By Anne Das
Canning Garden Wet Market has long been an Ipoh institution.
Once known as the “rich man’s market”, it has been part of Ipoh life for over 50 years. Clean, spacious and everybody seems to know everybody.
Traders greet regulars by name. Shoppers stop for a chat. The market is also a breakfast stop, with stalls selling cakes, thosai, nasi lemak, noodles and other local favourites.
At Stall 48, Five Two fits right in.
The stall was started to provide work for three seniors who could not find employment elsewhere. Its mission is to employ people who are often regarded as “less employable” by conventional businesses.
The principle is simple. Five Two does business to employ people, rather than employing people to do business. Selling good food at reasonable prices keeps that purpose going.
Interestingly, Its name comes from the popular biblical story of five loaves and two fish.
Start with the handmade egg noodles, served plain or with minced meat, Dan Dan or XO sauce. The noodles are made without added water, while the broth for the prawn and pork wontons simmer for hours.
Stuffed tofu, chillies and eggplant, and fried turnip cake offer more to try. Five Two uses fresh ingredients and home recipes, with no preservatives in its cooking.
Save room for tong sui. Kok Seng’s sister makes it in small batches, with a different sweet soup each day. Some days it is Cantonese walnut paste or black sesame sweet soup.
Others bring barley with bean curd sheets and ginkgo nuts, mung bean with pumpkin and kelp, or red bean with lotus seeds and lily bulbs. Check Five Two’s socials for the latest specials or leave it to chance and see what’s in the pot when you arrive.
The sweets do not end there. The lemon curd toast is a must try. There is a Scottish story behind it, so ask Kok Seng when you visit. He tells a good story.
Jars of lemon and golden lime curd are available to take home, along with packs of uncooked handmade egg noodles for home cooking.
Prices for the noodle dishes, desserts and take-home items range from RM2 to RM13.
There is little room to spare in Five Two’s kitchen when breakfast is underway.
Behind the food is Five Two’s senior team. Ah Lan leads the kitchen, while Ah Foong and Ah Ping help with cleaning and service. Their roles provide paid work where opportunities are scarce.
Seniors and people with disabilities often face physical barriers and limited access to suitable training. Fewer employers are willing to hire them.
Five Two is small, and there can be a wait during busy periods. Customers short on time can call ahead to order takeaway.
Supporting this little stall requires no donation or grand gesture.
Order breakfast. Try the tong sui. Take home a jar of lemon curd. Every visit helps sustain these jobs and may create an opportunity for someone in need.
Five Two is non halal.
📍 Stall 48, Canning Garden Wet Market, Ipoh
⏰ Wednesday to Saturday, 8am to 12pm; Sunday, 8am to 1pm
📞 Call or WhatsApp 017 983 7052
📱 Instagram @fivetwo_canninggarden
