How to Order Coffee in Singapore: A Funny Expat Experience
Ordering coffee in Singapore can be a hilarious adventure for an expat. From "kopi" to "kopi-C kosong," let’s explore the unique coffee culture in this vibrant city.
My First Morning Coffee in Singapore
My first thought on my first day in Singapore was, "How the hell do you order coffee in this country?" I stepped into a bustling hawker center, the aromas of various dishes wafting through the air, and all I wanted was a simple cup of coffee.
I approached a coffee stall and asked for a coffee. The hawker, with a knowing smile, asked, “Kopi?” I nodded, thinking I had understood the local lingo. But when I took a sip, it was far too sweet and creamy for my taste. Little did I know, I had just ordered "kopi," which is coffee with sweetened condensed milk.
Determined to get it right, I tried again the next day. “Kopi-O,” I said confidently. This time, it was black coffee with sugar – closer, but still too sweet. My next attempt was “Kopi-C,” which is coffee with evaporated milk and sugar. I was getting warmer, but it wasn’t quite what I was used to.
Finally, after some trial and error, I discovered the magic words: “Kopi-C Kosong.” Coffee with evaporated milk and no sugar – perfection! It took a while, but I had mastered the art of ordering my morning brew in Singapore.
The Runny Eggs Challenge
The next challenge was the runny eggs. At first, the sight of the semi-liquid yolks made me cringe. Were they supposed to be that runny? But over a few months, I grew to love them. They became an essential part of my breakfast routine, especially when paired with kaya toast and kopi.
When my brother visited, I forgot to warn him about the eggs. He took one look at his plate and complained loudly in the restaurant. The Singaporean response was classic: “This is how we eat it here, lah. You try first, then you know.”
Exploring Breakfasts Around the World
Breakfast in Singapore is a fascinating experience, rich with flavors and customs that might seem unusual at first but become beloved over time. During one of our lessons at Start English, we discussed various breakfast traditions globally. Here are a few highlights:
South Korea: A traditional breakfast includes rice, soup, grilled fish, vegetables, and kimchi. Due to busy lifestyles, many Koreans now opt for quicker options like cereal or toast.
Bulgaria: Breakfast often features tea or strong coffee, sesame bread with butter, sheep’s milk cheese, honey, olives, boiled eggs, and kiselo mlyako (yogurt). The local yogurt is believed to contribute to the longevity of many Bulgarians.
Costa Rica: Gallo pinto, a mix of fried rice and black beans, is a popular breakfast, served with fried plantain, cream, fried eggs, and strong local coffee or agua dulce (sugar cane juice).
Egypt: Street stalls sell foul medammes—beans cooked with tomatoes and onions, topped with a boiled egg and served with flatbread. For many, this is their only meal until dinner.
Ireland: The traditional Irish breakfast, although less common now, includes bacon, black and white pudding, fried eggs, mushrooms, and toast, accompanied by strong Irish tea.
Join Us at Start English
Curious about more Singaporean breakfasts? Join our next lesson at Start English to dive deeper into local food culture. Looking for a friendly expat English learning community? Come join us!
You can book a free trial here. Download our app for more information:
Follow us on Instagram for more updates and cultural insights. Let's make learning English a fun and flavorful experience together!
Comments