IPOH, Nov. 1 -- For as long as I can remember, I have loved visiting Ipoh.

The capital of Perak and a former tin-mining town surrounded by limestone hills, it has a food scene that needs no introduction.

It is the birthplace of white coffee. It is home to the best nga choy kai and kai si hor fun in the country. It is also my father's hometown.

Every year, my family made the drive up numerous times: Chinese New Year, All Souls' Day (my father was an altar boy growing up), and generally any long weekend, all spent visiting my grandparents in Canning Garden.

When I was seven, my great-grandmother died, and my parents told me we'd be heading to Ipoh in the middle of the week for the funeral.

I was over the moon. Skipping school and a tri...