By Anne Das
Old Town’s café crowd has seen it all, or so they think. And a new arrival on Jalan Bandar Timah is changing that perception.
Rebecca’s Café brings Afghan flavours to the city’s heritage quarter and introduces dishes that blend authenticity with easy local appeal. It is the first of its kind in Ipoh’s café circuit.
Run by the Khans, a third-generation Afghan family, this newcomer brings a different charm to Ipoh’s Old Town. Here, the aroma of authentic Afghan cooking fills the space with a blend of spice and comfort. Named after their daughter Rebecca, the café carries their warmth and has turned a modest shop lot (opposite 22 Hale Street) into a welcoming space of its own.
Rebecca’s handmade crochet flowers, coasters, and keychains are part of the décor and available for purchase, a hobby that has grown into a small creative business and adds a homely touch to the space.
The menu features a selection of Afghan Pulao dishes, each built around long-grain basmati rice cooked gently with spices, carrots and raisins. The rice is light, aromatic and layered with subtle sweetness. It is the first dish the Khans chose to introduce from their homeland, something they wanted to perfect before expanding the menu with more of their family’s traditional recipes.
Every plate is served with mint yogurt sauce, creamy potatoes and greens, and a few crisps for crunch, creating a meal that is both comforting and full of flavour.
Among the favourites are the Cashew Chicken Pulao (RM20), the Beef Rendang Pulao (RM22) and the Mutton Korma Pulao (RM22). Each brings its own depth and personality. The Cashew Chicken adds a nutty richness, the Beef Rendang infuses local familiarity, while the Mutton Korma carries a slow-cooked tenderness that lingers.
Other choices include Chicken Kebab and Chicken Kapitan, and for those who prefer something simple, plain Pulao rice can be ordered for RM6.
Beyond the Afghan specials, Rebecca’s Café boasts a wide menu. You will find fusion items, all-day breakfast choices, Western staples like spaghetti and burgers, plus an assortment of homemade brownies and cakes.
The Pistachio Croissant has become a highlight, buttery and flaky with a generous filling of pistachio cream, while the Afghan Green Tea by the pot is recommended for its smooth, refreshing aftertaste.
The café seats about twenty people, with a few tables outside for those who prefer a casual view of Old Town’s steady flow of life. Space is limited, so customers can opt for takeaway or Grab orders, both equally popular options
Rebecca’s Café may be small, but it carries the kind of story that keeps Old Town interesting. It is a reminder that there is always something new to discover, even in familiar streets.
📍 Rebecca’s Café
82, Jalan Bandar Timah, Ipoh Old Town
(Opposite 22 Hale Street,
⏰ Open daily: 9.00am – 7.00pm
Extended hours: Fridays & Saturdays, 9.00am – 10.00pm
📞 Enquiries & bookings: Zarak Khan – 018-3188641
📸 Instagram: @rebecca.cafe
(Muslim-owned)
