Without a doubt, the original branch of Nam Heong White Coffee is one of Ipoh’s most famous kopitiams.
Along with Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong, Nam Heong White Coffee is considered the birthplace of Ipoh white coffee. But there’s so much more you can try at Nam Heong White Coffee!
Here’s what we like about Nam Heong White Coffee.
Table Of Contents:
History Of Nam Heong White Coffee
Nam Heong White Coffee began operations about 60 years ago in 1958. The original location was not on Jalan Bandar Timah but right in Concubine Lane. They kept the signboard after the move and it still hangs right above the archway into the kitchen.
And you might not know it, but Nam Heong White Coffee is the inspiration behind the world-famous Old Town White Coffee.
The founder of Old Town White Coffee, Andy Goh has since sold the franchise (for ~RM1.5billion to Dutch conglomerate, JDE) but not this kopitiam which was founded by his grandfather. This is the same coffee shop that Andy started working at since he was only 9.
Note: If you see a very stylish elderly couple hanging around the counter of Nam Heong White Coffee, these are Andy’s parents who now manage the coffee shop.
There is another branch of Nam Heong White Coffee in Ipoh and it’s called Nam Heong Ipoh Soho. The waiting staff here includes some AI powered robots (since 2018).
It is Andy’s goal to increase the number of Nam Heong White Coffee outlets.
Ease Of Parking
Because this coffee shop is close to Concubine Lane and other Ipoh Old Town attractions, finding available street parking is definitely not a walk in the park.
It can be very frustrating, especially when you are already hungry and nobody seems to be vacating their spot.
Do avoid the late breakfast and lunch crowd from 10am onwards if you can.
Ambiance Of Nam Heong White Coffee
Space is lacking in Nam Heong White Coffee but that does not deter the crowds one bit.
During breakfast and lunch hours (more so on weekends and public holidays), the little shop is crammed with locals as well as tourists.
It’s noisy and can feel hot in the afternoon especially if your table is close to one of the noodle stalls.
They have some wall fans but these don’t help much when there are a lot of people. The next best thing is to order a cool drink.
What Nam Heong White Coffee has however, is a very normal dining environment when it comes to traditional coffee shops in Ipoh.
Service At Nam Heong White Coffee
They have dedicated staff for different jobs. One staff member just fills the pastry shells for the egg tarts while another just takes orders. Sometimes their own family members will help out too.
We find their service to be quick and efficient despite how many customers they have.
Food At Nam Heong White Coffee Shop
Nam Heong White Coffee is most famous for their freshly made egg tarts and frothy Ipoh white coffee – this is one of our recommended places to try authentic Ipoh white coffee but it’s not the only one.
We happened to try some of their dim sum too and their fried loh bak go is excellent – the best we’ve tried in Ipoh so far. It’s crispy all around with flavorful insides! The siew mai is good too
The egg tarts with their flaky pastry and creamy egg custard filling are best enjoyed at the coffeeshop itself. We did buy a box to bring home but since they came right out of the oven, the heat caused the tarts to absorb some of the odor from the paper box.
They do have many good noodles to try too like hakka mee, Ipoh hor fan, char koay teow, chee cheong fun, and last but not least, curry mee.
Pricing
Eating atNam Heong White Coffee is still reasonable for their repuration and location in Ipoh Old Town.
We also don’t mind paying the little bit more since the quality of their food is good. Moreover, portions are not measly either.
Conclusion
Nam Heong White Coffee is a one-stop place to try many traditional and famous Ipoh food other than Ipoh white coffee.
And this is why there are often many people (locals included) at Nam Heong White Coffee. Plan your visit here carefully and bring a large appetite or buddies with you!
- Location: 2, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 8am–5pm
- Contact: +6012-5888766
