Chang Jiang White Coffee is not a typical venue for white coffee. The area it is in doesn’t have anything else to offer either.
So why then, is this such a popular breakfast spot? Read on as we share what we liked (and didn’t like) about this place!
History
Sometime in the 70s, a Mr. Kong Wing Kheong set up a coffee shop called Chang Jiang Coffee Shop. Back then, the original location was along Jalan Pasir Putih.
The signature product, Chang Jiang White Coffee was the result of much experimenting in the process of roasting coffee beans.
Under the second generation of the family (Mr Kong Kin Loong), Chang Jiang White Coffee is now a household brand in Malaysia. The 3-in-1 packets can be found in supermarkets, souvenir shops as well as Ipoh airport.
And if you want to try the real deal on-site, the place to go is their café, Jalan Windsor.
Ease Of Parking
If you have your own car, it’s good to know that the café has its own parking within the compound (bungalow lot), and there is also parking at the commercial shop lots just outside the compound.
On weekends, however, it can still be a challenge to find parking.
Tourists staying at Ipoh Old Town, however, may be able to get a e-hailing service to reach the cafe (9-minute drive).
Ambiance
This café is known for its beautiful exterior and trendy interior. There is quaint seating at the porch in front of the main entrance as well as a wooden swing and many potted plants.
Inside the spacious interior decorated with vintage furniture and lovely teal accents, customers can enjoy air-conditioning.
Besides the main hall, other smaller rooms in the house serve as dining spaces too. Although we find that these can be very noisy on peak days.
PS: They have even more seating at one of the lots in the opposite shophouse block too.
Service
It was not full house when we visited this eatery on a weekday, but it still took them a while to prepare toast and coffee (i.e. close to 30 minutes).
However, they do not seem to be understaffed when it comes to the wait staff as there were at least 3 to 4 waitresses to cover both inside and outdoor seating.
The waitresses serve food in a brisk manner – by this, we mean that they put the food down and quickly move on to the next table. Don’t expect them to hang around and ask if you need anything else.
We think they are just used to the fast pace that is necessary for the weekend crowds. Despite this, 2-hour waits can still occur during the weekends so we would really advise against coming here on a weekend.
You might also want to give this place a pass when after 5pm as the staff is in a general rush to close the cafe.
Food
The menu features kopitiam fare (not halal) albeit with many different (and rather confusing) variations of kaya toast, steamed bread, and eggs.
Portions for the toasts are not stingy and they do use generous chilled butter chunks for the kaya toast. Hence, kaya toast is a must-try here!
There are also local noodles like wantan mee, and other rice dishes you can get but these are just average tasting in our opinion. The portions of these mains are small for big eaters.
Coffee is freshly brewed (they don’t use their 3-in-1 packets) but the hot version is sweet so ask for less sugar if that is your preference. But we find that the less sugar option is still a bit too sweet for our liking though so bear that in mind.
We recommend getting the iced version instead of the hot version:
Because the ice for the iced Ipoh white coffee is served separately so you can mix them to your liking (i.e., jug of ice and coffee in a mug).
Some non-coffee beverages that are available include milk tea, teh C, teh tarik, and iced lemon tea.
Note: They sell Chang Jiang White Coffee packets at the counter.
Pricing
Prices run higher than your average kopitiam rates in Ipoh. Expensive even, for Ipoh standards.
Hence, if you’re not big on taking photos for your social media or hipster cafe environments, you might find it overrated and expensive to dine here.
Conclusion
We have been to Chang Jiang White Coffee a few times and still find their service slow even when it’s not a peak day. This goes for their other branches too.
If you’re prepared to wait and pay more though, the environment (in the main hall, and the newly opened shot lot across from the café) is a pleasant venue for a late brunch with friends.
And we will add that the kaya toast is the best thing in the menu in our opinion. The coffee is alright too.
Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee
Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee is the newest branch under Chang Jiang White Coffee and it’s just as popular (if not more) than the rest since it’s in the same location as Tasik Cermin.
White Coffee In Ipoh
Like to support small businesses instead? We’ve got suggestions on where you can go for good white coffee in Ipoh and an authentic local atmosphere and taste!
Breakfast In Ipoh
Here are some other options for local breakfast in Ipoh besides Chang Jiang White Coffee. We personally would avoid Chang Jiang White Coffee on weekends and public holidays because of how crowded it can be.
Nam Heong White Coffee
Nam Heong White Coffee is another famous spot for Ipoh white coffee (they have their own coffee here whilst most kopitiams use Chang Jiang White Coffee beans these days). The food is not bad too! It’s just really hard to find parking and a table!
