Pusat Penjaja Taiping — Restaurant in Perak

Pusat Penjaja Taiping, often referred to by locals as the "Circus Ground" or "Belakang Bomba" (behind the fire station), is a bustling hawker center located along Jalan Tupai in Taiping, Perak. It’s a well-known spot for food lovers, offering a wide variety of Chinese and Malay dishes that reflect the town’s diverse culinary scene. Based on what people say about it, here’s a rundown of what you might expect. The star attraction here is undoubtedly the Yong Tau Foo, a dish that seems to be a point of pride for Taiping. Many rave about stalls like Yong Tau Foo Kak Lia (often at Stall 17), which has been a favorite since the late ‘90s, praised for its flavorful broth and fresh ingredients. Others highlight the Malay-style Yong Tau Foo, featuring items like stuffed chili peppers and fish balls topped with a sweet-savory belacan dressing. Prices are reasonable—think around RM6.50 for a chicken chop or RM17.50 for a hearty Yong Tau Foo portion with cuttlefish. However, opinions vary; some find the Yong Tau Foo overhyped, describing it as average and not particularly standout compared to similar offerings elsewhere. Beyond Yong Tau Foo, the food court offers plenty of variety. Stall 36 is a go-to for curry mee and wantan mee, with many calling it tasty and worth a try. Stall C33 gets props for its fish porridge, often described as a must-try for its rich flavor. Char Kuey Teow fans swear by certain stalls (like No. 35), claiming it’s some of the best in Taiping, while others recommend the dry wantan mee at Stall A14 for a cheap yet satisfying bite at RM3. Roti Canai Istimewa at Stall 12 also gets a nod for serving what some call the town’s best roti, available from morning to night. For something refreshing, the sugarcane juice at Stall C40 (RM1.30 a glass) or the homemade passion fruit juice at Stall 24 are popular picks. The vibe is lively, especially in the evenings when the place fills up—by 7 PM, it’s often packed. It’s split into halal and non-halal sections, catering to all preferences, and can seat a decent crowd, maybe up to 100 people at a time. That said, it’s not without flaws. Some visitors complain about slow service at certain stalls (C38 and C39 get called out for this), rude vendors, or inconsistent quality. The roasted chicken wing stall has been criticized for favoritism, letting regulars cut the line, leaving others waiting up to an hour for underwhelming food. Parking can also be a hassle, with mentions of “illegal parking touts” at the back—better to stick to the municipal parking area. Cleanliness and upkeep seem to have slipped over the years for some longtime visitors, who feel it’s not as good as it once was, with fewer stalls open and a slight drop in food quality. Still, it remains a nostalgic spot for many, a must-visit for its affordable eats and vibrant atmosphere. If you’re in Taiping, it’s worth a stop—especially if you’re craving Yong Tau Foo or a taste of local hawker fare—just don’t expect every stall to blow you away. Bring patience for the crowds and maybe a keen eye to pick...

We planned to try out local hawker food at the famous Larut Matang Hawker, unfortunately they were closed for one week to clean up the exhaust pipe during our visit. This is a good alternative place to experience Taiping local breakfast culture. We saw some nuanced and interesting food culture (as we come from the Southern part of Peninsula Malaysia). They serve half-boiled egg on toast which is served separately from where we come from. Also, there is an interesting must-try drink named “Ho Ga Sai” which literally means Tiger Bites Lion. It is a drink started since the tin-mining days where the miners mixed the coffee with MILO (chocolate drink) which was believed to provide “extra” energy for their laborious work at their workplace. We also popped by at one of the afternoon to have the beancurd dessert (at the corner stall) which was smooth and melt...

I can only rate for the ambiance and crowd, not for food because im not buying anything here. The parking is free, i thought that uncle want me to pay for the parking, it is not. They just help me to park my car. I was freaking embarrased with my own attitude.

There got many choice of food and type of stall. Some of them selling western, fried rice and tomyum, yong tau foo and even ice shave fruit.

Good for the local food hunting because its all in one place.

The location just...