Where to Drink White Coffee in Ipoh – Your 2024 Insider’s Guide
Ipoh white coffee is a must-try during your trip to Malaysia. The drink is markedly different from other coffee drinks, and something that you will find yourself craving long after you have left the country.
Smooth, velvety, sweet, rich, caramelly, sinful. All of these words are adjectives that can be used to describe Ipoh white coffee. Yet, none of them can express precisely how delicious this beverage is.
It sounds a little strange to describe a hot beverage as being one of the major draws for visiting Ipoh. However, in truth, it sort of is!
Where to drink white coffee in Ipoh is also a somewhat big decision. No two Ipoh kopitiams create their white coffee in the same way.
Every establishment offers significant differences in the sweetness, bitterness, texture, and taste of the coffee. Thus, the overall white coffee experience varies drastically from one coffee shop to another.
What is Ipoh White Coffee?
Ipoh white coffee could essentially be considered as being Malaysia’s national drink. It has captured the hearts of Malays from Borneo to Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi, and everywhere in between.
Forget cappuccino. For locals, white coffee is the clear “go-to” choice when they want to order a caffeinated coffee beverage.
Malaysian white coffee originated in Ipoh. The concept was thought up in the kitchen of a little coffee store in the Perak capital.
This establishment would become the very first Old Town White Coffee store in Malaysia. Today, Old Town White Coffee is one of Malaysia’s most successful coffee and dining chains.
White coffee is made by roasting coffee beans in margarine and then mixing in sweet condensed milk. Mmm, super healthy!
The end result is a sweet-tasting, frothy coffee. Typically, white coffee is served with a spoon so that you can sip up all the froth.
Where to Drink White Coffee in Ipoh
Wondering where to drink Ipoh white coffee? Don’t look for hipster coffee shops, look for kopitiams.
Traditional kopitiams are a huge part of the charm of Ipoh. These old-fashioned coffee shops are essentially canteen-style places to enjoy a warm beverage and a light snack.
What could be a more authentic Ipoh experience than sitting shoulder to shoulder with the locals in a centuries-old kopitiam? People watch and enjoy the ambiance as you enjoy your coffee accompanied by Malay egg tarts and other local treats and snacks.
Different Ipoh white coffee shops use different coffee beans and brewing processes. As such, they all have different flavours and undertones. The “best” places to drink white coffee in Ipoh are included here.
Of course, this list is subjective. Your best bet is to visit these Ipoh white coffee shops for yourself!
Moon De Moon
Where: Hala Wah Keong, Taman Mirindi, 31400 Ipoh
Moon De Moon is a local kopitiam that is perpetually busy. This place is a beloved favourite among travellers and locals alike.
Whether you come here first thing in the morning, or late in the afternoon, chances are that you will always find Moon De Moon to be jam-packed. In some ways though, that adds to the experience.
Moon de Moon serves up a sumptuous menu of hawker-style dishes. Try ordering up a chee cheong fun (rice noodle roll) to go alongside your white coffee. The white coffee here is perhaps some of the sweetest in Ipoh.
The Original Old Town White Coffee Shop
Where: Lorong Taman Ipoh 1, Taman Ipoh Selatan, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Ipoh’s Old Town White Coffee brand is a chain that exists throughout Malaysia. However, its origins are here in Ipoh.
It is easy to turn your nose up at the suggestion of drinking coffee at a chain. However, the quality of this place’s white coffee cannot be disputed.
Perhaps that’s part of the reason why Old Town has become such a successful brand in Malaysia. Each individual store is managed with love as if it were independent.
It’s worth ducking into the original Old Town White Coffee shop while you are in Ipoh. This is the place that started off the whole craze.
You can have a relaxing coffee break here in between hunting for Ipoh street art and wandering the city’s twisting Concubine lanes. In some ways, the Old Town White Coffee branches are a little reminiscent of Dennys or IHOP in the US.
If you’re craving a Western food fix after days of laksa and curry mee, the menu at Old Town White Coffee is pretty extensive. They serve everything here from French toast to a classic Full English Breakfast. Malay local favourites also make an appearance.
It should be noted that although the branding may make this place recognisable, the original Old Town White Coffee shop has retained its original name. Look out for the sign that reads “Old Town Kopitiam”.
