Taiping has some of the best hawker food in Perak, and the morning market on Jalan Tupai is the place to start. Taiping laksa — a sour, tamarind-based fish noodle soup made with sardines and served with fresh herbs — is the signature dish, and you will find hawker stalls serving it from early morning until they run out. It is considerably lighter and more tart than the rich Penang laksa, and once you are used to it, it is hard to find a better breakfast.