May 2024,
Discover the OldTown Heritage Centre in Ipoh, celebrating the rich history of Ipoh white coffee. Explore unique exhibits, art, and the Earthcare Cafe.
OldTown White Coffee (OTWC), Malaysia’s largest halal kopitiam chain, has officially launched the OldTown Heritage Centre in Jalan Panglima.
This new addition aims to celebrate the rich history of Ipoh white coffee and is set to become a key attraction for Visit Perak Year 2024.
A unique visitor experience
The OldTown Heritage Centre offers three main attractions that promise a unique and enriching experience.
Dawn Liew, CEO of Kopitiam Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, stated, “The OldTown Heritage Centre was opened in conjunction with Visit Perak Year 2024 and stands as the latest symbol of OTWC, encompassing three main visitor attractions.”
One of the highlights is the “Earthcare Cafe,” a farm-to-table concept cafe that introduces a unique menu distinct from other OTWC outlets.
“Our Earthcare Cafe offers a unique taste and new menu different from other OTWC kopitiams,” said Liew during the opening ceremony.
The three-storey centre also features an art gallery showcasing works by local artists through the Artist Heritage Collaboration Project, and an exclusive OTWC gift shop renowned for its special white coffee drinks and traditional local delicacies.
Celebrating Ipoh’s coffee heritage
Beyond serving coffee and delicious food, the OldTown Heritage Centre is a cultural treasure trove where visitors can delve into the history of Ipoh white coffee.
Located along the historically rich Heritage Trail, the centre aims to preserve and reflect the area’s unique heritage through its architecture and operations.
Upon entering the ground-floor cafe, visitors are greeted by traditional Chinese lanterns designed by Chuen Mun Wai, one of Malaysia’s last traditional Chinese lantern makers.
These lanterns, crafted from bamboo frames and white rice paper, add a touch of authenticity and charm to the space.
Another fascinating feature on the ground floor is the “Kopi Lineage” installation, curated by heritage trades researcher and photographer Jeffrey Lim.
This exhibit includes a series of photographs showcasing various types of coffee, such as Kopi O, Kopi C, and White Coffee, providing an insightful introduction for those unfamiliar with these classic beverages.
Lim also sourced a vintage coffee-making stove and a collection of antique coffee cups for the installation, enhancing the nostalgic ambiance.
The OldTown Heritage Centre is more than just a place to enjoy a cup of coffee; it’s an immersive journey into the rich history and cultural significance of Ipoh white coffee.
“We hope to reflect the uniqueness of this area through the building’s architecture and our operational approach,” said Liew.
For more information and updates on the OldTown Heritage Centre, visit OldTown White Coffee’s website or follow their social media channels.
Source: Citizens Journal
Full Article: https://cj.my/144810/oldtown-heritage-centre-a-new-icon-for-visit-perak-year/
