Kopitiam's are the traditional coffee shops / breakfast cafes of Southeast Asia and a good way to start a Singapore morning.
Kopi translates as coffee, and the Kopi style of coffee offered in Singapore is the country's morning drink equivalent to the Milk Tea found in Hong Kong, although Kopi is black coffee based with sugar and butter additives. The additives make it a much sweeter drink than traditional coffee and it still serves the purpose of a morning, caffeine pick-me-up.
Tiam translates as shop, providing an indication of a broader menu beyond the coffee style drink. The standard breakfast dish is Kaya Toast, a distinct morning option in Southeast Asia. Kaya, is a coconut based jam, spread heavily on pieces of toast or a roll. Other ingredients may include eggs and butter. Kaya, combined with Kopi, makes for an unusually sweet breakfast combination.
Over the years, successful Kopitiams have opened and expanded across Singapore with the most popular chains reaching as far away as Hong Kong. The chains offer convenience and accessibility, however, there's a few old-school cafes throughout Singapore that are worth venturing to for an early morning meal. Below is a summary and photos of the places I've tried.
Kopi translates as coffee, and the Kopi style of coffee offered in Singapore is the country's morning drink equivalent to the Milk Tea found in Hong Kong, although Kopi is black coffee based with sugar and butter additives. The additives make it a much sweeter drink than traditional coffee and it still serves the purpose of a morning, caffeine pick-me-up.
Tiam translates as shop, providing an indication of a broader menu beyond the coffee style drink. The standard breakfast dish is Kaya Toast, a distinct morning option in Southeast Asia. Kaya, is a coconut based jam, spread heavily on pieces of toast or a roll. Other ingredients may include eggs and butter. Kaya, combined with Kopi, makes for an unusually sweet breakfast combination.
Over the years, successful Kopitiams have opened and expanded across Singapore with the most popular chains reaching as far away as Hong Kong. The chains offer convenience and accessibility, however, there's a few old-school cafes throughout Singapore that are worth venturing to for an early morning meal. Below is a summary and photos of the places I've tried.
KILLINEY KOPITIAM - 67 KILLINEY RD.
It's a chain but if you're in Singapore you may as well visit the original location at 67 Killiney. On a first visit you have to go with the very sweet combo of kaya toast and kopi although there's a few other breakfast and lunch options. Five minute walk from the Somerset MTR.
It's a chain but if you're in Singapore you may as well visit the original location at 67 Killiney. On a first visit you have to go with the very sweet combo of kaya toast and kopi although there's a few other breakfast and lunch options. Five minute walk from the Somerset MTR.
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CHIN MEE CHIN CONFECTIONARY - 240 EAST COAST ROAD
One of the remaining "old-school" Kopitiams with white and blue tiled walls. The wait staff seems as though they've been working here since the place was last remodeled in the 1960s - they're also a bit slow with the service. Reachable via several bus lines and afterwards the Katong neighborhood has some sites.
One of the remaining "old-school" Kopitiams with white and blue tiled walls. The wait staff seems as though they've been working here since the place was last remodeled in the 1960s - they're also a bit slow with the service. Reachable via several bus lines and afterwards the Katong neighborhood has some sites.
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TONG AH KOPITIAM - 35 KEONG SAIK ROAD
Another old school Kopitiam (although supposedly in a newer location), more slow service. They cook the toast, boil the eggs, and pour the coffee at the front of the shop making the entire process visible. Combine that with the location removed from the tourist drag in Chinatown and you have a good place of a morning meal.
Another old school Kopitiam (although supposedly in a newer location), more slow service. They cook the toast, boil the eggs, and pour the coffee at the front of the shop making the entire process visible. Combine that with the location removed from the tourist drag in Chinatown and you have a good place of a morning meal.
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YA KUN KAYA TOAST - VARIOUS LOCATIONS
One of the most expansive of Singapore's chain kopitiams (they can even be found in Hong Kong), Ya Kun Kaya Toast offers all the basics in a more commercialized setting. The prices are a little higher ($4.80 SGD for kaya toast and Kopitiam) but this doesn't seem to dissuade 50 plus sets from hanging out.
One of the most expansive of Singapore's chain kopitiams (they can even be found in Hong Kong), Ya Kun Kaya Toast offers all the basics in a more commercialized setting. The prices are a little higher ($4.80 SGD for kaya toast and Kopitiam) but this doesn't seem to dissuade 50 plus sets from hanging out.
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