What Is Old Street White Coffee? Malaysia’s Iconic Blend Explained

If you’ve ever sipped a cup of Malaysian coffee and noticed it’s unusually smooth—without the usual sharp bitterness or burnt aftertaste—you’ve likely tried white coffee. But what makes it different from regular coffee, and why is it such a staple in Malaysian homes and cafés? This article breaks down everything you need to know about one of the country’s most famous exports: Old Street White Coffee.

Old Street White Coffee is a smooth, low-acid 3-in-1 instant coffee blend developed in Malaysia. It’s brewed at lower temperatures than traditional coffee, resulting in significantly reduced bitterness and acidity. First launched in 1999, it’s now Malaysia’s largest producer of 3-in-1 white coffee, exported to over seven countries including the U.S. and U.K.

The Origins of Old Street White Coffee

The story begins in 1948 with a small coffee shop called Nam Heong in Ipoh’s Old Street , founded by the grandfather of current owner Ng Cheng Boon. By the 1990s, Ng and his schoolmate—Mr. Chan, a hotel management graduate—reimagined their family’s traditional kopi recipe for modern tastes. In 1994, they founded White Coffee Private Limited, combining heritage with innovation.

How Is White Coffee Different?

Unlike standard black coffee, which is often roasted dark to develop bold flavors through the Maillard reaction, white coffee is roasted at a lower temperature. This key difference minimizes the development of burnt, bitter, and acidic compounds. Old Street White Coffee takes this further by omitting caramel or sugar additives during processing. The result is a smoother, less acidic brew that retains more of coffee’s inherent sweetness and aroma without the harshness.

Why It Tastes So Smooth

Old Street White Coffee is known for its velvety mouthfeel, rich aroma, and lack of bitterness or burnt edges. The blend avoids high-heat roasting techniques that produce the charred notes common in darker roasts. Instead, it uses a proprietary low-temperature roasting method that preserves the coffee’s natural sweetness while removing the typical sharpness. There’s also no added cane sugar or caramel coloring, which helps maintain a cleaner, purer taste. After drinking, many note a lingering fragrance and a refreshingly light aftertaste—no heavy crash or mouth dryness.

The Brand’s Growth and Global Reach

Since launching their signature 3-in-1 white coffee mix in 1999, Old Street has become Malaysia’s leading producer of instant white coffee. Their production follows strict global quality standards, ensuring consistency across every cup. Today, the brand exports to Singapore, the Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. What began as a family recipe is now a globally recognized coffee product associated with Malaysian taste and hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is white coffee and how is it different from regular coffee?

White coffee is a lightly roasted coffee brewed at lower temperatures, resulting in lower bitterness and acidity. Unlike regular black coffee, which is often dark roasted, white coffee skips heavy Maillard reactions to retain more natural sweetness and a smoother profile. Old Street White Coffee takes this further by avoiding added sugars or caramel, creating a cleaner, more aromatic cup.

Is Old Street White Coffee really from Malaysia?

Yes. Old Street White Coffee originated in Ipoh’s Old Street in Malaysia. The brand was established in 1994 by descendants of a traditional coffee shop family and launched their first 3-in-1 instant white coffee in 1999. It remains one of Malaysia’s most iconic and widely exported coffee products.

Does Old Street White Coffee contain added sugar or artificial flavors?

No. Old Street White Coffee does not add caramel or sugar during processing, which helps keep its flavor profile clean and free from unnecessary sweetness. Its smoothness comes from the low-temperature roasting method, not added ingredients.

Why is Old Street White Coffee less bitter than other coffees?

The lower roasting temperature reduces the formation of bitter and acidic compounds typically developed in darker roasts. By avoiding high heat and not adding sugar or caramel, Old Street White Coffee delivers a smoother, less harsh cup that highlights coffee’s natural flavors instead of burnt notes.

Where can you buy Old Street White Coffee outside Malaysia?

Old Street White Coffee is exported to multiple countries including Singapore, the Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the UK, and the US. It’s widely available in Asian grocery stores and online retailers that import Malaysian food products.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Smooth Coffee Lovers

If you enjoy the smooth, low-acid profile of Old Street White Coffee, try FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Humbera for bright yet sweet tropical fruit notes, or PWN Golden Mandheling for a full-bodied, syrupy balance. Both offer clean cups without harsh bitterness, much like Old Street’s signature style. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.