Burps & Giggles @ Ipoh

Itching for a day trip out of KL? Consider Ipoh, where Burps & Giggles has fast become one of this northern city's most buzz-worthy cafes.

Opened in early September by Julie Song of Indulgence, B&G occupies a colonial-era building that once housed a dressmaker's store among other businesses.

Thanks to its mix of old-world charm and contemporary coolness, folks will enjoy exploring B&G, preserved for posterity with marvelous murals and fun furnishing. 

But B&G isn't relying solely on its setting to lure customers; its menu is laudably inventive, loaded with light bites like mu shu lamb folded in mantao pancake (RM8).

Pumpkin-and-tomato wrap (RM15), swelling with nature's soft, sweet harvest.

Duck pate with biscuits (RM8). For the most part, no unreasonably steep prices here.

B&G's food can't be easily pigeonholed: it's as eclectically cluttered as the outlet, but there's a Mediterranean influence in recipes like these spiced beans and lamb sausages with pesto-laced egg custard and ciabatta toast.

Burgers are a highlight here; the recommendation is the Bam-Bam (RM28), a stomach-stuffing whopper of a Wagyu beef patty, egg, cheese, tomato, beetroot, carrots, horseradish and onions.

Lamb, cheese, red peppers, onions, olives and mint yogurt (RM18). The picture says it all.

Customers with smaller stomachs can opt for sliders like this mini-burger with chicken and egg.

2012 was supposed to be the Year of the Canele in KL. While that never happened, it's nevertheless nice to nibble on these French custard pastries.

There's no escaping them: Macarons have invaded Ipoh too. Very soon they'll reach Kangar.

B&G offers wine, a welcome sight after a nearly three-hour drive here.

Alas, designated drivers must stick to soft drinks and coffee (or must they? hmmmm).

B&G gets packed on weekend afternoons; waiting for a table might be necessary.

B&G is around the corner from Ng Seksan's Sekeping Kong Heng in Ipoh's Old Town. Rumors have it that more eateries will open here, plus a cooking school potentially run by The BIG Group.

Burps & Giggles,

95, Jalan Sultan Yussuf, Ipoh, Perak.

Tel: 05-242-6188

Open 8am-8pm, except Tuesdays.