Now: Market Lane (三奶巷)

You know you’re in Market Lane when you see the colorful umbrellas strung up above the lane!

While there are no shops here, there is Nam Chau Coffee Shop. Stop by here for a cup of Ipoh white coffee.

Don’t forget to try their traditional pearl milk tea and dry curry noodles!

There is 3 Ipoh street art in this lane so make sure you check them out:

1. Coffee shop scene outside Nam Chau Coffee Shop
2. Kids jumping
3. Tricycle by Ernest Zacharevic

Concubine Lane Ipoh Opening Hours

Concubine Lane is open every day and it isn’t hard to find.

You may be able to walk there if your chosen hotel is in Ipoh Old Town. Else, the cheapest and most comfortable way to get there by booking a Grab.

Concubine Lane Ipoh Food

Did you know you can find some Ipoh famous food right at Concubine Lane?

That’s right!

1. Concubine Lane Ipoh Tau Fu Fa

On a weekend, you can expect a queue for this Ipoh famous tau fu fa (and seats)!

They have several flavors available if you want to try something other than the original:

• Bird’s nest
• Teochew style with brown sugar, ginger and black sesame seeds
• Ginger

2. Restoran Wong Koh Khee

An old-school restaurant that’s been around for many, many years.

Popular dishes include:

• Stew with Chinese herbs and dates
• Western style fried pork
• Ginger steamed fish

3. Nam Chau White Coffee

This one’s at Market Lane (Just a minutes’ walk from Concubine Lane) as we mentioned earlier in this post:

They are popular for their appetizing dry curry noodles and coffee!

4. Restoran Sin Lean Lee

If you like fishballs and beef noodles, you should definitely try a bowl here!

By the way, there are some treats you can only find at Concubine Lane!

5. Concubine Lane Rainbow Cheese Toast

Kuma Rainbow Cheese Toast takes cheese toast to another level! Pull the toast slices apart to reveal the rainbow!

It may be a novelty snack but it is yummy too! As you would expect since it’s cheese toast!

6. Ais Kepal Concubine Lane

At Kong Heng Square (1 minute from Concubine Lane) is a store called Bits & Bobs.

They sell an unusual cold dessert here – a giant ice ball (ais kepal) that you can get in a few flavors:

• Mango
• Grape
• Pandan
• Sarsi (Malaysian soft drink similar to Pepsi or Coke)

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The first edition of this Ipoh Food Guide details multiple recommendations (from a local’s perspective) of where to find 15 of the best Ipoh food!

Grab this ebook written by locals for FREE!

Click here to check out more!

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Further reading:

• 13 Best Chinese Restaurants In Ipoh
• 9 Best Chicken Rice In Ipoh
• 15 Best Breakfast Spots In Ipoh: Recommended By A Local!

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Hotels Near Concubine Lane Ipoh

Staying close to Concubine Lane is easy with these accommodation options:

1. Brick Box Hotel

Brick Box Hotel has a total of 27 rooms and is situated at a  very convenient location. It is walking distance to many attractions in Ipoh Old Town!

What you’ll like:

• Desirable location
• WiFi
• 24-hour security
• TV
• Beautiful, spacious, and clean rooms

Good to know:

• Bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper! The clocktower is nearby and chimes every hour!

2. Cititel Express Ipoh

A great value-for-money stay that is close to attractions in Ipoh Old Town too!

What you’ll like:

• Walking distance
• Comfortable rooms
• TV with HD movies
• Very clean
• WiFi
• Friendly reception
• Breakfast included

Good to know:

• Parking is in the basement and limited. Try to check in early if you can!
• If you have a lot of devices to charge, bring a multiple adapter

3. French Hotel Ipoh

This affordable hotel is close to many local eateries so you’ll never run out of dining options!

What you’ll like:

• Quiet location
• Clean and spacious rooms
• Friendly receptionist
• Secure and free parking is available – a few meters from the hotel

Good to know:

• Toothbrush and cotton buds are not available
• The rooms and car park are quite dark
• There is a 7-Eleven convenience store next to the hotel

4. Bedrock Hotel Ipoh

Located in New Town and strategically a short distance from Old Town with many eateries nearby!

What you’ll like:

• Water dispensers in the rooms!
• Breakfast included
• Airport transportation
• Family rooms available
• WiFi
• Free parking
• Tasteful and spacious rooms
• Efficient check-in

Good to know:

• The hotel owners are very friendly and helpful when it comes to local recommendations!

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Read More Reviews:

• Weil Hotel Ipoh Review: Check This 4-star Hotel When You’re In Ipoh
• Hotel Excelsior Ipoh Review: Why This Classic Ipoh Hotel Is Still Thriving
• Ipoh Bali Hotel Review: Discover This Unique Bali-style Boutique Hotel With Spa

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5. 27 Concubine Lane – Guesthouse

Set in a heritage house, this makes for a unique accommodation. It is also not far from the Ipoh Railway Station!

