Concubine Lane, Ipoh: What to Do & Eat in Concubine Lane

July 27, 2025

Image via Concubine Lane - Lorong Panglima - 二奶巷  (facebook.com)

Concubine Lane, also known as Lorong Panglima (Panglima Lane) or Yi Lai Hong in Cantonese, is one of the three famous lanes in the city along with Hale Lane and Lahat Lane.

This charming lane has become a popular tourist destination due to its rich history, unique architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.

Location, Directions, & Parking

Concubine Lane, located in Ipoh’s Old Town, is a must-visit destination in Perak, Malaysia. It sits at the heart of Ipoh's heritage, echoing stories from the tin mining era.

If you’re travelling by public transport, the lane is just a 10-minute walk from Ipoh Railway Station, making it a convenient stop for travellers.

For those driving, parking near the lane can be a challenge, especially during busy times, as nearby spots and public lots tend to fill up quickly.

Modern explorers often enjoy the proximity to market lane, another vibrant street within walking distance, making it easy to explore various corners of Ipoh’s Old Town on foot.

Best Time & Operating Hours

The lane operates around the clock, but most shops and stalls are open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, offering plenty of time to explore.

Weekdays are usually less crowded, making for a more relaxed visit.

However, evenings are when the lane truly comes alive, with illuminated street art and bustling food stalls creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Hotels Near Concubine Lane

• WEIL Hotel: A luxurious 4.5-star property offering elegant rooms and premium amenities, conveniently located just 0.18 km from Concubine Lane.
• Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay & Event Hall: A charming heritage-style guesthouse that seamlessly blends traditional character with modern comforts, only 0.09 km from the lane.
• M Boutique Hotel: A stylish boutique hotel celebrated for its unique design and welcoming ambiance, situated approximately 0.9 km from Concubine Lane.
• Cititel Express Ipoh: A budget-friendly option providing cosy and comfortable accommodations, located around 0.3 km from the lane.
• Hotel Excelsior: A modern 4-star hotel offering contemporary amenities and a prime location, just 0.2 km from Concubine Lane.

A Glimpse into History

Concubine Lane traces its roots to the early 1900s, originally serving as a discreet enclave for the mistresses of affluent Chinese tin miners during Ipoh’s mining boom.

The name reflects a time of complex social hierarchies, where wealthy traders kept concubines in secluded homes, hidden yet close to the city’s commercial centre.

Over the decades, the lane has transformed from hidden dwellings to a lively commercial street that preserves much of its original architecture.

Old shop houses and traditional façades offer a window into Ipoh’s colonial and Chinese heritage, maintaining historic charm amidst modernisation.

Today, this area gives visitors a sense of life during the tin mining era and helps illustrate the city’s unique past.

Food and Restaurants (What to Eat)

Food is at the heart of any visit to Concubine Lane. The narrow alley overflows with food stalls and cafés, offering a range of both classic and distinctly local delights.

Many visitors come in search of culinary delights only found in Ipoh.

• Ipoh White Coffee: Sample the city’s signature smooth, aromatic white coffee, made from palm-oil-roasted beans. The result is a creamy, less bitter brew, best enjoyed sweetened with condensed milk.
• Kaya Toast with Soft-Boiled Eggs: This Malaysian breakfast staple pairs crisp toast slathered with coconut-rich kaya jam and butter with soft-boiled eggs seasoned to taste.
• Chee Cheong Fun: A comforting dish of steamed rice noodle rolls filled with ingredients like prawns or mushrooms, topped with savoury soy sauce and sesame seeds.
• Salted Chicken: Tender chicken marinated with salt and herbs, wrapped and slow-cooked for a juicy and flavourful meal.
• Nasi Lemak: Classic coconut milk rice served with spicy sambal, anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, and optional fried chicken or rendang.
• Roti Goyang: Toasted bread filled with scrambled eggs and served with chilli sauce, offering a uniquely local snack.
• Tau Fu Fa: Delicate tofu pudding served with sweet syrup or palm sugar syrup—a light, refreshing dessert.
• Popiah: Fresh spring rolls packed with veggies, meats, and sometimes shrimp, wrapped in thin skins and served with sweet sauce.
• Ipoh Bean Sprout Chicken: Poached chicken paired with famously crisp Ipoh bean sprouts, usually accompanied by rice and soy sauce.
• Herbal Drinks: Cool off with traditional herbal teas such as longan, barley water, or chrysanthemum tea, perfect on a warm day.

Things to Do and Shops

Concubine Lane is much more than a historic street—it’s alive with shopping, activities, and cultural discoveries.

Shoppers will love the variety of souvenir shops displaying local crafts, treats, and creative gifts as a reminder of your visit.

Shopping & Souvenirs

• Local Handicrafts: Handmade treasures like carved wood, Chinese calligraphy, and traditional lanterns—perfect for souvenirs.
• Vintage Finds: Antique trinkets, old postcards, and nostalgic memorabilia that reflect Ipoh’s rich history.
• Modern Fashion & Accessories: Trendy boutiques with chic clothing, unique accessories, and edgy bags that capture the lane’s vibrant spirit.
• Art & Creativity: Local artwork, prints, and galleries, and take home a piece of Ipoh’s creative charm.

Activities & Cultural Experiences

• Walking Tours: Discover the stories behind the architecture and the people who once lived here. Along the way, learn about the fascinating concubine lane things—from history to street art—that make this area stand out among Malaysia’s heritage sites.
• Workshops: Try hands-on activities like making kaya toast or practicing calligraphy in local cafés and shops.
• Nearby Landmarks: Extend your exploration to the Ipoh Old Town, the striking Ipoh Railway Station, or historic temples nearby.

Hotspot for Photography

• Vibrant Murals & Street Art: Artworks highlight local history and culture, inviting a closer look or the perfect photo.
• Colourful Overhead Umbrellas: These bright, floating umbrellas create a whimsical scene and are much loved by visitors.
• Architectural Details: The lane’s shop house doorways and windows evoke both colonial and Chinese influences, adding unique character to every shot.
• Street Performers: On weekends or during festivals, musicians and artists bring extra liveliness to the area.

Ipoh Through Its Most Iconic Street

Concubine Lane is a remarkable showcase of Ipoh's heritage—a place where old stories, contemporary spirit, and delicious cuisine meet.

Food, culture, and creativity intersect here, whether you’re sampling unique local flavours, exploring the area’s rich history, or simply enjoying the sights with your camera in hand.

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With just a few clicks, you can plan your trip and get ready to immerse yourself in everything Concubine Lane and Ipoh have to offer.

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