Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee’s major charm is the natural scenery around it.
The new branch of Chang Jiang White Coffee has a lovely location that is walking distance from Tasik Cermin.
But how does this branch compare to other branches of Chang Jiang White Coffee? Read more if you want to find out!
Table Of Contents:
Watch this video of the scenery at Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee:
About Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee
This is the 4th branch of Chang Jiang White Coffee (Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee) in Ipoh. And it officially opened its doors in December 2022.
The eatery occupies a space in an area of around 2 acres and has its own visitor car park.
It might interest you to know that the development of this area (Tasik Cermin Eco Park Ipoh) is by Syarikat Sahabat Selamanya Sdn Bhd and has the approval of Ipoh City Council.
Note: Syarikat Sahabat Selamanya Sdn Bhd is under Syarikat Kin Loong Valley Sdn Bhd (Chang Jiang White Coffee)
Before all these developments for tourism (the official announcement of the new quarry eco park was some time in Feb 2022), this was the site of a limestone quarry.
Sources:
- https://www.ipohecho.com.my/2022/12/04/chiang-jiang-white-coffee-to-open-in-tasik-cermin/
- https://www.ipohecho.com.my/2022/02/26/mirror-lake-eco-park-set-to-attract-tourists-to-ipoh/
Recent additions to the eatery include a block in front that can host several market stalls. There are a few shop lots that are already open – and one of them is a gift shop that just sells Chang Jiang White Coffee.
Besides these, there are plans for a park as well. We could see a path, landscaping and decorations being set up behind the new market space during our last visit.
Ambiance At Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee
As you make your way into Tasek Cermin via the dirt road, you’ll notice that Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee has not one but several signs in the valley.
Note: Be wary of potholes on the road, many lorries use the same road
The café is housed in a brick building at one side of the valley. With a separate block for the kitchen as well as for gender segregated toilets and prayer rooms.
It looks like they’ve finally finished expanding the seating area too. To cater to the breakfast crowds (between 8am to 11am), there is both indoor and outdoor seating.
For indoors especially, tables are close together and it can sound like a full dim sum house on a busy morning.
They usually do not turn on the air-conditioning for the indoor seating. And for this reason, it’s cooler to dine outside in the mornings.
Outside, the wind passes along the stone outcrop, and it does feel cooler here at the back of the café. That might be that they have huge air coolers around too.
As with other branches of Chang Jiang White Coffee, the Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee branch has vintage décor and a retro coffee shop theme.
Scenery At Kin Loong Valley
Food At Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee
The food is not exceptional. It’s not bad, just average. And portions are not generous. The rice portion for nasi lemak is too small for an adult man.
Their one saving glory is the aromatic coffee (sweet by default). Their teh ais is good too. And there’s their crunchy toast to look forward too.
At RM5 per glass of iced coffee there are cheaper options elsewhere if you’re looking for authentic Ipoh white coffee.
And if it’s variety you’re looking for, the menu is pretty much the same as other branches of Chang Jiang White Coffee.
Which means several versions of steamed and toasted bread and eggs (not that much different in our opinion), nasi ayam, wantan mee, fried rice, etc.
Vegetarians have even fewer options here.
And if you’re interested, you can buy their signature 3-in-1 coffee packets at their shop in front of the eatery. You can also get these at other Chang Jiang White Coffee branches in Ipoh.
Read more about the main branch of Ipoh Chang Jiang White Coffee.
Service
In the months when the eatery just opened, we witnessed waiters of Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee trying to shoo off customers when it’s full house.
Back then, to join the queue, you had to leave the last 4 digits of your phone number with the staff in charge.
From our experience (with other branches of Chang Jiang White Coffee), it’s a good idea to go somewhere else if you see many people seating at empty tables with frustrated expressions.
It used to take anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours to wait for a table but this wasn’t the case anymore when we last went on a Saturday morning.
We only waited 15 minutes (instead of more than 30 minutes which we have experienced at other branches) for the food to come.
Pricing
Prices are much higher than a regular kopitiam. And this should not come as a surprise if you have visited other branches of Chang Jiang White Coffee.
Or are just used to modern kopitiam pricing in KL or in Penang.
It costs more than RM18 for a plate of nasi ayam, or around RM9 for a bowl of noodles. Toast costs RM6 to RM7. Drinks cost around RM5 per cup.
Note: They use real butter (not margarine) for their toast
Ease Of Parking
There is no need to worry about parking at Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee (unless it rains).
Because there are plenty of parking lots at the open-air car park right in front of the café. You don’t have to pay any fees to park here either.
Conclusion
The initial excitement around Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee has quietened down. So, it is safe to come here on the weekends now – we’re not sure if this will be the case during big holidays like Chinese New Year.
Apart from the scenery, the menu and quality of the food and drinks at this branch is like other branches Chang Jiang White Coffee.
Another bonus of dining here is how close this eatery is to one of Ipoh’s most famous attractions, Tasik Cermin).
