Singapore's rich tapestry of culinary delights includes a beloved beverage that is deeply rooted in its history and culture: traditional kopi. This unique coffee experience, found in bustling kopitiams (coffee shops) across the city, offers a taste of Singapore's heritage. Let's dive into the world of traditional Singapore coffee and explore some of the best spots to savour this iconic drink.
What Makes Traditional Kopi Unique?
Traditional Singapore coffee, or kopi, is distinct from Western-style coffee. It starts with Robusta beans, which are roasted with sugar and margarine, giving the coffee its signature caramelized flavour and robust body. The coffee is then brewed using a sock-like strainer, resulting in a rich and strong brew. Kopi is typically served with condensed milk or evaporated milk and sugar, but there are various ways to enjoy it, depending on your preference.
Kopi Terminology: A Quick Guide
Credit: Visit Singapore
Kopi: Coffee with condensed milk and sugar
Kopi-O: Black coffee with sugar
Kopi-C: Coffee with evaporated milk and sugar
Kopi Kosong: Black coffee without sugar
Kopi Peng: Iced coffee with condensed milk and sugar
Kopi-O Peng: Iced black coffee with sugar
Kopi-C Peng: Iced coffee with evaporated milk and sugar
Kopi Kosong Peng: Iced black coffee without sugar
Kopi Siew Dai: Coffee with condensed milk and less sugar
Kopi-O Siew Dai: Black coffee with less sugar
Kopi-C Siew Dai: Coffee with evaporated milk and less sugar
Kopi Kosong Siew Dai: Black coffee with very little sugar
Kopi Gao: Strong coffee with condensed milk and sugar
Kopi-O Gao: Strong black coffee with sugar
Kopi-C Gao: Strong coffee with evaporated milk and sugar
Kopi Kosong Gao: Strong black coffee without sugar
Kopi Po: Diluted coffee with condensed milk and sugar
Kopi-O Po: Diluted black coffee with sugar
Kopi-C Po: Diluted coffee with evaporated milk and sugar
Kopi Kosong Po: Diluted black coffee without sugar
Kopi Gu You: Coffee with condensed milk, sugar, and a pat of butter
Kopi-C Gu You: Coffee with evaporated milk, sugar, and a pat of butter
Kopi-O Kosong: Black coffee without milk or sugar
Kopi-O Kosong Peng: Iced black coffee without milk or sugar
Kopi-O Kosong Gao: Strong black coffee without milk or sugar
Comments