Motormouth From Ipoh – Malaysian Food & Travel

By now, if you haven’t heard of Burps & Giggles in Ipoh, then you probably should read up on that review first. Will save me a lot of effort in relaying the story behind this extension of a project named “Buku Tiga Lima”; literally translated to Triple 5 Book. That iconic small booklet with the numbers “555″ emblazoned across its cover and origin dating back to our grandfather days.

Do you remember the times when there were no ring-bound notebooks, smartphones or tablets to assist one in jotting down notes?

Ladies and gentlemen, let me entice you with a visual feast (lazy to write a lot lah …. CNY ma!) of shots taken at Buku Tiga Lima and Burps & Giggles; at the same time revealing the new menu that extends beyond the gourmet burgers B&G’s well-known for …

The murals of Marilyn Monroe and Ladies-on-Swings will definitely bring to mind the now world famous street arts in Penang. In this case, the “bountiful ladies” are heading to a future pool … (more info in the near future) 

Clashing elements aside; there are subtle cultural references hidden between nooks and corners at Burps & Giggles. A case of sit back, relax and spot the anomaly?

The crowd during brunch hours at Buku Tiga Lima – Come festive season/long season breaks; Ipoh’s a buzzing hive of activities everywhere, especially eateries in old town!

Rachel’s special “A Thousand Zippers”-decorated lamp; and the “One & A Half Floor” leading to the attic?

In addition to the burgers served from 11am onwards, there are a dozen more savoury options for a more filling meal, including savoury crepes, bagels and hot spuds (baked potatoes); as well as 4 more dessert options made up of sweet crepes.

From the “Hot Spuds” category, we sampled the Braised Lamb Neck with Spiced Beans (RM15/USD5) that was a hearty portion of warm, tender slices of lamb neck on a hot baked potato in a tangy base with spiced beans, a cut of sundried tomato with melted cheese and a dash of pepper atop the leafy greens.

From the “Bagel” category; Pope consisted of two slices of warm, crisp bagel sandwiching slices of smoked duck with ample cuts of fats, foie gras mousse and a juicy slice of ovendried Roma tomato. (RM16/USD5.30). However, the strong, gamey taste (owing to the fats on the duck and probably duck lard used in the cooking process?) may put some off.

Reverend Mama is a bagel sandwiching smoked salmon, dill, gherkins and ricotta cheese topped with a smoking hot poached, soft egg with cracked black pepper. (RM15/USD5)

Itching to start the day on a sweet note … literally? Go for the sweet crepes. My serving of crepe dusted with icing sugar and wrapped filled with warm pears, Mars chunk, mascarpone cheese and topped with a dollop of ginger butterscotch (RM13/USD4.30) leaned towards the sweeter side though, hence be warned if you are on sugar overdose alert after all the pineapple tarts this season! 

*Do bear in mind that the new items are prepared freshly in the kitchen and only available from 11am onwards.

Shutterbugs’ Dream Come True? Can’t help but clicked away at the decorative ornaments and artworks lying, hanging and pasted everywhere in the premise.

The seating arrangement and options are limitless; as you can even sit on the rolled up old mattresses by the windows!

As B&G occupies the first two shops in the row, the third premise is hence named Buku Tiga Lima. This used to be a barber shop that could have been here since pre-war times! So, the equally traditional name might be a creative accolade bestowed upon the significance of the premise.

The first day crowd during brunch was mad. I steered away from snapping too many photos with the crowd in them (Obviously, not many folks will appreciate the fact that their mugs are pasted all over the Internet now, won’t they?).

But then again, given the relatively cramped space to squeeze myself in for the shots, it’s almost impossible to avoid snapping the diners happily tucking into their burgers and Bristot coffee.

Thus, the sometimes-committed self (old already … cannot be the super-blogger I once was lah with a post every other day!) woke up almost reluctantly the very next morning and went for a second round of food and photography. Breakfast this time, and we were the first patrons!

Talk about diligence (… or kiasu-ism …. )!!!

Breakfast Choices @ Burps & Giggles : A bowl of pasta with chicken, onions and tomatoes (RM16/USD5.30) and melted cheese, a mushroom & chicken pie (RM9.50/USD3.20) and the shepherd’s pie (RM12/USD4) with slices of eggplant within (moussaka-inspired?). These were essentially ‘cold’ options available at the counter and reheated upon ordering. There were also other pastries and desserts; the selection rotated on a daily basis.

Portobello Mushroom & Cheese Sandwich (RM13/USD4.30) was a crispy, warm croissant filled with melted cheddar and juicy portobello mushroom cuts.

The breakfast choices are not really extensive per se; with various breads, desserts and pastries displayed at the glass display counter and the beverage selection including their signature brew of Bristot coffee, tea and fresh juices. There will be specials available from time to time; so be on the alert for small blackboards hung on the wall or colourful display cards on the door indicating the specials of the moment.

Following Mum’s footsteps; Dexter in action; the creative mind behind the new menu @ Buku Tiga Lima

And the inspiration behind the interesting name …. Buku Tiga Lima. Retro at its best. Have you been here yet?

Please find the location map and contact details by clicking HERE>>>