At the end of Jalan Bandar Timah in Old Town Ipoh, at the far end towards the Kinta River, there is a choice of not one, but two fantastic kopijiams (coffee shops). Luckily, they are right across from each other, so you can visit them both.
The drinks are the same at both, as is the hot chocolate…or rather, Milo. Milo is a sweet, cocoa powder based malt drink from Australia that is every more popular here in Malaysia. If you are looking for chocolate, or order a hot or iced chocolate, you are mostly likely to be served Milo.
But while the drinks are generally the same at all the Kopitian, it is the food that varies. Sin Yoon Loong has a selection of curry buns that are delicious. At the front entrance there is a man making noodles with pork. The portions are small, good for breakfast or to also leave space to order other things as well. Once I started eating noodles for breakfast, I wondered why Western countries are so enamoured with dry cereal. Noodles is the way to go and these ones were outstanding. One also has to order kaya toast, toasted white bread slathered with butter and kaya jam, a jam made of coconut and panda. We tasted a lot of kaya jam and this one was one of our favourites.
Verdict: If I lived in Ipoh, this would be my local. Sadly, I live a bit too far away at the moment! Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong, 15A, Jalan Bandar Timah, Ipoh. Open Monday to Saturday 6am to 5pm and Sunday until 12:30am.
