It’s Perfectly Alright for Girls to “Burp” & Guys to “Giggle” …
September 16, 2012 | 35,700 views
Finding inspirations for a meal here in Ipoh holds nary a challenge; unless you’re talking about the odd hours. I can effortlessly ramble off a long list of recommendations for breakfast, lunch and dinner (could be either the same or different choices), as well as viable alternatives for brunch and supper. Provided that you’re all game for hawker fares, of course.
But lo and behold, I routinely found myself dumbstruck when forced to recommend a good spot for tea time/hi-tea. This could very well be related to the fact that Ipoh’s forte has always been the incredible plethora of street food, while quality high-tea sessions in hotels or all-day cafes/bistros are harder to come by.
So you can imagine the spark of interest in me when the all-day cafe Burps & Giggles came on board; with non-stop business hours from 8am – 8pm. What a quirky name, you wonder? More than just the name, be prepared for the visual feast that follows.
*Don’t say I did not warn you …*
If you are swarmed by a lingering sense of deja vu, or uncanny familiarity; Burps & Giggles is also owned and run by the same team that propelled Indulgence to (g)astronomical success, as well as the spin-off; Allegra.
Therefore, do not be surprised to see some familiar faces, Indulgence’s pastries and desserts, as well as Allegra’s drapps on the menu.
Wait, scrap that. They don’t even have a menu.
Burps & Giggles (let’s just call them B&G for short) pride on their pinchos (read Wikipedia to differentiate these and the conventional tapas) and burgers. The chalk-scribbled blackboard hanging from the window near the counter lists a selection of gourmet burgers served at B&G.
There’s no denying that they are trying to set the prices to within an acceptable range; as opposed to Indulgence’s premium tags. Even the most exorbitant of the lot; the aptly-named Bam-Bam featuring the prized Wagyu beef patty is priced below RM30.
We shared a Harvey (RM16/USD5.30) a fish burger patty that was grilled instead of the more common method of coated with batter and then deep-fried, and (thankfully!) no lazy-smothering with mayonnaise with dill either.
Instead, the tarty dressing inspired by a zesty Thai-infused spread, coupled with the abundance of chopped red cabbage, coriander and mint leaves was a winner in all categories. Complete the ensemble with a serving of chunky cut fries served with shavings of cheese, truffle oil or chili flakes; and voila! Gourmet burger feast at almost fast food outlet price.
Aside from their fresh breads, pastries and confectioneries selection, there will be at least a few specials of the week; this beautiful Sunday we had a choice of Spiced Beans with Pesto Egg Custard and Lamb Sausage served with toasted Ciabatta bread (RM13/USD4.30), OR Churros with Deep Chocolate (RM12/USD4)
I picked the former; arriving in a petite mini wok still warm and filled with a delicious stew of beans and lamb sausage; sweetened by caramelized onions and tarty from the tomato-based gravy. The crispy toasted ciabattas were perfect to polish off the slurry; though the pesto egg custard left not much of a mark.
As for the lamb sausage? Bursting with flavours. Go try this already before they change the Specials on the board.
If you are here solely for the food or rushing through your day with a cup of Bristot coffee, then you DO NOT know what you are missing.
Go for a walk around the premise. The two shophouses that have been transformed into this mini haven within, yet retaining much of the dilapidated facade on the outside. Marvel at how the heritage exterior has been left almost untouched; and if not for the signage painted in bright orange against a black and white background on the upper floor, you will probably zoom past Burps & Giggles without even noticing its presence.
The back lane has been cordoned off from entry yet the Lazy Lane holds such an alluring aura to draw you near and get you seated al fresco-style. Please, do this early in the morning or after the sun has set, so that you won’t be drenched in sweat before your coffee arrives.
Almost every corner of the cozy space within B&G has been decorated with quirky paintings, charming ornaments, natural foliage of greens and flowers, or rustic furnitures making their presence felt after what-could-possibly be half a century in the lurch.
I remember China House in Penang. Old China on Petaling Street. Nancy’s Kitchen in Melaka. Or even Lim Ko Pi in old town; within minutes away.
The front view of Burps & Giggles; spanning two lots on Jalan Sultan Yussuf (Belfield Street)
Cannelles, fresh banana breads, croissants, wraps, tartlets, etc are but some of the permanent fixtures there; most of these baked from the kitchen of Indulgence. The open kitchen helmed by a very capable lady chef whips up fresh breakfasts for the hungry souls, brunches for the late risers, and erm, satisfying burgers throughout the day.
