Dapur Pak Engku Signature in Perak

"The meal was absolutely delightful and full of authentic flavour. The rich, aromatic daging salai was the highlight — creamy, fragrant, and perfectly seasoned to pair with the fluffy white rice. The fried chicken was crispy on the outside yet tender and juicy inside, showing it was cooked with real care. I also loved the fresh ulam-style vegetables and sambal, which added a refreshing crunch and just the right amount of kick. Altogether, the dishes balanced each other beautifully — comfort food with a traditional, homely touch. A truly satisfying and heartwarming meal. Highly recommended!"

"We luv it. Tastes homemade. Will definitely come again. Recommended!"

"Came here around 1pm, still manage to get seats inside the shop with aircond. People start to come for lunch around 1.30pm and have to sit outside the shop which is quite hot. We ordered set A. Although it’s stated free rice and drink on the banner and menu for it’s set menu, the rice and drinks are limited for 4 pax. The dishes portion wise, might not be sufficient for four because it’s just enough for 3 of us. Hence, i think it’s more worth to prder their ala carte. In general, the food served is delicious. My friend said the daging salai is not too pekat so she doesnt feel muak eating it. I personally like the fried chicken because it’s fragrant and well seasoned. The kerabu lacang botol pairs well with the dishes. However, the ulam portion should match the image, the portion is smaller than what I expected."

"The Food is excellent. Authentic Malay food. The sambal Prawn diah is"

"Been here few times aldy and the food never disappointed. Everything I’ve tried memang consistently sedap!!! Daging salai dan asam pedas are definitely my fav. Ayam rempah pun perfectly cooked. Service is okay overall, dan the staff are friendly and polite. Highly recommended lunch spot for anyone yang craving masakan melayu di Ipoh."

"The best masak lemak daging salai in Ipoh!! Definitely will come again to try their other menus (asam pedas and fish curry). Nice ambience and a friendly owner. Alhamdulillah, thank you for the delicious food that perfectly suits my taste buds."

"Came here with my family for lunch and thumbs up for masak lemak daging salai! Actually it was our second time coming here, the first time we tried asam pedas n we all love it so much. My dad especially suka asam pedas dia but the 2nd time we went, assm pedas dah habis bcs we came late around 3-ish something. But still, their new menu sambal udang make up for it tho. Honestly, the price is affordable if u plan nak makan ramai2 with family or friends. On the side note, their masak lemak daging salai tu kids friendly so to those yang tak tahan pedas also can enjoy it (lucky for me!) Overall, definitely gonna come again next time!"

"We came here at around 2.30 pm on a hot and sunny Saturday, expecting the lunch crowd to have died down. Surprisingly, the place was still full of people, which immediately signalled that this is a popular spot. After a short wait, we managed to squeeze in a table for two in the air-conditioned glassed area, which was much appreciated given the afternoon heat. From the outside, the restaurant is easy to identify, with clear signage for Restoran Nur Damia and Dapur Pak Engku along the shop row. The frontage looks lively, with steady foot traffic and diners still coming in well past peak lunch hours. Inside, the atmosphere feels busy yet comfortable, with simple tables and chairs arranged to accommodate both small groups and larger families. The dining area has a relaxed, no-frills setup, and the crowd is a mix of families, couples, and groups — giving the place a genuine, local makan vibe. Despite being crowded, the space remains organised, and tables are turned over efficiently. Food-wise, we decided to go big. Both of us ordered Set A, which is originally meant for four pax, and added a separate sambal udang. When the food arrived, it was clear why this set is considered their signature. The table quickly filled with dishes, served on a large tray and traditional plates, giving a satisfying, homestyle presentation. Set A comes with a generous spread that includes masak lemak daging salai, ayam goreng, kerabu daging salai, ulam-ulaman, ikan masin, sambal belacan, along with nasi putih and drinks. The masak lemak daging salai was rich, creamy, and aromatic, with tender smoked beef that paired beautifully with rice. The kerabu daging salai added a fresh, tangy contrast, while the ayam goreng was well-seasoned and comforting. The ulam-ulaman, ikan masin, and sambal belacan rounded off the meal perfectly, adding texture and bold flavours. The additional sambal udang was a highlight on its own — thick, spicy, and full of flavour. Even though the set was intended for four people, the two of us ate very comfortably and still felt the portions were generous and well worth the price. The photos of the table after eating tell the story well — empty plates, bowls scraped clean, and satisfied diners. It is the kind of meal that feels hearty, filling, and meant to be shared. You can also see why their “Dapur Pak Engku Signature” dishes are proudly promoted inside the restaurant. Service throughout was efficient, considering how busy the place was. Staff were attentive without being intrusive, and food arrived at a reasonable pace despite the crowd. Overall, this is a place that delivers exactly what it promises: authentic, satisfying local-style food with generous portions, strong flavours, and a loyal following. If a restaurant is still packed at 2.30 pm on a hot Saturday, that alone is a strong endorsement. Definitely worth coming early if you want a comfortable seat — and absolutely worth returning to."