Restaurant Ah Chow
Where: Kedai Kopi Ah Chow, 31 Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000, Ipoh Old Town
Restaurant Ah Chow is a favourite coffee place among many Ipoh locals. It is perhaps the best place to venture to if you only have a chance to stop by one or two places for white coffee in Ipoh.
Ah Chow’s white coffee is very sweet, even without the addition of sugar. It is Served in delightful, delicate little china cups that depict scenes of oriental life.
Ah Chow’s white coffee is a good choice if you prefer a coffee that isn’t incredibly strong. Their signature “secret weapon” menu option is their kopi o kosong.
This is white coffee prepared with just a hint of alcohol. The alcohol content is just enough to pack a punch, but not quite as strong as say, Irish coffee.
Lou Shang Ipoh
Where: 1st Floor, 101A, Jalan Sultan Iskandar, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Lou Shang is a relatively new face on the Ipoh white coffee scene. It is housed inside beautiful premises on Jalan Sultan Iskandar in the old town.
The aesthetics and atmosphere here are just as wonderful as the food and coffee. The furnishings and wall decor are black and white monochrome and simple, yet chic. It is a place seemingly made for Instagram.
Lou Shang isn’t easy to find. Look out for a small black and white sign and then follow a narrow staircase up to the first floor. You have excellent views across the city from the windows up here.
The menu boasts a selection of cakes and desserts that make the perfect accompaniment to your coffee. The Portuguese egg tarts are mouth-wateringly good.
So too, are the signature onde cakes. (Onde cakes are soft sponge cakes filled with freshly grated coconut and cooked with palm sugar).
You can also purchase ¨feast boxes¨ here. These are lovely handmade boxes of different coffees and cakes that you can take away. Finally, Lou Shang also prepares iced white coffee in bottles that you can take away so that you can enjoy the drink later in your hotel or on your bus journeys around Malaysia.
Addon White
Where: 49, Jalan Raja Musa Aziz, Kampung Jawa, 30450
Addon White Coffee Ipoh is a homely cafe with shabby chic decor that is reminiscent of going for lunch at your grandparent’s place. The owners pride themselves on their offering of comfort food and good quality coffee.
Addon has been a face in the Ipoh dining scene for a few years but the cafe moved to its new location in early 2021. Their ramen noodles and nasi lemak are particularly good.
Chiang Jiang White Coffee
Branch One Location: 171 Jalan Pasir Puteh, 31650, Ipoh
Branch Two Location: 7 Jalan Windsor, 30250, Ipoh
Chiang Jiang White Coffee Ipoh is a brand with two different locations in the city of Ipoh. The white coffee served here is some of the strongest to be found in the city.
The two branches serve up tasty and adventurous Chinese food dishes. You can find everything from marinated chicken feet to curry mee on their menu. That said, the ambience is very different between the two locations.
The Jalan Pasir Puteh location of the Chiang Jiang White Coffee store is very much a traditional, no-frills kopitiam. Think plastic stools, poultry hanging from the entryway, and old uncles huddled together eating chicken rice.
The Jalan Windsor location is slightly more modern. This branch opened in 2014. It combines quirky decor with old-fashioned seating.
Yee Hoi Coffee
Where: C62, Pasar Besar Ipoh, Jalan Laxamana, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh
Ipoh’s Yee Hoi Coffee was founded by Chinese immigrant Mr. Tan and his brother in the 1950s. Its unique blends have been delighting locals and tourists alike ever since.
The name ¨Yee Hoi¨ is of Cantonese origin, with ‘Yee’ meaning ‘righteousness’ and ‘Hoi’ meaning ‘sea’. When Mr. Tan first immigrated to Malaysia from China, he did so in order to seek work in Ipoh’s famous tin mining industry.
However, as the great depression hit in the 1930s and the tin mining industry fell into decline, his opportunities for work were limited. Mr. Tan took up any job opportunity he could find and found himself working at a coffee roastery.
Through this work, he discovered a passion for coffee and took his knowledge, expertise, and newfound love of the beverage to start Yee Hoi. In 1994, Mr. Tan’s sons sold the brand to a new owner.
However, it retains its original charm and the store in Ipoh is a great place to pick up packets of Ipoh white coffee to enjoy at home. Sure it doesn’t taste exactly the same as fresh white coffee when you are just adding hot water to a powder sachet.
