Best white coffee spots in Ipoh
When it comes to white coffee, Ipohites don’t play around. Ask any local, and they’ll proudly tell you that white coffee here is more than a drink – it’s practically a way of life here, fueling everything from our breakfast rituals to those chill tea-time sessions. But the question is: which white coffee in Ipoh is the best?
As a born-and-bred Ipohite, I’ve grown up surrounded by the aroma of freshly brewed white coffee. So, as you can imagine, narrowing down the best white coffee spots is no easy task. But I’m always up for the challenge.
So, grab a seat and a cup of coffee, and read on to discover the best spots in Ipoh to sip on white coffee that truly stands out. And who knows – you might just discover your new go-to spot in the town.
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What is special about Ipoh white coffee?
The secret of Ipoh white coffee lies in how the coffee beans are roasted with margarine, giving it a smooth, almost caramel-like flavor without the bitterness you might find in other brews. Add condensed milk, and you’ve got a creamy, buttery cup iconic to Ipoh.
1. Nam Heong Coffee Shop
If there’s one name synonymous with Ipoh white coffee, it’s Nam Heong Coffee Shop. The kopitiam has been serving white coffee since 1958 – it is said to be where the whole white coffee culture started in Ipoh. Its founders have mastered the art of roasting beans with palm oil margarine, creating a smooth, bold coffee with the right amount of richness.
And – pun intended – the kopitiam is still going strong.
The foam is smooth and frothed to perfection, giving each cup a luxurious feel.
Nam Heong’s coffee stands out for its thickness and beautifully smooth texture. The foam is frothed to perfection too. It has that signature bold flavour with a delightful sweetness to balance it. Right away, I knew it was hitting the top of my list.
The coffee is smooth but full-bodied, with a nice roasted depth. The aroma is bold and inviting, while the caffeine kick makes it a go-to for locals and tourists alike. At just RM2.40, it’s a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Ipoh’s coffee culture.
Price: RM2.40
Overall rating: 4.8/5
Smoothness: 4.5/5
Robustness: 4.5/5
Address: 2, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Opening hours: 7.30am-5.30pm, Daily
2. Sun Yuan Foong Kopitiam
Directly across the street from Nam Heong, Sun Yuan Foong Kopitiam is a humble kopitiam that holds its own with a loyal fan base. It has been in the game for years since 1937, proudly proclaiming to serve the ‘best white coffee’ – it’s even on a banner over the store’s entrance.
The kopitiam’s version is smooth and sweet, with a light roasted taste. The beans used are roasted using the traditional margarine method, giving each brew a smooth texture and a mild richness.
Overall, the coffee here is more on the sugary side than bitter, with a subtle kaw feel that some might find lacking. But if you love sweeter coffee, without that face-scrunching acidity, then this one’s for you.
Price: RM2.40
Overall rating: 4.2/5
Smoothness: 4/5
Robustness: 3.8/5
Address: 11, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Opening hours: 7.00pm-3.30pm, Daily
3. Ah Chow Kopitiam
Ah Chow Kopitiam is a hidden gem for those who love a bit of nostalgia with their morning coffee. This old-school kopitiam is a favorite among locals, especially for its delicious hawker breakfast options and, of course, white coffee.
The coffee here strikes a beautiful balance—it’s sweet but not overly so, with just a touch of bitterness to keep things interesting. It’s smooth and goes down easily, making it a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy a milder roast.
It also pairs wonderfully with traditional Malaysian breakfast staples like kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs that can be ordered from the kopitiam. So, if you’re looking for a comforting start to your day, Ah Chow Kopitiam’s coffee is a solid choice.
Price: RM2.60
Overall rating: 4.4/5
Smoothness: 4/5
Robustness: 4.3/5
Address: 10, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Opening hours: 7am-4pm, Daily
4. Tan Chee Kee
A little hidden gem, Tan Chee Kee is tucked away in a residential area in Ipoh Garden East. This spot is a bit of a wildcard. It’s known for its more traditional approach to white coffee, focusing on achieving a bitter, robust flavour that may not be everyone’s cup of, well, coffee.
