A Heartwarming Celebration in Ipoh with Family

There’s a certain magic in revisiting your hometown – a place woven with memories of your past, where every street corner whispers stories of your upbringing. This sentiment came alive as I took a short trip to Ipoh, my hometown, with my youngest daughter, Cass, to celebrate the birthdays of two of the most important people in our lives – my dad and mom. Our journey was filled with cherished moments, delicious treats, and a delightful blend of nostalgia and new experiences.

On Monday, 28 August 2023, Cass and I hopped onto the 3pm ETS train and we arrived just in time for dinner with my parents, setting the tone for a heartwarming reunion.

After dinner, Cass’s craving for ice cream led us to an impromptu decision that turned out to be pure joy. We found ourselves at Inside Scoop, a haven for ice cream enthusiasts like Cass and my papa. It was the perfect way to kick off our celebratory journey.

Cass and I shared this super yummeh Valrhona chocolate ice-cream on cone.

Cass and papa choosing their ice-cream flavors.

Our second day began with the promise of exploration and new memories. Breakfast at a coffee shop near my parents’ house set the stage, offering a range of sumptuous dishes that satisfied both our taste buds and our souls. Cass’s fancy fizzy drink and my jelly on shaved ice were the cherry on top of a fulfilling meal.  

Cass had a hard time choosing a drink as there were too many choices.

Our simple yet enjoyable breakfast. The roti tisu and tosei tisu were healthier versions as they were made without sugar and reduced margarin, as per my request to the seller. And they tasted even better as they’re not as cloy as sugar and margarin laden ones.

Our next stop was at Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village. The village’s charm unfolded before us as we stepped into a world where history and nature intertwined seamlessly.

For a nominal entry fee of RM12, we were transported to a place of wonder and serenity. Tandem bicycles, rickshaws, and trishaws awaited, ready to be ridden through the village’s vast expanse. Every corner seemed to hold an Instagram-worthy backdrop, inviting us to capture the essence of this magical place. A journey uphill took us to a street by the hills that mirrored the vintage stores of old Ipoh, evoking nostalgia and a sense of homecoming.  I shall write a separate post on our visit to Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village.

As the sun set, we gathered to celebrate my dad’s 80th and mom’s 77th birthdays. Sushi Zento, our favorite Japanese restaurant, hosted this joyful occasion. The table was adorned with a lavish spread, a testament to the love and care we hold for one another.  The food was as usual very delish and satisfying. The service was very prompt and top-notch too. Most importantly, the price is very affordable.

Our favorite avocado salad with goma dressing.

The truffle fried rice was superb and the truffle adds a very umami flavor to the rice.

Salmon teppan.

Grilled teriyaki saba fish.

Sashimi and tempura set.

Very reasonable bill.

Cass and her doting granny.

Waffle with ice-cream birthday ‘cake’.

After the scrumptious feast, Inside Scoop once again became the highlight of our celebration. A waffle adorned with three scoops of ice cream took center stage, crowned by a cake topper and candles. With smiles that radiated love and happiness, my parents blew out the candles, marking a joint birthday celebration etched in our hearts forever.

May God bless my parents with many more happy birthdays.

As Cass and I departed from Ipoh on Wednesday, 30 August 2023, I held onto the hope of celebrating many more birthdays and creating countless new memories with my parents.

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HEALTH FREAK MOMMY