Everyone and their grandmother knows that Ipoh is famous for its white coffee. But did you know that there’s another drink tied to its history? It’s Chinese herbal tea! This used to be the drink for tin mine workers living in and around Ipoh, keeping them cool and healthy. And what better place to learn more than Ho Yan Hor Museum?
The blue museum
If you want to learn about this part of Ipoh’s history, visit this blue-coloured museum! It’s right next to the Han Chin Pet Soo Museum, near the famous Concubine Lane. This museum does more than just house old tea-making tools. Ho Yan Hor tells the story of Dr. Ho Kai Cheong.
Who is Dr. Ho?
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Dr. Ho was a local who started a small herbal tea business here in Ipoh in 1941. Today, his descendants still run a pharmaceutical company, distributing products worldwide. The museum sits in a two-story pre-war building on Jalan Bijeh Timah. This building used to be Dr. Ho’s home and original tea factory.
No entry fee
The building was restored and opened as a museum in 2016. It now shares the journey of Ho Yan Hor herbal with visitors for free. Literally, there’s no charge for any tourists visiting the museum. The only condition is that visitors have to book a time slot with the museum staff, who prefer not to overcrowd the old building.
What’s inside?
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Before you enter, maybe step outside to take a look at the side of the building. Painted on the side is a large building-wide mural depicting Ipoh’s tin mining past. This mural was painted by Ernest Zacharevic, the artist behind George Town’s famous street art featuring two kids on a bike.
Once you are done admiring the artwork, step inside the museum! It’s brightly lit and air-conditioned, a respite from Ipoh’s sweltering afternoons. The staff are professional, offering tours in either English or Chinese.
The exhibits kept within the museum educate visitors on the history of the Ho Yan Hor tea blend. Did you know that the tea blend consists of a mix of 29 natural herbs and premium tea leaves? This traditional recipe is believed to help reduce body heat, ease colds and provide antioxidants.
If you like to go back in time, the museum will help you do just that. It is filled with nostalgic pieces, like an old tea-selling cart to a vintage work desk and a typewriter. Many of these artifacts actually used to belong to Dr. Ho himself.
Upstairs, downstairs
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The museum has two floors. Downstairs, you will see an example of a kitchen during Dr. Ho’s time, with a massive stove bringing back the vibe of tea-making in the good old days. Upstairs, you will learn how Dr. Ho’s little business became an international brand.
There’s also this one quirky rule to this museum. Only one person is allowed on the wooden staircase at a time! Since it’s an old shophouse, they manage the flow carefully to keep things safe and comfortable.
A pleasant experience
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In addition to local visitors, the museum often receives visitors from China and Taiwan. On a regular day, the museum can receive up to 150 visitors. As previously mentioned, the group sizes are kept small to ensure everyone has a pleasant experience.
Worth your time?
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After seeing all the exhibits, guests can actually sample Ho Yan Hor’s famous herbal teas. Just visit the tea bar in the lobby and have a sip of tea. Whether you’re a history buff, a tea lover, or just someone curious about Ipoh’s past, this museum is a hidden gem worth checking out.
Ho Yan Hor Museum
Address: 1, Jalan Bijeh Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Opening Hours: 10am – 4pm Friday – Tuesday | 9am – 4pm Wednesday – Thursday | Closed on Mondays
Contact: 05-2412048
Halal Status: Halal
You should also check out: This new kuih shop in Section 17 is a sweet spot for all the PJ Ah Mah’s to spill tea & chitchat
Feature Image Credit: Jamaliah Said on Google Review (Left), Naya Wang on Google Review (Right)
