kopitiams

Kopitiam is a traditional Southeast Asian coffee shop, particularly common in Singapore, Malaysia, and parts of Indonesia. The term is derived from Hokkien: kopi meaning coffee and tiam meaning shop. Kopitiams are informal venues for drinking beverages, light meals, and socializing.

Historically established by Chinese immigrant communities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, kopitiams offered affordable, everyday fare. The beverages are typically coffee or tea prepared with condensed milk or evaporated milk, sometimes with sugar. Variants include kopi O (black coffee with sugar) and teh tarik (pulled tea).

Typical foods include kaya toast, a thick coconut egg jam on toasted bread, often served with soft-boiled eggs seasoned with soy sauce and pepper. The menu may extend to simple breakfast items, noodles, and fried rice, reflecting local tastes and vendors’ specialties.

Ambience ranges from old, unair-conditioned shophouse settings with communal tables to modern, air-conditioned outlets. Kopitiams function as daily hubs for workers and students, offering rapid service and inexpensive meals in a casual, shared environment. They also figure in heritage and urban redevelopment discussions in some cities.

While the term is most closely associated with Singapore and Malaysia, similar concepts exist across Southeast Asia, including Indonesian warung kopi. In recent decades, traditional kopitiams have faced competition from branded coffee shops, leading some to adapt with modernization while preserving legacy beverages and seating styles.