Dapur Aroma, Canning

By Anne Das

There’s been a lot of buzz about Dapur Aroma, and if you’ve been wondering what it’s all about, you’re not alone. The place just popped up in Taman Canning, and Ipoh folks are curious—what is it, what do they serve, and is it worth checking out?

Well, here’s the scoop.

Sitting along the main road, this spot dishes out bold, no-nonsense Indonesian flavours with a mix of home-style curries, sambals, and stir-fries that pack a punch. If you’re a spice fiend like me, you’re in for a treat (or a challenge).

Indonesian food isn’t always easy to find in Ipoh, and Dapur Aroma steps in to fill that gap. Previously known as Pasaraya Grocer—which catered Middle Eastern cuisine, it’s now helmed by Indonesian cooks serving up dishes straight from the source.

Everything is made from scratch, without commercial pastes or MSG, keeping the flavours as close to home-cooked as possible. Portions here are generous, making it perfect for big families to share a spread of dishes.

Indonesians take their sambal seriously, and Dapur Aroma doesn’t mess around either. They serve 3 different sambals, each with its own kick. Sambal Lombok is the spiciest of the lot, bringing a deep, smoky heat, Sambal Cili Hijau offers a milder, tangy kick from green chilies, and Sambal Belacan Istimewa is the real deal for those who love the bold, umami punch of fermented shrimp paste.

But the Ayam Geprek (RM18.00) is a top choice—smashed fried chicken drenched in sambal, packing both crunch and heat. And the choice of heat is yours!

Of course, we couldn’t stop there. We dove into an Indonesian feast, starting with Pecal Jawa, a vegetarian salad loaded with blanched veggies, potatoes, tofu, and tempe.

For those after something heartier, the Nasi Ayam Goreng Rempah (RM28.90) serves up fried chicken, tempe, egg, petai, tofu, and sambal.

If you’re a fan of claypot dishes, the Claypot Ayam Gulai Kelantan (RM45) is a thick, aromatic gulai, while the Claypot Ayam Rendang Pedas (RM25) gives a slow-cooked twist on a classic.

Another solid pick is the Claypot Ayam Kicap Pedas, best eaten with Nasi Uduk or Nasi Kuning.

For seafood lovers, the Curry Seafood (RM35 small / RM60 big) is a fragrant, spice-infused dish perfect for sharing, served with buttery croissants instead of the usual rice. The large portion size makes it ideal for sharing

And if you’re after a serious comfort meal, the Rendang Daging Sapi (RM45) paired with Nasi Uduk or Nasi Kuning makes for a deeply flavourful bite.

The space itself is casual and welcoming, great for a laid-back meal with family or friends. The staff are friendly, always ready to guide you through the menu. And here’s a fun extra—they roast their own coffee beans. which you can grind and take home.

If you’re after a post-meal caffeine fix, this is a solid option.

Not big on spice? No problem—Dapur Aroma has something for everyone. You’ll find street food favourites like Soto and Bakso, both of which I’m eyeing for my next visit. There’s also Mee Kari, Nasi Goreng Kampung, and even PIZZA,  if you’re in the mood for something different. But let’s be honest, you’re really here for the sambal and rendang.

Dapur Aroma delivers bold, satisfying Indonesian flavours to Ipoh. Whether you’re into fiery sambals, slow-cooked rendang, or crispy fried chicken, this is a solid spot to explore.

What you need:-

Address: 57, Jalan Lee Kwee Foh, Taman Canning, 31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM (Open daily)
Contact: 012-862 5509
Parking: Available across the road

Hot tip: Book ahead if you’re going during peak hours—good food attracts a crowd!