By Yashila Issabelle
Dapur Aroma, when translated, means Aromatic Kitchen. But what kind of aroma? The unmistakable scent of Indonesian spices and sambal, the kind you can only smell when you’re in Indonesia.
The Indonesian food scene has been blooming across Malaysia, and Ipoh has caught on to the trend. In Canning Garden, where many homes have been converted into businesses, Dapur Aroma too has found its place there. Tucked just on the left as you turn in from the roundabout, the restaurant has already started drawing regulars in the few months since it opened.
The first impression begins with the aroma, but the experience unfolds with the food. Meals come in generous portions and are served with classic sides such as gulai nangka (jackfruit curry) and perkedel kentang (potato cutlets). It is the kind of complete dining experience that feels both hearty and familiar, even if Indonesian food is new to you.
Behind the restaurant is Jess Yee, whose family is best known for founding Yee Hup, the household name in Malaysia’s traditional biscuit industry. Unlike the family brand, however, Dapur Aroma was born from Jess’s personal passion. After travelling through Indonesia, she fell in love with its cuisine and culture, and decided to bring those flavours back to her hometown of Ipoh.
One of the strongest pulls for working adults and students alike is the weekday only set lunch menu.
Available from 11.30 am to 5.00 pm (Mon-Fri), each set is priced below RM20 and includes a complimentary drink, with an additional 20% discount applied.
Options range from Ayam Penyet to Pad Kra Pow, Mee Soto Ayam, Mie Balap Biasa, and Mie Bangdesh. Affordable, filling, and packed with flavour, the sets have quickly become a favourite for the lunch crowd.
If you are looking beyond the lunch menu or wondering what to try for dinner as a first-time visitor, Jess recommends starting with the Nasi Padang. The dish comes with your choice of meat, accompanied by traditional side condiments such as gulai nangka (jackfruit curry), perkedel kentang (potato cutlets), tempeh, Indonesian-style omelette, stewed cassava leaves, and their signature rich, creamy sauce that ties the meal together.
But the experience at Dapur Aroma does not stop at lunch. The restaurant is open all day, serving dinner sets for families and groups, tea-time specials with kuih and desserts, and even Turkish-style coffee prepared with flair. Roasted beans from the house blend are also available for purchase.
Much of Dapur Aroma’s character lies in its sambal. Prepared fresh daily by an Indonesian-born chef, the sambals are bold, fiery, and varied. Diners can choose from four types, ranging from a sharp, spicy red to a tangier green blend, with sambal belacan adding its distinctive depth. For those who can’t get enough, bottled sambals are sold at RM16 each, allowing fans to bring the flavours home.
The space itself is comfortable and versatile. The air-conditioned dining hall is clean and welcoming, while the outdoor section comes alive in the evenings for those who prefer an alfresco feel.
With a capacity of up to 60–100 guests, the restaurant is also a practical venue for birthdays, business lunches, or small gatherings. Catering services are available too, extending the Dapur Aroma experience beyond its four walls.
Parking is straightforward, with plenty of space opposite the restaurant. Service is warm, food arrives promptly, and the atmosphere strikes a balance between casual and polished. It is the kind of place where you can pop in for a quick weekday lunch, or linger over a shared dinner with family and friends.
In a city where Indonesian cuisine is still rare, Dapur Aroma fills an important gap. It offers something both familiar and new, a chance for Malaysians in Ipoh to enjoy authentic flavours without crossing borders.
Address: 57, Jalan Lee Kwee Foh, Taman Canning, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM (Daily)
Contact: 012-862 5509
Facebook: Dapur Aroma Ipoh