From 3pm onwards daily, they serve a variety of tapas; so you can be assured of varieties and freshness. And remember how I started this post off with a lament? On the never-ending quest for a good spot for high tea?
I think I just found mine.
Beyond this alley, you shall find Nirvana. Well, almost. Just some of the most outrageously-delicious hawker food stalls in Ipoh.
BURPS & GIGGLES (pork-free) (Facebook page)
93 & 95, Jalan Sultan Yussuf,
30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Tel No : +605-242 6188
Business Hours : 8am – 8pm, closed on Tuesdays.
e-mail : burps.giggles(at)indulgencerestaurant.com
GPS Coordinates :4.596488,101.07733 (Estimated)
Directions : Directly behind of Ipoh Kong Heng in old town, Ipoh.
I MUST visit this place!!
Though must admit I’m interested in their interior decorations more than their food. But they serve churros with chocolate, I’m looking for this one and their tapas too.
How I love all those transforming old buildings into gallery/restaurant/bistro/hotel ideas, kudos to those who appreciate the historic charm and give new life to the decaying beauties.
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J2Kfm Reply:
September 17th, 2012 at 10:49 am
Yup, exactly. Like how they have managed to transform heritage shoplots into magnificent cafes in Penang.
Preservation & improvisation.
Let’s hope the Perak gov agrees with this move and more refurbishment activities to come in old town.
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OMG, finally i’m so glad such cafe exist in my beloved IPOH! good to know that I could run into something so charming and rustically Ipoh after all the Ipoh food…can’t wait to visit this shop, cheers!!
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J2Kfm Reply:
September 17th, 2012 at 10:50 am
Hi adel … I can understand the excitement. I made it a point to visit this as soon as the opportunity comes as well!
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Sometimes, overdoing something could become a mishmash of objects that do not blend well. I can understand the owner in trying to create the ‘olde world’ charm but looking at the picture, it does seem a bit overwhelming. Nevertheless, without having a first hand look, and a ‘feel’ of this place, I cannot be objective. Just my opinion. Accolades for the efforts.
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J2Kfm Reply:
September 17th, 2012 at 10:17 pm
Old school charm? Yes. But their tagline includes Rustic. Quirky.
So it’s understandable if they went a bit ‘too far’ and threw in everything except the kitchen sink.
Hence, the visual feast (or sore) depending on how you perceive this.
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Omg! I just came back from Ipoh last night, motormouth should have highlight this place earlier, I will sure visit this place on my next visit
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J2Kfm Reply:
September 17th, 2012 at 6:00 pm
Haha .. sorry loh … I went yesterday morning only.
But you can always schedule another visit eh … no sweat.
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Went to check this place out today after having lunch at Wiliam IX, around 3pm, OMG! The place was packed! Many were busy taking pictures with their fancy gadget, I can spot at least six DSLR cameras flashing around the little shop. Its crazy…
I better visit another non-holiday, non-weekend day, take my time to enjoy a quite evening and taking pictures without blocking the others.
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J2Kfm Reply:
September 17th, 2012 at 6:00 pm
Maybe they were there for the 3pm tapas?
Yeah, for the locals, if you can afford it, go on a weekday. Or during the odd hours.
They are not running away, hence, there will be plenty of chance.
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Am impressed!!! Ipoh has such eatery outlet!!!!
And I fell in love with it already!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!!
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J2Kfm Reply:
September 17th, 2012 at 10:16 pm
Most welcomed, NKOTB. The creativity behind the setup renders the experience more than just a coffee session.
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NKOTB Reply:
September 18th, 2012 at 9:48 am
You’re right… I am completely sold by their creativity ideas!!!!
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Love the decor! Prices are reasonable too. I hope it’s not crazy crowded, since I’m not fond of crowded places. Hehe
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i just drove by the place the other and vowed to return to try and now even more set on going after reading your post. loving the decor.
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Wow….really different !! Looking from the outside….I won’t know there are something so unique inside.