The bitterness can be overpowering for some. It doesn’t have that signature sweetness many of us expect from Ipoh white coffee either. But if you like your coffee strong and intense, this might be your new go-to. It’s an ideal choice for those who love a strong brew with minimal sweetness.
The peaceful environment makes it perfect for coffee lovers seeking a serene atmosphere too.
Price: RM4.50
Overall rating: 3.8/5
Smoothness: 3.8/5
Robustness: 4/5
Address: 38, Jalan Lee Swee Hoe, Taman Hoover, 31650 Ipoh, Perak
Opening hours: 9am-4.30pm, Daily
5. Xin Xiang Er Nong Kopitiam
Xin Xiang Er Nong Kopitiam is for adventurous coffee drinkers. The coffee here stands out for its distinct slightly sour and salty flavour, giving it a unique savoury profile instead of the usual bitter one.
It’s different from the usual sweet and creamy profile of most Ipoh white coffee – an interesting choice for those looking to try something different.
The unconventional flavour may not be everyone’s cup of coffee, but it’s worth a try if you’re looking for something more than your usual cup of joe.
Price: RM2.50
Overall rating: 4/5
Smoothness: 4/5
Robustness: 3.8/5
Address: 66, Jalan Foo Eng Lin, Taman Hoover, 31650 Ipoh, Perak
Opening hours: 7am-4pm, Daily
6. Old Town White Coffee
Of course, we can’t leave out Old Town White Coffee, the OG of Ipoh white coffee chains. Founded in 1958, this brand has become a household name for white coffee, with over 200 outlets nationwide and overseas stores in China and Australia.
Whether you’re sipping on coffee at a flagship outlet or any Old Town White Coffee branch around Malaysia, you can count on that creamy, frothy perfection with just the right amount of sweetness and bitterness in each cup.
It has a beautifully creamy texture with a perfect frothy top.
The sweetness and bitterness are well-balanced, making the coffee here an ideal choice for both hardcore and casual drinkers. Although it is the priciest option on this list, the coffee shop is consistent and a classic that can’t be missed out on.
The nostalgic atmosphere, surrounded by the hustle of Old Town, adds to the charm.
Price: RM5.90
Overall rating: 4.6/5
Smoothness: 4.8/5
Robustness: 4.4/5
Ipoh Padang outlet
Address: 3, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Opening hours: 9am-10pm, Daily
7. Chang Jiang Coffee Shop
Last on our list is Chang Jiang, which offers more than just a cup of coffee—it’s an experience. Known for its rich, roasted aroma, this place has been brewing coffee since 1995.
The beans used are roasted to perfection using the coffee shop’s signature margarine method, with each sip delivering a bold, buttery flavour with a smooth finish. This one has depth, aroma, and a perfect balance of roast and creaminess.
The froth here is particularly bubbly too, forming a mound and adding to its unique texture.
The ambience is inviting, making it a great place to relax and enjoy coffee.
Coupled with Chang Jiang’s attention to detail in each cup, the coffee shop stands out as the best spot for Ipoh white coffee on this list. At just RM5.20, the coffee here is reasonably priced too, taking into account the quality and cozy setting.
Price: RM5.20
Overall rating: 5/5
Smoothness: 5/5
Robustness: 4.8/5
Address: 7, Jalan Windsor, 30250, Ipoh, Perak
Opening hours: 8am-6pm, Daily
The best Ipoh white coffee spots
Every kopitiam in Ipoh has its take on white coffee, each offering something unique. From the bold and buttery flavours of Chang Jiang’s to the sweet and light brew at Sun Yuan Foong’s, there’s something for every coffee lover here.
But if you’re asking this Ipohite, Chang Jiang takes the crown for its unbeatable mix of flavour, ambience, and overall dining experience.
So, next time you’re in Ipoh, make sure to grab a cup – or seven – and explore these gems. You’ll not only taste coffee but a piece of Ipoh’s soul.
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Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Photography by Chantirigaa Shanker (Chan).