What you’ll like:

• WiFi
• Vintage decor
• Fantastic location
• Great for couples
• Pets allowed
• Airport shuttle
• Warm welcome

Good to know:

• No private parking
• Bring earplugs if you are sensitive to noise!

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Read also:

• 19 Affordable & Best Hotels In Ipoh
• Best Ipoh Homestay – 11 Exceptional Homestay In Ipoh

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Souvenirs From Ipoh

Souvenirs can be pricey but this is to be expected in such a tourist hot spot!

Still, it’s possible to find some really nice handmade items if you look carefully.

Don’t forget to bring some snacks back home from Ipoh!

1. Dreamland at Concubine Lane

A cute shop with retro decor. Not a bad place for a photo too!

2. Ipoh Old Town Tart King

They sell good BBQ chicken pastry buns here as well as egg tarts – original and pandan flavor.

3. Kristy Collection Boutique

Close to Kong Heng Square, this small boutique sells jewelry pieces from Korea.

4. Kong Heng Square Artisan Market

Old meets new at Kong Heng Square.

There’re a lot of cute knick-knacks you can pick up here!

Keychains, lanyards, wallets, porcelain saucers, etc.

Things To Do At Concubine Lane Ipoh

1. Concubine Lane Museum – Dream Big World (Model Car Museum)

There is an amazing collection of miniature cars (and other miniatures) at this unusual gallery!

2. Ho Yan Hor Museum

At the corner of Jalan Bijeh Timah, just a block away from Kong Heng Square is Ho Yan Hor Museum.

The blue building was once home to Dr. Ho Kai Cheong who happens to be the founder of Ho Yan Hor (now Hovid Berhad) herbal tea.

It’s free to take the tour and learn about how Dr. Ho’s journey to becoming a famous entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Free tea tasting too!

3. Han Chin Pet Soo

The building itself is a heritage treasure. Tours by the non-profit organization, Ipoh World allow you to see the inside of the building.

Inside, different levels have been turned into various exhibits related to the period when the former Hakka tin miners’ club was its peak glory.

Including a recreation of what the inside of an opium and gambling den would look like!

4. Book Xcess Kong Heng (Yasmin Museum)

Ipoh’s first branch of this bookstore chain houses a small museum dedicated to the Malaysian film and commercial director, Yasmin Ahmad, and her works.

You’ll notice the bookstore is actually an old bank vault! They use the vault to creatively display the books in the basement of the bookstore!

5. Miniature Wonders Art Gallery

It’s free to visit the ground floor and admire the minuscule details put into the displays of ancient Chinese dynasty scenes!

If you want to see more, it only costs RM5 to check out the upper floors!

6. Funtasy House Trick Art

Another curious museum/ gallery you can check out is Funtasy House Trick Art.

Taking photos at this 3D art gallery is good fun for any age! If you don’t know how to pose, the staff will be happy to guide you!

7. Ipoh Cafe

There’s an entire row of Ipoh cafes just a stone’s throw from Concubine Lane.

Pop in for some western food, desserts, and coffee!

1. Patisserie BoutiQue
2. Nelly’s Cafe
3. Aud’s Cafe
4. Artisan Handmade Bread
5. Burps & Giggles

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Further reading:

• 9 Top Ipoh Limestone Caves & Ipoh Cave Temples That You Should See
• 13 Fun Places To Visit In Ipoh At Night
• HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng: Another Place To Try Tea For Tea Lovers + What To Do
• Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village: Includes How To Buy Tickets & Things To Do

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Tips For Visiting Concubine Lane

• If you go during Chinese New Year (January to February generally), the lanes may be decorated with red lanterns)
• Escape the crowds by going on a Monday or Thursday rather than the weekend!
• Bring a water bottle – you’re likely going to sweat during your walk

Ipoh Private Tour Service

Don’t want to suffer the heat to explore both Ipoh Old Town and Ipoh New Town?

Consider taking a private tour service instead:

It’s a quicker way to get around (especially for families) and you don’t have to worry about parking or driving!

Other benefits?

• Local guides who can speak English, Chinese or Malay
• Flexible hours between 8:30am and 8pm
• Comfortable transport (MPVs or vans)
• Tours include pick up and drop off anywhere in Ipoh
• You can combine your Ipoh tour with a trip to Penang, Cameron Highlands or Taiping!

Inquire about our Ipoh tours on our Facebook or WhatsApp.

Conclusion

Do not be deterred by the touristy facade of the three concubine lanes in Ipoh:

You can still find old-world charm here among all the trendy stalls, and souvenir shops!

It doesn’t hurt to explore them too since they’re only a few steps away from Ipoh’s other heritage attractions and street murals!