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I had my breakfast at B&G last week. I think I’m their first customer for that day as I came early in the morning and nobody is there. After I got my coffee, then only another customer came in. Anyway, B&G is just so near with my office…=))
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J2Kfm Reply:
September 24th, 2012 at 9:52 pm
You lucky devil! Haha … I was working around the area too, and Burps & Giggles is definitely within walking distance.
However, that was two years ago. I can only jostle with the crowd nowadays.
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[...] Burps & Giggles @ Ipoh Old Town | Motormouth From Ipoh – Malaysian Food & Travel says: September 16, 2012 at 10:24 pm [...]
nice!
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Thx for sharing this! Noticed this from FB but didn’t know the exact location, was passing by Kong Heng the other day, didn’t notice about this shop. Indeed very hidden! Mad love the concept, glad that Ipoh finally have something old school with good food (hmm, hope the food/pastries doesn’t disappoint). Definitely visiting!
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J2Kfm Reply:
October 3rd, 2012 at 12:55 am
Yeah, had the same sentiments too. So strong of an urge to visit after the pictures posted online and shared.
Did not regret one bit, as the place really oozes a certain charm that’s new to Ipoh.
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ELAINE HAH Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 10:26 am
Cool! Can’t wait to try them out nxt week!
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[...] as Lady Luck would have it, good news come in droves. The emergence of Burps & Giggles; an all-day chillax hangout in old town of Ipoh has set the cafe scene in Ipoh on fire once [...]
Great sharing of this new place. Will love to drop by
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[...] Word of mouth about this place has been all over Facebook, so when we dropped by one fine Sunday, as expected, the place was packed to the brim. We eventually chose to sit at the bar top with natural lighting from above. We had Harvey (RM16), a fish burger that was grilled instead of the conventional deep fried. Studded with coriander and mint leaves, coupled with a tarty Thai-infused dressing and abundant of chopped veggies, the patty has a texture resembling firm tofu. [...]
does this cafe serves halal foods? (=
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wow… another dream shop…
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I found that their service is not satisfying. I have to wait for about 5 mins before placing my order, that was also I actively approached the waitress… The food portion is quite small, and the coffee is not that nice… A better place for high-tea, I would actively suggest Bread, Espresso, Dessert (BED)… Service and food quality is much more better over there…
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Jess Reply:
April 13th, 2013 at 4:13 pm
Just went to try this place out after reading abt it. Think the traffic is due to all the hush hush on the net. Definitely my first n last time to this place. Food portion was exceedingly small for the price paid n taste of the food is nothing to shout about. In fact, they forgot half my orders. Only got my last 2 burgers after more than 1/2 an hour. Only redeeming points was that they gv the late orders to us FOC n the decor if u like nostalgic decor. 2 beef burgers n 3 fruit drinks totaled above RM80. Mind u the burger is just that, a plate w a burger on it. No fries nor salad, just like the pic above, costing RM18-28. Not even satisfying for a girl, let alone a guy. Could hv bought 3-4 Mcd lunch set (with fries n drinks, mind you) w 1 burger price at Burps & Giggles. Can definitely gv it a miss.
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I could agree with most of your Top 12 list and have followed most of your recommendations. Some of them turned out damn “Chun” but some are mediocre which is fine. Some foods are subjective and your comments are by far the fairest, but Burps & Giggles is just downright wrong. The food is puking horrible and it is zero value to the ringgit. The decor … well that is about the only plus point and that is also if you are only feeling nostalgic.
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Thanks for blogging about this place. Looking forward to checking it out when I am back in Malaysia even though I felt you didn’t review the food with as critical an eye as you have done with some of your other blogs; a tad overwhelmed with the interiors perhaps? Not that there is anything wrong with that of course as the ‘feel’ and ambiance of a place can sometimes add to th enjoyment of our meals. Love your blog – keep up the good work!
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J2Kfm Reply:
May 4th, 2013 at 1:20 pm
Hi there KP, thanks for the honest comment. True enough, the dining experience at B&G and Buku Tiga Lima was more for the quirky/heritage charm of the ambience than a full dining affair. Not the cheapest meal in town, I admit, but the fresh ingredients made up for it.
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I know about BnG.no doubt it is pork free but I wonder whether other products like beef, chicken, lamb etc are halal. Do you ve the halal certificate genuinely fr the JAIP. I m curious to know about it ..
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J2Kfm Reply:
May 4th, 2013 at 1:00 pm
Hi mama mie, I will have to let the owner answer this question instead.
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