In recent years, the proliferation of kopitiams has been notable across various regions. Originating from Singapore and Malaysia, the term ‘kopitiam’ specifically refers to a shop or place where coffee is consumed, rather than a brewing method or a specific type of coffee drink. Let’s delve deeper into the world of kopitiam and understand how it differs from a typical coffee shop!
What is Kopitiam?
As mentioned earlier, kopitiam is a coffee and breakfast shop specializing in Malaysia and Singapore. There are various menu items that you can find at kopitiam such as coffee, tea, simple dishes like toast with srikaya jam, and so on. The specialty of kopitam is coffee and toast.
The term kopitiam itself is a combination of ‘kopi’ in Malay and ‘tiam’ in Hakka which means shop. Kopitiam first appeared in the 18th century and can only be found in the countries of Malaysia, Singapore, and some parts of Indonesia. As time went on, kopitiam continued to proliferate until its modern versions emerged.
The way coffee is mixed at kopitiam is unique, which is by filtering coffee that has been ground very finely. The coffee is made hot with a special filtering cloth. The method used is also unique as it is lifted up and down continuously until it is fully mixed.
The History of Malaysian and Singaporean Coffee
Originally, kopitiam culture originated from Chinese merchants who settled in the Malay Peninsula, specifically in Malaysia and Singapore. During the Dutch colonial period, this kopitiam culture permeated Indonesia, particularly the eastern islands of Sumatra. Hence, it’s no surprise that kopitiam can be found in places such as the Riau Islands, Bangka Belitung, Pekanbaru, Bandar Lampung, and Medan.
Not only in Sumatra and Riau, kopitiam is also quite familiar in Kalimantan. In 1930, the first kopitiam was established in Singkawang, followed by Pontianak in 1958. Of course, the kopitiam in Singkawang is the oldest kopitiam in Singkawang under the name Kopi Nikmat, while the kopitiam in Pontianak founded by Asiang is popular to this day.
The difference between Malaysian and Singaporean Kopitiam
While both are traditional coffee shops, there are differences between Malaysian and Singaporean kopitiams. In Malaysia, kopitiam is a term for a Chinese coffee shop that offers Chinese-Malaysian dishes. Unlike the Malaysian kopitiam, in Singapore the kopitiam is more like a food court.
The Malaysian kopitiam concept has inspired by many modern kopitiams with a fast-casual concept and offering local coffee and lower prices. Not only breakfast menus, these modern kopitiams usually offer lunch and dinner menus. Singapore’s own kopitiam mostly sells coffee, tea and breakfast dishes like a traditional kopitiam.
Difference between Kopitiam and Coffee Shop
Although there are many modern kopitiams, a kopitiam is still different from a coffee shop. The main difference between a kopitiam and a coffee shop lies in the coffee-making equipment.
While most coffee shops rely on modern machines, traditional-style kopitiams use coffee pots and filters. Generally, these teapots are large with a long neck while a traditional strainer is used to filter the coffee grounds.
Not only are the coffee-making tools, the naming of the coffee used is also different. Uniquely, kopitiams have menus that are common to all kopitiams but not found in modern coffee shops. For example, coffee o for black coffee with sugar, yuan for coffee with tea, and other coffee names.
The next unique feature is the side dishes. Kopitiam is famous for its iconic side dish of toast with crimson jam. Generally at coffee shops, the side dishes offered are more diverse ranging from bread to dessert. Even coffee shops also serve a lot of western and local-style heavy food menus.
The key difference lies in the coffee maker. In most coffee shops, trained baristas craft a variety of coffee offerings. However, in kopitiams, the coffee maker is typically the owner, who uses self-taught, time-honored recipes.
Apparently, a kopitiam is not just your average coffee shop! Its simple yet traditional food and coffee offerings are what set it apart.
Well, are you interested in trying the menu at a kopitiam, or are you already familiar with it?
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