There are many hidden gems throughout Malaysia, and the humble town of Kampar in Perak is one of them. It’s not only rich in history but is a food haven – if one knows where to look, that is.
From chicken biscuits to chicken curry bread, and even “bihun tembaga”, Kampar is truly a place where one can feast to their hearts’ content!
And if you’re in town and looking for a lovely spot to have breakfast or brunch, Medan Selera Kampar is the place to go.
Here, you will be spoilt for choice as there are easily more than 40 stalls offering a wide range of food. Here are FMT’s six favourite picks.
Char kuey teow [NON-HALAL]
At Stall 32, a man perches on a stool as he furiously fries char kuey teow over hot charcoal. Despite the curious sight, the plate of char kuey teow hits all the right spots.
Fun fact: his wife, who takes customers’ orders, shared that they have been selling char kuey teow for over 40 years!
The rice noodles are fried with generous helpings of chopped garlic, bean sprouts, and chives, among others. It has the much sought-after “wok hei” – simply perfect with a cup of ‘teh tarik’.
Fried radish cake [NON-HALAL]
Another hearty option is a plate of fried radish cake from Stall 38. Despite operating at the food court for less than a year, it won’t be long before he too has a loyal following – his food is truly delish.
The fried radish cake has just enough bite, and each plate comes with big helpings of bean sprouts and scrambled egg. Served on a banana leaf with a side of sambal, this is a simple yet scrumptious meal.
Cucur udang
As one walks by Stall 26B, it is hard to resist the delicious aroma of cucur udang or prawn fritters, being deep-fried. The fritters are crispy without being too oily and best enjoyed hot.
There are also curry puffs here: original with potatoes and egg and chicken.
Both options are equally delicious and taste fresh. Speaking to FMT, owner Seng Kea Wei, who mans the stall with his parents and sister, shared that they are made daily.
Apam balik
At Stall 31, apam balik is being cooked on hot plates and the tantalising smell wafting from the stall draws a long line of customers. But the wait is worth it because the apam balik tastes as delectable as it smells.
Filled with a generous amount of creamed corn and roasted peanuts which adds a nice crunch, each bite is exquisite. For a quintessential Malaysian breakfast experience, pair it with a hot cup of kopi ‘o’.
Yu char kway
While a somewhat greasy treat, there is no denying that Yu Char Kway is a guilty pleasure for many Malaysians, regardless of the time of the day. Stall 38A sells a variety of deep-fried treats, including yu char kway.
Other goodies include Kaki Kuda, so-named because of its horseshoe appearance, Ham Chim Peng which are essentially Chinese doughnuts, and Pulut bun, a starchy and sticky treat.
Locals say that this hawker is the third-generation owner of the business and the masterful way he works seems to suggest this is indeed the case. And the food here is value for money as each item is priced at RM1.20.
Pulut rice [NON-HALAL]
At Stall 42, a father and son team work hard to cook and serve pulut rice, a sticky rice served with a rich curry and peanuts. Despite its extreme simplicity, it is a filling dish and delicious dish.
According to the duo, they have been at this for the past two decades, with the stall having been started by their family 40 years ago.
In addition to the starchy rice, the stall also sells kuih keladi and kuih tebung. While the pulut rice is priced at RM3.40, both the kuihs are RM1.40 per piece.
Medan Selera Kampar
Jalan Masjid
31900 Kampar
Perak