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, this coffee shop is considered the birthplace of Ipoh white coffee. But there’s so much more you can try!
Here’s what we like to order when we’re here!
History
This coffee shop 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.
Ease Of Parking
Because this coffee shop is close to Concubine Lane and other Ipoh Old Town attractions, finding available street parking is 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 breakfast and lunch crowd from 9am onwards if you can.
Ambiance
Space is lacking in this small corner lot 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. This is a very average dining environment when it comes to traditional coffee shops in Ipoh.
Service
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 too.
We find their service to be quick and efficient despite how many customers they have. If there’s anything to complain about, is that the cleanliness could still be improved.
Food
This local coffee shop 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 especially like that they are not too sweet.
Note: We previously bought 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. Which did not taste great!
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. The latter being our favorite of the lot.
Pricing
Eating here is still reasonable for their reputation and location in Ipoh Old Town. That said, pricing is noticeably steeper than at other coffee shops further from Ipoh Old Town.
But we 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 different dishes and get coffee the way the locals like it!
And this is why there are often many people (locals included). Plan your visit here carefully and bring a large appetite or buddies with you!
Famous Food In Ipoh
Apart from Nam Heong White Coffee, there are other places to try Ipoh food. We have listed our favorite spots in another post.
Ipoh White Coffee
Likewise, many local coffee shops are capable of making Ipoh white coffee themselves. You can read our suggestions for more options on where to try this local beverage.
