The Story of Popiah S.S. Ali, the Number 1 Popiah Choice in Ipoh

Malaysia is well-known as a food paradise in the Asian region for its unique, tasty, and delicious dishes. Perak is no exception, famous for its heritage food that stands on par with the culinary traditions of other states in Malaysia.

This time, we want to share the story of a popiah that is quite famous and the most popular in Ipoh. Many may already know about this, but for those who don't, this popiah is known as Popiah S.S. Ali. For our loyal readers at orangperak.com, this popular Popiah S.S. Ali business actually has its own history and a story that is very interesting to share with you all. In case you didn't know, Popiah S.S. Ali has actually been operating for a long time, spanning three generations. It all started on a small scale in Sayong, Kuala Kangsar.

Saukat Ali, owner of Popiah S.S. Ali

According to Saukat Ali, the owner of Popiah S.S. Ali, this business is a family legacy that began when his grandfather started selling popiah on a small scale in 1942 in Sayong, Kuala Kangsar. Later, the business was taken over by Saukat Ali's father before he was even born in 1957. When they were selling popiah in Kuala Kangsar back then, the price was 10 sen each.

Image credit to Norkalida Zainal - FB Group 'Uncover Malaysia's Beauty' - Perak

In 1978, the family moved to Ipoh and began selling popiah there. Since then, Popiah S.S. Ali started to make a name for itself and became a local sensation. This indirectly made Popiah S.S. Ali the number one popiah choice for the community around Ipoh. Are you wondering about the meaning behind the name Popiah S.S. Ali? The story goes back to 1978, when Saukat Ali encouraged his parents to migrate to Ipoh to seek a living there.

After a few months of business and as their family popiah venture grew, in 1979, Saukat Ali was inspired to brand and name their family heritage popiah. The name Popiah S.S. Ali was coined by Saukat Ali himself, combining his father's name, Sultan, and his own name, Saukat Ali. Thus, the combination of the two names, Sultan and Saukat Ali, formed S.S. Ali.

Popiah S.S. Ali will soon be managed by the fourth generation, consisting of Saukat Ali's children and his siblings' children who are interested in continuing the family business legacy. Today, Popiah S.S. Ali has over 18 branches across Malaysia, all managed by the family. If you want to try this number one popiah in Ipoh, you can visit Stall 18, Medan Selera Dato Tahwil Azhar, Taman Kanak-Kanak in Ipoh.