[Ipoh, Malaysia] Ipoh is well known for its local food such as Chee Cheong Fun to Tau Fu Fa, Hor Fun and big, crunchy beansprouts.
But there isn’t much information on their cafe scene, which is more popular and common in bigger cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang instead.
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Even though Ipoh Old Town still retains the facade of colonial-style heritage shophouses and wall mural arts, it has now become a popular food destination such as Woong Kee Traditional Bean Curd, Restoran Tuck Kee 怡保德记, Canning Garden Chee Cheong Fun, Big Mom Beancurd 靓妈豆花店 all within walking distance.
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Jln Theatre Coffee, as its name implies, is located along Jalan Theatre along the stretch of shophouses within Ipoh Old Town.
Stepping inside, I was immediately transported into another world of artisanal coffee, refined pastries and an Instagrammable space.
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There is a stark contrast between Jln Theatre Coffee and Old Ipoh Town and the latter offers traditional local delights and White Coffee that Ipoh is famous for.
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There is a certain Kinfolk-like charm to this space, mainly white in colour with wooden and marble elements, known as clean and minimalist in today’s term.
The entire space is bright lit with natural sunlight pouring through the central glass ceiling, and strangely it also reminded me of Arabica % in the aesthetic sense.
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Their menu focuses more on drinks and pastries such as Coffee (RM9-15, SGD3-5), Matcha (RM12-13, SGD4-4.30), Valrhona Chocolate (RM15, SGD5) and an assortment of bakes such as Tarts (RM5, SGD5) and Cakes (RM18-20, SGD 6-7).
Espresso-based drinks such as Black (RM9, SGD3) and White (RM11, SGD3.70) are available with options such as Iced (+RM1, SGD 0.30) and Oat milk (+RM2, SGD0.70).
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Being a micro-roastery, Jln Theatre Coffee roast their own coffee beans and my cup of Flat White was smooth, medium bodied with a balanced and non overly-acidic taste.
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I enjoyed both the Niko Neko Matcha Tart (RM15, SGD5) and the Tarte Au Citron (RM15, SGD5) from their display.
The Niko Neko Matcha Tart (RM15, SGD5) consisted of both matcha and peanut butter layers within a tart shell, generously sprinkled with Yuri Matcha powder from Niko Neko, a matcha powder supplier in Malaysia.
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The matcha was distinctive and non-overpowering, yet it leaves a slight lingering bitterness that is balanced by the earthly and nutty taste from the peanut butter.
The tart shell was unfortunately a little hard and dry even though it was buttery and fragrant.
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For a more refreshing option, the Tarte Au Citron (RM15, SGD5), was filled with citrusy lemon curd and a layer meringue.
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It seems like the Burnt Cheesecake (RM20, SGD6.70) is a popular item even though it is not stated on the menu or on the display shelf.
Served chilled with a dollop of whipping cream, the Burnt Cheesecake is a typical New York-style Cheesecake with a dense and creamy texture.
Personally, I will prefer the Japanese-style cheesecake with a soft and fluffy texture instead of the denser version.
Even though the cafe scene might not be as developed in Ipoh, the coffee and desserts at Jln Theatre Coffee did not disappoint and is worth a visit.
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Jln Theatre Coffee
76, Jalan Theatre, Ipoh, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 11am – 6pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Jln Theatre Coffee
Other Related Entries
Woong Kee Traditional Bean Curd (Ipoh)
Restoran Tuck Kee 怡保德记 (Ipoh)
Canning Garden Chee Cheong Fun (Ipoh)
Big Mom Beancurd 靓妈豆花店 (Ipoh)
* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.