Malaysian White Coffee: The Caramel-Laced Dark Brew You Need to Try

No, this isn't coffee made from a lightly roasted bean like other white coffees. In fact, it would be better to call this coffee extra dark. White coffee in Malaysia is a relatively new commonplace. It started back in the 1950s, when a Hainanese man from Ipoh began roasting coffee at a high temperature and then lacing it with caramel.

I used to love caramel coffee but got used to drinking my caffeine dark and nasty while living in Spain and Italy. Locals take it with steamed milk or condensed milk, but black white coffee is the way to go in my opinion. No sugar needed.

The Origins of Malaysian White Coffee

The story of Malaysian white coffee begins in the 1950s in Ipoh, a city in the state of Perak. A Hainanese roaster named Ong Tong Lock was experimenting with coffee roasting techniques when he discovered that roasting coffee beans at a lower temperature with a different method produced a smoother, less bitter cup. He added a touch of caramel to the beans during roasting, which gave the coffee its signature sweetness and depth of flavour.

The term "white coffee" is something of a misnomer. The name actually refers to the fact that the beans are roasted without any sugar or margarine, which gives them a lighter colour compared to the dark, charred beans typical of Malaysian kopi. However, the final brew is far from light; it's a dark, robust cup of coffee with a distinct caramel sweetness.

The Roasting Process

The traditional method of making white coffee involves roasting the coffee beans in a mixture of margarine and sugar. This gives the beans a glossy, caramelized appearance and a sweet, slightly smoky flavour. The beans are then ground and brewed, resulting in a cup of coffee that is bold and rich, with a lingering sweetness.

The addition of caramel during the roasting process is what sets Malaysian white coffee apart from other coffee styles. The caramel not only adds sweetness but also helps to mellow out the bitterness of the dark roast, creating a smoother, more balanced cup.

How It's Served

There are several ways to enjoy Malaysian white coffee:

• Kopi O – Black Coffee – Served black, without milk or sugar. This is how I prefer it—no sugar needed, just pure, bold coffee flavour.

• Kopi C – With Evaporated Milk – Served with evaporated milk, which adds a creamy richness to the bold coffee.

• Kopi Susu – With Condensed Milk – Served with condensed milk, which adds a thick, sweet creaminess that is incredibly indulgent.

• Kopi Ping – Iced White Coffee – Served over ice, making it a perfect refreshment on a hot Malaysian day.

The traditional way to order white coffee in a kopitiam is to specify your preference:

• Kopi O – Black coffee

• Kopi C – Coffee with evaporated milk

• Kopi Susu – Coffee with condensed milk

• Kopi Ping – Iced coffee

White Coffee vs Black Coffee

For those who are used to the bold, bitter flavour of dark roast coffee, Malaysian white coffee can be a revelation. The caramel sweetness mutes some of the bitterness while still delivering a strong, robust coffee flavour.

If you usually drink your coffee black and bitter, I'd recommend trying white coffee black (kopi O) with no sugar. The caramel sweetness is subtle enough that you'll still get that bold coffee flavour, but with a hint of sweetness that makes it incredibly moreish.

The Ipoh Connection

Ipoh is the undisputed home of Malaysian white coffee. The city is famous for its kopitiams, many of which have been serving the brew for decades. Some of the most famous names include:

• OldTown White Coffee – A chain that has brought Ipoh's white coffee to the world.

• Nam Heong – One of the original kopitiams that started serving white coffee in Ipoh.

• Kong Heng – Another iconic Ipoh establishment that serves excellent white coffee.

If you find yourself in Ipoh, a visit to one of these kopitiams is a must. The white coffee is just the beginning; the local food scene is incredible too.

Where to Get Your Mouth Around It

Kopitiams

You can find white coffee at kopitiams throughout Malaysia. It's a staple of the local coffee culture, and it's enjoyed by Malaysians of all backgrounds.

Ipoh

Ipoh is the birthplace of white coffee, and it's the best place to try it. The city is dotted with kopitiams that have been serving the brew for decades, and the atmosphere is always warm and inviting.

KL

In KL, you can find white coffee at many kopitiams and cafes. OldTown White Coffee has multiple locations throughout the city, and it's a reliable option if you're craving a cup. For a more authentic experience, seek out traditional kopitiams in areas like Petaling Street or Brickfields.

Malaysian white coffee is a unique and delicious coffee experience. It's bold, it's sweet, and it's deeply satisfying the kind of coffee that you'll crave long after your trip is over.

Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or a casual drinker, white coffee is a must-try when you're in Malaysia. So go ahead and order a cup, take a sip, and discover the magic of this beloved Malaysian brew.