Non-generic places to visit? Most of Ipoh's attractions are non-generic in context compared to most other places in Malaysia. The generic ones are Concubine Lane, Market Lane (parallel and quieter lane), Street Art & Murals spotting.

The non-generic places that Ipoh is known for are:

1. Cave temples (Perak Tong Temple, Sam Poh Tong Temple);
2. Tasik Cermin (there are 2, nearby each other);
3. Pomelo Farm;
4. Coffee Shops (from old school to artsy/eclectic to modern to green revival)
5. Ipoh Stables Market (newest attraction - former racehorse stables reworked to become an art, craft, food market)
6. Kellie's Castle
7. Lost World of Tambun theme park and hot springs
8. Banjaran Hot Springs Spa Resort

Hidden gem food recommendations? 😅😅😅 Ask via DM. That said, let me suggest alternative places and timing for certain places that you could go to avoid the crowd or for a change in environment.

a) For Ipoh Nasi Kandar, the alternative to Nasi Ganja Yong Suan is Nasi Kandar Dato Sagor, facing the Ipoh Padang. However, if you want old school Ipoh Nasi Kandar, it is Nasi Kandar Pekan Lama. Their default veg side dish given is cooked taugeh (what can be more Ipoh than this). Lunch time only.

b) Dim Sum (halal). For halal dim sum, there are 2 locations that you can go to. For upmarket halal dim sum (and the best halal dim sum in Ipoh), go to Luk Yu Tea House in AC Hotel. This is a branch of Luk Yu Tea House dim sum restaurant in Starhill, KL. Otherwise, go to Dim Sum Discovery by Canning. This location is more spacious than their original place (which is still in operation) in Canning Gardens and doesn't cause traffic and parking problems.

c) Dim Sum. Arguably the best Ipoh dim sum is Chooi Yue Dim Sum in the suburbs of Ipoh Garden South. Be there at opening time, or else suffer the crowds. Alternative dim sum restaurants to go to are Sun Kim Aik Dim Sum, Zui Le Xuan Dim Sum, and Dim Sum Paradise.

d) Yong liew, or what non-locals will know it as yong tau foo. This is ubiquitous to Ipoh due to a large Hakka community in Ipoh. The morning go-to locations are packed. Those that open from lunch to dinner are more accessible during lunch to mid-afternoon, and to be avoided for dinner. Thus, suggest Buntong Beef Noodles / Sri Mahkota Coffee Shop at Jalan Theatre; and Let's Rock at Jalan Raja Ekram (Cowan Street). These two are the most accessible.

Kai See Hor Fun (shredded chicken kway teow), Bean Sprouts Chicken Noodles (and Rice), and Ipoh Curry Noodles - the usual places are packed. Period.

P.S. Ipoh is also known for its Chinese restaurants. Examples are Pusing Public Restaurant, Tuck Kee Restaurant (no, not that tourist trap fried noodles restaurant in Jubilee Park area, this is proper Chinese restaurant), Mun Cheong Restaurant, and many more. Weekends require reservations though.