Ipoh has a significant food scene with many hawker centres and restaurants. It has dishes derived from Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine. In recent years, Ipoh has seen an increase in international restaurants, bars and gastropubs which have become popular with locals and tourists.

Its food culture is driven by its plurality Chinese population who are largely of Cantonese and Hakka descent. There is also Malay and Indian food in Ipoh; the nasi kandar served by a prominent local Mamak stall (in continuous operation since the 1950s) is nicknamed nasi ganja due to its supposed addictive properties. Specialty foods from neighbouring towns are also available in Ipoh.

Made from coffee beans specially roasted with palm oil margarine, Ipoh white coffee is arguably Ipoh's most famous export, and the drink is endemic to the Old Town of Ipoh.