But it’s a great way to be able to enjoy Ipoh white coffee in your home country. Boxes of coffee make a great gift or souvenir from your trip to Malaysia.
Sun Yuang Foon
Where: 17, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000
Sun Yuang Foon is an Ipoh white coffee store with a dedicated following, particularly among the older generations. The store has been a part of the city for so long that it is an Ipoh institution.
The coffee served here is rich, dark, and strong. It is best enjoyed when paired with one of the crumbly freshly-made pastries that are handmade each morning. The egg tarts and siu pao BBQ buns are particularly good.
Restoran Kam Wan
Where: Taman Canning, 31400 Ipoh
Ipoh’s Restoran Kam Wan is an extremely popular local haunt for indulging in hawker food. It sits within the Aneka Selera food market which is always teeming with life in the evenings.
The menu has something for everyone. You will not be disappointed – whether you want to sample an adventurous seafood dish or stick to things like noodles and nasi lemak.
You will note that most Ipoh white coffee shops are only open until mid-afternoon. So, if your coffee cravings hit in the evenings, or you want something sweet to wash down your dinner, you can venture here.
Kam Wan’s white coffee is very strong and robust. Just the right amount of milk is added so that it is not too overpowering and bitter.
Not sure what food to order? Consider ordering up a portion of fruit rojak (spicy Malaysian fruit salad) or dried cuttlefish with water spinach.
Nam Chau White Coffee
Where: 54, Jalan Bandar Timah, Ipoh, 30000, Ipoh
Nam Chau’s white coffee is a perfect brew The store’s approach to preparing the drink is neither too sweet nor too bitter.
There is also a diverse food menu available here. This popular kopitiam is locally renowned for its excellent curries.
Nam Heong
Branch One Location: 2 Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000, Ipoh
Branch Two Location: Blok B, 2-14 Soho Ipoh, Jalan Sultan Iskandar Shah, 30000, Ipoh
Kedai Kopi Nam Heong is another Ipoh white coffee shop that has a couple of branches scattered across the city. The original store is situated on Jalan Bandar Timah.
It has the feel and atmosphere of a cramped yet lovable local kopitiam. Locals consider Nam Heong to serve up some of the best food in all of Ipoh.
The white coffee here errs more on the side of strong and bitter, as opposed to sweet. There is now also a second Nam Heong white coffee branch situated in Soho Ipoh.
The new white coffee store is quite upscale and chic. The Soho Ipoh store boasts plush modern furnishings and moody lighting.
It better resembles a Western coffee joint as opposed to a Malay kopitiam. The prices are a little higher here than what is typical for white coffee.
The main draw of visiting the Nam Heong Soho branch is the fact that over ten hawker centres have been combined together here. Thus, this makes for an incredibly diverse and extensive food menu offering.
A Jie
Where: 61, Persiaran Tokong, Taman Hoover, 31650 Ipoh
A Jie is one of the most beautiful cafes in Ipoh. Colorful paper lanterns hang from the ceilings and the walls are painted with traditional houses to resemble the colourful streets of Perak.
The white coffee here is aromatic, strong, frothy, and delicious. This is a popular rendezvous point for locals and although A Jie can often get crowded, you know that that is a sign that the coffee and food here are excellent! It is better to stop by during the week rather than at weekends if you prefer to avoid the crowds.
The homemade curry puffs make a great snack between meals. The wanton noodles and the nasi lemak with chicken are also very good.
Sin Yoon Loong
Branch One Location: 15A, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000, Ipoh
Branch Two Location: Medan Bendahara, 31650, Ipoh
Ipoh’s Sin Yoon Loong kedai kopi stores are family-owned and managed. There are two locations in the city and the business has been in operation for more than 80 years!
One branch is situated in Medan Bendahara and is run by the son. The other is located at Jalan Bandar Timah.
Both sites maintain the no-frills, yet charming traditional kopitiam atmosphere. The white coffee at Sin Yoon Loong is of moderate strength. It has just enough sweetness without needing to add sugar and a slightly charred scent.
The food menu here is also extensive and there are plenty of great local delicacies that you can try alongside your coffee. Come hungry and consider ordering yourself a steaming hot plate of chaya toast, roast pork, or Wan ton mee (wonton egg noodles with pork).
