Affordable Everyday Eating in Ipoh (A Little Peek into Our Meals)

One of the things I truly appreciate about living in Ipoh is how affordable everyday food still is — especially if you know where the locals go. Away from the touristy spots, prices remain refreshingly reasonable. 

We stay in Ipoh Garden East, and my 83-yo dad often goes to Kg Simee market and Bercham to do his marketing and tapau food. For just RM6, he can get a whole bag of salmon bones, which we air-fry at home — crispy, flavourful, and absolutely delicious. Fresh vegetables are just as affordable too. A few ringgit can get you a big bunch of spinach or lettuce. 

Even when he tapau cooked dishes, RM40 worth of food can easily last the three of us for both lunch and dinner. Dad, mum and I are very small eaters. 

Earlier this week, he bought a big piece of curry mackerel with lady’s fingers (with lots of gravy!), plus Indian-style stir-fried curried radish and cabbage. I was already estimating the cost in my head — maybe RM16 (RM10 for the fish and RM6 for the vegetables), because that's what I used to pay in KL. Imagine my surprise when the boss said RM9! That was from a mamak restaurant right here in Ipoh Garden East. 

Our usual chap fan stop in Bercham (Ritz Bina) is another favourite — about RM6 per person for fresh, tasty, home-cooked style dishes (photos below). Living in Ipoh really has its perks: quieter surroundings, more affordable food, a slower pace of life, and those beautiful hilly views everywhere you turn. I truly love being back here ❤️

Dad's curry mackerel, radish and cabbage from a mamak restaurant @ RM9.

My chap fan dishes (all veggies) @ RM6

Mum's dishes - braised pork with black fungus, braised tofu, braised radish and brown rice @ RM6.

How I Calm My Mind When Anxiety Hits

The six months before I moved back home from KL…

my panic and anxiety attacks were at their worst.

Some nights, I would wake up gasping for air.
Even in the daytime, my heart just wouldn’t rest —
constant fear… constant palpitations.

I was exhausted.
And honestly… I was scared.
I kept thinking, I can't go on living like this.

So I decided to take back control.
I stepped away from the things that were triggering me.
Moving home was my first step toward healing.

When a panic attack hits,
I slow down and breathe deeply.
I turn on my favourite songs — Bee Gees, Air Supply, Chicago, Cliff Richard —
and sing along until my chest feels lighter.
Then I remind myself,
this is temporary… it will pass.

After that, I gently ask, what caused this?
If I can remove it, I remove it.... even if it meant removing toxic people from my life.
If I can reduce it, I take action.
Less stress. Less toxic energy. More peace.

And I talk to someone I trust.
Because we’re not meant to carry everything alone.

Little by little…
I’m learning to choose calm.
And life feels lighter now.

Watch my video here > https://www.facebook.com/reel/1312062110697502

42 Years of Neighbours, Now My Makan Buddies

From kid next door to joining my parents’ morning walk gang — 40 years of neighbours, food, and laughter. Life comes full circle.

I’ve officially been inducted into my parents’ neighbourhood “Morning Walk Kaki” makan gang.

My parents have lived in Ipoh Garden East for 42 years — we moved there back in 1985 — and some of these neighbours have been part of our lives for over four decades. Not just neighbours, really… more like extended family.

Their morning walks aren’t just about exercise. They come with local trips, overseas holidays, and of course, plenty of makan outings. Food is always the main event. 😄

Earlier this week, on Lap Chun day, we had our pre–Chinese New Year dinner and loh sang together at Wah Kee Dim Sum restaurant. Most of the group are close to 80 years old, a few in their 60s… and then there’s me, the baby of the gang at 53.

They may be seniors on paper, but honestly? Young at heart, super funny, and full of stories. The laughter never stops.

After dinner, we continued round two at Douba Ipoh Bean Bar for dessert (because there’s always space for dessert). It felt so nice reconnecting with familiar faces — some neighbours I hadn’t seen in more than 30 years. So many memories came rushing back.

Growing older has its own kind of sweetness. Slower walks, longer chats, good food, old friends… and a sense of belonging you can’t buy anywhere.

I guess I’m now officially one of the morning walk kakis too. ❤️

Watch the video of our pre-CNY dinner on my Facebook page >https://www.facebook.com/HealthFreakMommy52