PETALING JAYA (ANN/THE STAR) – A beautifully restored colonial building on Ipoh’s Jalan Panglima is now open for visitors and coffenthusiasts.
The three-storey building features a heritage gallery that tells the story of the “kopitiam” chain, OldTown White Coffee, and Perak’s coffee history.
“It’s our mission to celebrate our roots as Ipoh is the birthplace of white coffee. The OldTown Heritage Centre aims to preserve this important piece of history,” said Dawn Liew, Kopitiam Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd chief executive officer.
The OldTown Heritage Gallery is a “living” gallery, showcasing a collection of coffee-themed artworks by local artists dedicated to preserving Ipoh’s coffee heritage.
Upon entering the ground floor cafe, visitors will be greeted by uniquely designed traditional Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling. These lanterns, crafted from bamboo frames and white rice paper, are the creations of Chuen Mun Wai, one of Malaysia’s last traditional Chinese lantern makers.
On the same floor, the local “Kopi Lineage”, aka Kopi “family tree” installation, curated by heritage trades researcher and photographer Jeffrey Lim, offers fascinating and informative reading.
It also features a series of photographs showcasing various types of coffee, including Kopi O, Kopi C, and White Coffee. If you’re unfamiliar with these classic beverages, the photo installation provides an insightful introduction.
Lim also sourced a vintage coffee-making stove, and a collection of antique coffee cups for the installation.
On the first floor, you’ll find a panoramic mural titled A Glimpse Into Kopitiam’s Olden Days by artist Chin Choon Yau. This painting captures the essence of the local kopitiam scene, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
Meanwhile, the gallery itself (on the second floor) is hosting an exhibition about coffee history in the country. It offers insight into the enduring tale of Ipoh white coffee and the origins of our beloved kopitiams.
Legend has it that in the late 1800s, Hainanese migrants from China arrived in Malaya seeking a new home and prosperity. Many of them worked as cooks and later established eateries, now known as kopitiams. They adapted Western coffee to local preferences by lightly roasting beans in margarine, resulting in a more aromatic and less bitter flavour.
There’s also an interactive step-by-step coffee bean processing guide, which lets you explore the coffee-making process.
Keep strolling, and you’ll discover the Vintage Kopi Brewing Station corner. Here, you’ll find authentic utensils and tools once used in kopitiams, like a water boiler, cloth filter ring, measuring spoons, and even a 1960s calendar!
To experience the charm of an old school kopitiam, check out the “Miniature Kopitiam” exhibit.
Here, you’ll find a representation of the interior of a kopitiam, from the table-and-chair arrangements to the payment counter and menu board.
These miniature exhibits are the work of artist Lim Pui Wan.
Additionally, don’t miss the miniature display of Ipoh’s food heritage, including local favourites like Ipoh Chicken Hor Fun, Wantan mee, soft-boiled eggs, kaya and butter toast, and Ipoh curry mee.
The first OTWC Artist Heritage Collaboration Project was also launched recently. The event was attended by several local artists, including fashion designer Melinda Looi and caricature artist Azmi Hussin.
This project aims to showcase local artists’ works that celebrate Ipoh white coffee.
“The Artist Heritage Collaboration Project will be an ongoing initiative for the OldTown Heritage Centre, supporting and nurturing artists and craftsmen, including muralists and others. We will continue to seek out new talents to expand the art collection in this gallery,” said Liew.
