The Taiping morning market (pasar pagi) on Jalan Tupai runs from around 5am until 10am and is one of the livelier markets in Perak. The ground floor has fresh produce — tropical fruit, vegetables, live fish, and cuts of meat — but the real interest is in the food stalls on the upper floor and around the perimeter, where vendors sell Taiping laksa, nasi lemak, curry mee, and an assortment of kuih (traditional cakes and sweets) from first light.
The laksa stalls in particular draw regulars from across the town. Taiping laksa uses tamarind as the souring agent rather than asam gelugor, giving it a different acid profile from Penang laksa. The sardine-based broth is lighter and more herbaceous, served with rice noodles, fresh mint, cucumber, torch ginger flower, and a dollop of prawn paste on the side. Get there before 8am if you want a seat.