Xin Xiang Er Nong
Where: 75, Jalan Tokong, Taman Hoover, 31650 Ipoh
Xin Xiang Er Nong is another traditional kopitiam. The white coffee served here is very strong.
In fact, it is arguably the strongest and most potent in the city. If you need a little something to wake you up before hopping on an early morning bus to the Cameron Highlands or somewhere else on your itinerary, Xin Xiang could be your best option!
If you stop by later in the afternoon, you can also treat yourself to a spot of lunch here. The chap fan (mixed rice) and the curry mee noodles are particularly good.
Sim Kin Kok
Where: 15, Jalan Panglima, 30000 Ipoh
Sim Kin Kok serves some of the best curries and white coffee in Ipoh. Stop by for lunch and then while you are letting your food digest, sip a sweet white coffee before continuing on with your sightseeing.
Consider ordering a portion of Char Kuey Teow (flat rice noodles cooked in oyster sauce with shrimp), their beef noodles, or their Golden Fried Kuey Teow (Kam Fun) (traditional kuey teow with a fried egg on the top). Many of the recipes and cooking practices used here have been passed down the family for generations and are some of the best examples of traditional food in Ipoh.
Sin Kin Kok was formerly known as Sin Lean Lee but it recently moved locations and underwent a rebranding. Its loyal local customer base followed and many of those who enjoy dining here have been repeat customers for decades.
The Ipoh white coffee served here is very good. It is frothy and the perfect middle ground of being not too sweet and not too bitter.
Lim Ko Pi
Where: 10, Jalan Sultan Iskandar, 30000 Ipoh
Ipoh’s Lim Ko Pi coffee shop oozes tradition and old-school vibes. Their signature Nanyang Kopi 98 is roasted and ground in Ipoh.
Once prepared, it boasts a strong, robust flavour. Their food and beverage menus are extensive, but Lim Ko Pi is best known for a handful of signature dishes that stand out among the crowd.
The triple meat curry noodle is a particular local favourite. It is prepared with roast pork (siew yoke), barbecue pork (char siew), and chicken. Equally popular and scrumptious are the savoury mantao dumplings with a potato curry dip.
You cannot miss Lim Ko Pi. It is a bold, bright pink traditional building with white shutters on Jalan Sultan Iskandar. Indoor and outdoor courtyard seating is available.
The Best White Coffee in Ipoh
Honestly, the matter of where to drink the best white coffee in Ipoh comes down to personal preference. If you have a sweet tooth that will usually shove 2-3 heaped spoonfuls of sugar in your coffee (!), Ah Chow’s sweet treat will be perfect for you.
If you prefer strong coffee, Xin Xiang is perhaps your best option. For something in the middle, head to either Sin Yoon Loong or Nam Chau.
The locations outlined above are not touristic but are very very popular among locals. You don’t have to specifically set out on an Ipoh white coffee shop quest.
However, it’s worth jotting down the names of a few that sound appealing so that you can check their locations when out exploring.
White coffee in Ipoh typically costs less between 2 ringgit and 5 ringgit depending on the place ($0.60 – $1.50). Given that price tag, there really is no harm in sampling a few during your trip.
The Best White Coffee in Ipoh:
Variations of Ipoh White Coffee
White coffee may be the Ipoh beverage that has stolen the hearts of Malaysians the country over. However, it is not the only beverage choice.
If the thought of ordering a hot kopi in super hot, humid Malaysia freaks you out then fear not! You can also have your white coffee iced. Other alternatives worth trying are:
- Kopi-C – White coffee served with evaporated milk and sugar, instead of condensed milk for super sweetness!
- Kopi Cham – Coffee mixed with tea
- Kopi o Kosong – Coffee with a hint of alcohol
As far as ordering like a local, there are actually tons of variations of ways to ask for your white coffee. You can ask for specifics around thickness, strength, sugar level, etc.
That’s all a bit much. So, if you just ask for a white coffee, they will simply whip up their standard house blend.
Parting Words
Have you discovered any awesome white coffee shops in Ipoh, or do you have any questions about Ipoh travel?
Please reach out and share! Alternatively, do not hesitate to drop me a message if you need any assistance drawing up a Malaysia travel itinerary.
Safe travels! Melissa xo