Sin Yoon Loong At Perak Turf Club: Beautiful Space, Kitchen Finding Its Way
While housed in a beautifully restored bungalow adorned with impressive design elements, including a notable giant kettle, the establishment’s core offerings have room for improvement.


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A month into operations, the new Sin Yoon Loong outlet at Perak Turf Club (PTC) in Ipoh presents a tale of two journeys.
The architectural achievement is immediately evident – a thoughtfully restored colonial bungalow where elegant wood and bamboo work harmonize with statement pieces like the magnificent copper kettle centrepiece, creating an undeniably impressive atmosphere.
Yet beneath this polished exterior, the culinary narrative is still unfolding.

Visitor experiences paint a nuanced picture, with some dishes drawing praise while others suggest a kitchen still crafting its identity in relation to the brand’s celebrated heritage.
This contrast between the fully realized physical space and the evolving dining experience reflects the natural progression of a new establishment finding its footing.

Early Days: Room for Refinement
The coffee quality at this new branch presents a notable contrast to Sin Yoon Loong’s 87-year heritage in Ipoh’s white coffee scene.
Since 1937, when Hainanese brothers Wong Bao Ting and Wong Poh Ting first began roasting beans in their modest kopitiam, Sin Yoon Loong has been more than just a coffee shop – it’s been Ipoh’s liquid history in a cup.
While the original outlet continues to draw coffee enthusiasts, this location’s brew suggests there’s still room to align more closely with the brand’s storied reputation.

In this elegant new setting, Sin Yoon Loong’s signature white coffee takes on a different personality – an interpretation that diverges from its ancestral brew.
Some connoisseurs note the nuances in aroma and depth still seek their perfect balance, particularly in the less-sweet variation.
Meanwhile, the food offerings have received mixed feedback, with areas that could benefit from refinement:
- Temperature consistency of soft-boiled eggs
- Texture of dim sum items
- Portion sizing
- Flavour development
- Basic breakfast items like toast

Price Point & Experience: Setting Expectations
At over RM110 for breakfast for three, the pricing sits in the premium dining category – comparable to upscale cafes in Kuala Lumpur.
While the elegant colonial setting and ambience contribute to the dining experience, some visitors suggest the value proposition could be enhanced by further refining the menu offerings.

The price point reflects the venue’s positioning as a destination dining spot, though diners’ expectations at this range naturally tend toward higher standards.
Service experiences appear to vary by visit, with some earlier visitors reporting challenges with:
- Response times
- Staff attention
- Wait duration
- Service consistency

A Mixed But Improving Picture
Our recent visit painted a more positive picture, with attentive and professional service throughout.
This could suggest ongoing improvements in service standards, highlighting how dining experiences can differ from day to day.

Social media reviews reflect this range of experiences, though it’s worth noting that positive and constructive feedback often helps new establishments refine their operations.
As with many newly opened venues, service rhythms typically take time to stabilize, and recent observations indicate positive developments in this area.

Individual experiences may also vary depending on timing, occupancy levels, and other factors.
For an institution of Sin Yoon Loong’s stature, these early reviews indicate an urgent need for improvement in several areas:
- Coffee quality standardization
- Food preparation and consistency
- Staff training and service protocols
- Price-value alignment
- Basic quality control measures

Design & Ambience: Heritage Meets Modern
Sin Yoon Loong’s PTC branch reveals an establishment that has masterfully transformed a heritage space into a contemporary dining destination.
The architectural elements deserve special mention – the restoration thoughtfully preserves the vintage bungalow’s character while introducing modern design touches.

Natural materials take centre stage throughout the space – Malaysian hardwoods complement the colonial structure, while artisanal bamboo work pays homage to traditional craftsmanship.
The thoughtful use of these indigenous materials creates a dialogue between the building’s colonial heritage and our rich rainforest legacy, adding layers of authentic tropical elegance to the restored space.
The result is a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere that naturally draws photographers and content creators hunting for the perfect social media shot.

Charming historical references, like rocking horses that pay homage to the venue’s racing heritage, offer both playful moments for young visitors and Instagram-worthy vignettes.
These nostalgic touches create layers of storytelling that connect past to present.

The Verdict: Beauty and Beginnings
One hopes that with time and attention to feedback, the culinary offerings will rise to match the sophistication of their surroundings.
Several signature dishes remained untasted during our visit, including their higher-priced items – Hainanese Chicken Chop, Ocean Treasure Nasi Lemak, Nasi Ayam Berempah, and premium Fish & Chips.
Given the establishment’s heritage and price range, diners naturally look forward to more distinctive flavours and memorable dining moments.

As the kitchen settles into its rhythm, this beautifully preserved space shows promise as a distinctive dining destination.
Until then, it remains a case of style over substance – a lovely spot for photos and atmosphere, but not yet a serious contender for Ipoh’s culinary crown.

For now, we’d recommend visiting for the ambience and photo opportunities, but manage your expectations regarding the food and coffee.
Better yet, consider enjoying a drink in these beautiful surroundings, then head to the original Sin Yoon Loong outlet for the authentic white coffee experience that made the brand famous in the first place.

READ MORE: The Unlikely Challenger: How A Malaysian Mining Town Outshined Japan’s Kitchen
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