web analytics

Thumb’s Cafe, Ipoh

I used to pass by this building in Greentown that is now Thumb’s Café when I was schooling. If not mistaken, it was an orphans’ dormitory under Badan Khidmat Islam Perak (BAKIP). It’s interesting to note how much the place has changed over the years, transforming into a popular vintage café with a combination of kampung and contemporary setting.

1. Thumb's Café, Ipoh
1. Thumb’s Café, Ipoh

Operated by Elias Yahaya who is also the resident chef, Thumb’s Café’s menu is a mix of Western cuisine with a local touch and Malay dishes. These food photos that I am sharing in this post are just part of what’s on the regular menu. Some were from the Ramadan menu, which were only made available during that one month.

2. at the counter
2. at the counter
3. food is art
3. food is art

Those who dine at Thumb’s Café do not go there just for the food. They take time to check out the decor, snap pictures (cos it’s just so Instagram worthy) and soak in the old charm the café exudes.

4. Nasi Dal with Honey Milk Dates
4. Nasi Dal with Honey Milk Dates
5. a selection of delicious dishes on the menu
5. a selection of delicious dishes on the menu

Whether you wish to sit on one of the mismatched, repurposed furniture or dine al fresco style in the compound, Thumb’s Café offers the kind of dining experience that you would feel very much at home.

6. vintage feel
6. vintage feel
7. old items on display
7. old items on display

Writing about Thumb’s Café only now, you might think that this was my first visit to Thumb’s. Actually, it isn’t. As an “Ipoh lang”, of course I have dined at Thumb’s before. I don’t mind going for Halal food once in a while and Thumb’s Café was recommended by one of my friends when it opened in 2013.

8. café ambience
8. café ambience
9. Thumb's Café signage
9. Thumb’s Café signage

By the way, are you aware that the name “Thumb’s Café” is Elias’ way of paying tribute to his dad, Pak Tam?

Thumb’s Café
Add: 133, Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil, 30450 Ipoh, Perak.
Business Hours: 6pm – 1am daily (closed on Mondays)
Tel: +6019-6146618

Note: View larger images by clicking on an image once this page has completely loaded. Then navigate by clicking on the right or left side of image.
With love

13 thoughts on “Thumb’s Cafe, Ipoh

  1. Ooo…that meatball…oh my..and the place really looks like a fusion of the modern and the traditional…quite interesting ambience they have there..

  2. The food selection looks really delicious. The deco is also very vintage-y look, feels like you balik kampung

  3. Wow.. the food looks so good, especially the Nasi dal with ayam goreng. yummy!! I have never been to Ipoh, but heard so much about it. I live in Kota Bharu. How far is it by road?

  4. Hello Aditi,

    It takes about 5 hours by road from Kota Bahru, Kelantan. If you meant Kota Bahru in Gopeng, Perak, then it is 30 minutes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *