View at the entrance to Concubine Lane in Ipoh. Once infamous for unsavoury activities, it is now a bustling tourist attraction. — Photos: Bernama
Visitors drawn to Ipoh’s Concubine Lane for its heritage and ‘viral’ food
Historically, the over 100-year-old Concubine Lane located in the heart of Ipoh was something spoken about in a hushed tone as this was where tycoons kept their mistresses, hence its name.
In the bygone era, it was also a hotspot for gambling activities and opium dens, but in present day, it has transformed into an iconic heritage site and tourist attraction.
The area has three lanes, including the 100m-long Lorong Panglima with about 50 shops and houses, most of which have retained their original architecture, according to Perak Tourist Guides Association chairman Roslyn Lim.
Lim, who has worked as a tourist guide for the past 20 years, estimates that Concubine Lane receives up to 10,000 visitors daily.
“The houses here are very narrow. Their design is such that their front portions are long, making the interiors dark.
Siti Nur Hidayati manning the stall selling Kuma Rainbow Cheese Toast.
“To allow sunlight in, the middle section of each house is left open, often with a well in that area,” she said.
Describing the shophouses in Concubine Lane, Lim said they were built in rows with shared walls and interconnecting five-foot walkways in the front, with narrow facades of a width of about six to seven metres.
“The rear portion of each shophouse can reach 30m in length, or even extend up to 60m.
“Due to its length, an air-well is present to control ventilation as well as to illuminate the interior space,” she told Bernama.
With the passage of time, this once notorious alley has now turned into a bustling commercial area offering a wide range of goods such as souvenirs and accessories as well as delicacies that have gone viral on social media.
Lim: Concubine Lane receives up to 10,000 visitors daily.
One of the traders operating here is Muhammad Azlan Zainal Azam, 35, the owner of a company that has been selling various types of nuts for three years now.
He said the popularity of Concubine Lane had brought him good fortune.
“When I first opened the shop, I only sold three types of nuts – almonds, pistachios and cashew nuts.
“But over time, I became somewhat of an expert in nuts and now I offer 12 varieties including pecans imported from Texas, in US.
“We roast the nuts ourselves. We have visitors from countries like Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan coming to my shop just to buy nuts,” he added.
Tourists checking out the variety of nuts at Muhammad Azlan’s stall along Concubine Lane in Ipoh.
Meanwhile, a visit to Concubine Lane would feel incomplete without trying the ‘viral’ rainbow toast known as Kuma Rainbow Cheese Toast.
Besides its cute packaging and delicious taste, the delicacy is also certainly ‘Instagram-worthy’.
Siti Nur Hidayati Saleh Fadzil, 21, an employee at the outlet, said the toast was sold at RM20 each together with a beverage.
“Some tourists come here just to try our toast. Apart from its great taste, it is also visually appealing, which makes it something exciting to share on social media,” she said.
Their menu also features rainbow cheese chicken chop.
