Introduction to Malaysian White Coffee

Malaysia is renowned for its delicious cuisine, which draws influences from the Chinese, Indian, and Muslim cultures. Its food is flavorful and delicious, but Malaysia is also home to its unique Malaysian White Coffee -- Ipoh white coffee. Ipoh white coffee is named for the city of Ipoh, in which the beverage originated.

Malaysian white coffee differs from traditional coffee in the way in which the beans are roasted. Traditionally, Malaysian coffee is roasted with margarine. The traditional black coffee of Malaysia is known as kopi. It is made by roasting the coffee beans with a combination of sugar and margarine. White coffee is made by roasting the coffee beans with only margarine, resulting in a lighter roast. The roasting technique for white coffee produces a rich, flavorful brew.

White coffee can be served hot without any cream or sweetener added. In fact, you'll probably want to try at least a taste of this unique coffee beverage unadorned by any additions. However, in Malaysia, the beverage is traditionally prepared with sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk added to the brewed coffee. This gives the coffee a light, creamy appearance. Of course, it also adds a rich, sweet taste.

As with most specialty coffees, Malaysian white coffee can be served cold as well as hot. In fact, as a sweet, creamy concoction, it can be an especially well-suited as a cold, refreshing desert coffee drink. Just pour your finished product over ice in a tall glass.

White coffee has not enjoyed the same popularity in the United States as it has elsewhere in the world. But that doesn't mean that it is hard to find what you'll need to prepare yourself a cup. One can easily brew this delicious beverage at home. Many Asian food stores and online suppliers sell white coffee beans, whole and ground. Look for “Ipoh white coffee” to ensure you are getting the correct roast. Many stores also sell instant white coffee that comes in sachets similar to tea bags for easy brewing -- but the "real thing" is easy enough to prepare, and you're likely to find it worth the minimal trouble.

You can brew white coffee in a drip coffee maker or a French press. However, Malaysian brewers conventionally use a muslin “sock” or bag to filter the coffee. To use this method, place the ground coffee beans into a heat-proof container, pour boiling water over the beans and allow them to steep. Then, pour the contents of your container into the sock (over a cup) to filter out the solids. After you have filtered the coffee, stir in approximately 2-3 teaspoons of sweetened condensed milk and 2-3 teaspoons of evaporated milk. (Regular milk may be substituted.) Stir the coffee and milk vigorously to give the coffee its traditional frothy appearance, and enjoy.

Malaysian white coffee, or Ipoh white coffee, is a delicious alternative to enjoying specialty coffee. It can be modified to suit one’s particular tastes and can even be served over ice as a cold beverage. Try this today!