White Coffee - Originates and Uniquely Ipoh

 Ipoh - Ipoh is famous for its white coffee, a style that dates back to the 19th century. Chinese migrants working in the tin mines introduced the method of roasting coffee beans with margarine and serving the brew with sweetened condensed milk.

Despite the name, the beans are not white. The term “white coffee” refers to the lighter roasting method and the addition of milk, which gives the drink its creamy colour. Over time, this style became a defining feature of Ipoh’s food culture and is now enjoyed across Malaysia and beyond.

OldTown was the first brand to commercialise Ipoh white coffee as a modern café chain, starting in 2005, helping bring this local drink to a wider audience. However, the original style of white coffee had already been created decades earlier by traditional kopitiams in Ipoh. 

During my time exploring Ipoh Old Town, I made a stop at the OldTown Heritage Gallery, a charming and informative space that tells the story behind one of Malaysia’s most recognisable coffee brands. The gallery is located on the second floor of the OldTown Heritage Centre, just a short walk from Concubine Lane, making it an easy and worthwhile stop during a heritage walk.

To reach the gallery, I walked through the air-conditioned café on the ground floor and headed up a staircase that led to the exhibition space. The gallery felt modern yet nostalgic at the same time. It was not large, but it was thoughtfully curated, with displays that explained the origins of OldTown and the development of Ipoh’s coffee culture.

Inside, there were interactive wall displays showing the traditional coffee-making process, along with antique coffee equipment and ceramic cups. One section featured a miniature kopitiam setup, which gave a glimpse into how traditional coffee shops in Ipoh used to look. It felt like stepping into a smaller, preserved version of the past. 

There were also artistic touches throughout the space, including decorative lanterns and exhibits created by local artists. The overall atmosphere was calm and educational, and I appreciated how the gallery balanced heritage storytelling with modern presentation. The open-air corridor and balcony area added a relaxed feel, overlooking the street below. 

One thing that stood out to me was that entry to the heritage gallery was free, which made it even more appealing. It was a simple, accessible way to learn about Ipoh’s coffee heritage without needing to commit to a full museum visit. 

My visit to the OldTown Heritage Gallery was brief, but it added depth to my understanding of Ipoh’s coffee culture. After spending days exploring food stalls, kopitiams, and cafés, it was nice to see the story behind the drink that defines the city.