The quaint and narrow street is as charming as the city it is located in – both steeped in history but with traces of modern life becoming more evident over time.
A signboard on the street reveals that this area of shophouses was once a hub for opium smokers, gamblers, and prostitutes owned by tycoons and rich miners around Ipoh.
Having been in existence since 1908, it is said mistresses and concubines of Chinese tycoons also lived here – most likely leading to its unique name.
But the Concubine Lane of today is a far cry from what it was more than a century ago.
Today, the shophouses are places where various businesses sell food, souvenir items, and clothes. There is also a fair number of people taking “selfies” at interesting nooks along the street.
During a recent visit, the FMT team took a stroll along Concubine Lane and came across four lip-smacking treats and one rather interesting spot you should visit when you are there.
1. YG Homemade Biscuit stall
There is always a stream of customers at this stall that sells charcoal-baked “heong peah” or fragrant pastry peanut candy, kaya puffs and salted egg yolk puffs.
One bite and it’s unmistakably clear why these pastries taste as good as it smells! They are usually sold in sets, with prices starting from RM10.
Speaking to FMT, Yong Wee Kit, 54, who manages the stall, explained that they have been selling these mouthwatering baked goodies at Concubine Lane for the past nine years.
“The business belongs to my son, but my wife and I help to run the stall. All our baked goods are freshly made, and I am always happy to see our customers coming back for more,” Yong said.
2. Concubine Lane ice cream shop
The ice-cream shaped like a rose at this cosy shop is indeed a work of art. And watching the young woman behind the counter deftly scooping the ice-cream to form the flower is rather mesmerising.
There are four flavours to choose from – vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, and yam. Customers can opt between one or two scoops, priced at RM8 and RM12, respectively.
Alternatively, dig into their “ice-cream puffs” priced at RM10 each. The cold ice-cream wedged between golden puffs is certainly a delectable treat!
3. Raindrop cake stall
It is hard not to be intrigued by the translucent and delicate-looking dessert shaped like a water droplet called raindrop cakes.
According to Britannica, these cakes, or “mizu shingen mochi” are believed to have evolved from a Japanese dessert called “shingen mochi”, which literally means “sweet cakes made from glutinous rice flour and sugar”.
Subsequently, water, which is “mizu” in Japanese, was added, and the flour was replaced with “agar”, a plant-based gelatine made from seaweed, resulting in the version that is popular today.
There are two types here, the original and matcha flavour, priced at RM8 and RM10 respectively.
The original version is served with peanut powder and a sugar syrup, which goes delightfully with the soft and chewy raindrop cake. The more adventurous can opt for the version with matcha powder.
4. Waffle ice cream stall
The generously-sized waffle with ice cream that is served in a cup is absolutely rich and luscious – and it is best not to keep track of calories when savouring this!
Priced at RM16, there are 10 ice cream flavours, among them chocolate, vanilla, coffee, strawberry, mint, durian, and yam with toppings such as biscuits, marshmallows, and sprinkles.
Speaking to FMT, stall owner, Wong Gee Fong, 24, shared that he started this business in January when he realised there was a demand for his ice cream. He said the chocolate and vanilla flavours were crowd favourites.
After the eats, a glow-in-the-dark treat
Wong also operates another shop further down Concubine Lane, where he sells a unique item: glow in the dark sand.
To fully appreciate its beauty, customers are brought into individual rooms where the lights are switched off.
The sand, which is filled in little bottles, are a sight to behold when in the dark room as they appear to glitter like stars in the sky – making them delightful souvenirs.
“There are various colours to choose from such as blue, green, and pink but these depend on availability. Bottles are priced from RM6 and upwards,” shared Wong, adding that he also sells glow in the dark keychains, priced from RM8.