By Anne Das
Heritage drinks are making a comeback in Malaysia, and Toddy is no exception. Once the drink of estate workers and open-air shacks, it is now sold at swanky restaurants and bars all over the planet.
At Night Shift Restaurant and Bar, this nutritious, natural beverage is served in a modern, family-friendly setting, with more than seven variations to try.
Once sipped from plastic bottles under coconut trees, it now pours fresh from the tap ~ chilled, lightly fizzy, and handled with care. It’s still the same drink, just dressed up for today’s crowd.
Owner Ram and his two childhood friends opened the place early this year with one simple mission: to bring toddy back into everyday conversation. Night Shift sources directly from licensed tappers in Perak, ensuring each batch is fresh, safe, and consistent before it’s kegged on-site.
There are more than seven varieties of toddy to try, each with its own charm ; Mango Glace for tropical sweetness, Zenzero with a bold ginger bite, Pink Lady for a fruity guava twist, and Dark X, a toddy-and-Guinness blend that regulars rave about.
For those who haven’t tried toddy, it tastes lightly fizzy and a little tangy, with a sweet aftertaste. It sits somewhere between coconut water and kombucha. The original flavour can vary slightly depending on the day’s batch, but it is always refreshing, especially on hot days.
The ambience here is relaxed yet social with high tables, bar stools, and easy chatter set the tone. Inside, it’s comfortably air-conditioned and non-smoking. Outside, the alfresco strip catches the evening breeze from Jalan Sultan Yussof below.
With seating for over eighty guests, Night Shift works well for both families and friends. Dart machines keep things playful, and free parking nearby, makes it an easy stop for lunch, dinner, or supper.
The menu at Night Shift is extensive. Expect satay in chicken, beef and mutton, devilled dishes like chicken, mutton and cuttlefish, Hainanese chicken chop, a range of pizzas including seafood, pepperoni, cheese and mutton, plus grilled steaks such as rib eye and sirloin. Prices run from RM10.80 for satay up to RM44.80 for steak.
If toddy isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty on the bar list. Tiger, Guinness, Heineken and Soju are served cold, just the way locals like it. For those who don’t drink, the menu also offers a variety of mocktails and milkshakes.
Open from noon till midnight (closed on Mondays), Night Shift attracts a steady mix at lunch, friends over dinner, and regulars winding down after work. It’s easy-going, accessible and proudly local.
Proof that some traditions deserve a second pour!
DETAILS BELOW
📍 Night Shift Restaurant and Bar
2-1, Wisma Ehsan, Jalan Sultan Yussof, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
⏰ Open Tuesday to Sunday, 12 PM – 12 AM (Closed Monday)
📞 011-1065 6005
📸 Instagram: @nightshift_ipoh
