Singapore is a city known for its vibrant coffee and tea culture. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a newcomer, mastering the art of ordering local beverages at a Kopitiam (traditional coffee shop) is essential. Not only does it allow you to indulge in the rich flavours of the region, but it also presents money-saving opportunities.
In this guide, we will walk you through the various ways to order coffee and tea like a local in Singapore, helping you blend in seamlessly with the bustling coffee scene.
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Kopi
Start with the classic hot coffee with condensed milk.
Kopi C
Enjoy hot coffee with evaporated milk and sugar.
Kopi O
Indulge in black coffee without milk but with sugar.
Kopi O Kosong
Prefer your black coffee without milk or sugar? This is for you.
Kopi Siew Dai
For a less sweet option, go for hot coffee with reduced sugar.
Kopi O Siew Dai
Choose black coffee without milk but with less sugar.
Kopi Gah Dai
Craving sweetness? Opt for hot coffee with condensed milk and extra sugar.
Kopi Gao
If you like your coffee strong, enjoy hot coffee with condensed milk, sugar, and an extra dose of coffee powder.
Kopi O Gao
Get your fix of strong black coffee with sugar and an extra kick of coffee powder.
Kopi Po
If you prefer weaker coffee, go for hot coffee with condensed milk, sugar, and less coffee powder.
Kopi Di Lo
Choose extra thick hot coffee without water for a robust and intense flavour.
Kopi Gu You
Give your coffee a unique twist with a bit of butter inside. It’s surprisingly delicious!
Kopi Ka Koi Nrng
Dare to be adventurous with hot coffee infused with an egg. Only for the brave!
Kopi Pua Sio
Experience black coffee with a touch of room-temperature water.
Kopi Peng
Quench your thirst with iced coffee made with condensed milk.
Yuan Yang
Combine the best of both worlds with a delightful blend of coffee and tea for an extra caffeine kick.
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Teh
Begin with hot tea infused with condensed milk and sugar.
Teh C
Enjoy hot tea with evaporated milk and sugar.
Teh O
Opt for hot tea without milk but with sugar.
Teh O Kosong
Prefer your hot tea without milk or sugar? This is the choice for you.
Teh Siew Dai
For a less sweet option, select hot tea with reduced sugar.
Teh Tarik
Experience the art of pulled hot tea with condensed milk and sugar, often served at Indian or Malay stalls.
Teh O Tarik
Savour the pulled hot tea with only sugar.
Teh Halia
Delight in pulled hot tea with condensed milk, sugar, and the added warmth of ginger; great for digestion.
Teh Cino
Indulge in a unique blend of condensed milk, water, and pulled hot tea to create a refreshing cup.
Teh Ice Limau
Quench your thirst with the popular ice lemon tea, also known as Clementi, due to its rhyming names.
For the little ones, Milo is a favourite choice.
Although Milo trucks may no longer roam the streets, you can still enjoy these delightful Milo variations:
Milo Kosong
A simple and delicious option without milk and sugar.
Milo Dinosaur
Treat the kids to an icy delight by adding ice, condensed milk, sugar, and a sprinkle of Milo powder.
Milo Godzilla
Indulge in the ultimate Milo experience with ice, condensed milk, sugar, a scoop of ice cream, and delightful toppings.
Takeaways
Now that you have a comprehensive guide to ordering coffee, tea, and Milo like a local in Singapore, you can confidently navigate the diverse menu options at Kopitiams.
Embrace the flavours of Singaporean beverages while saving money and immersing yourself in the local culture.
Whether you prefer a classic kopi or a refreshing Teh Ice Limau, there’s something for everyone.
So, step into a Kopitiam, order like a local, and savour Singapore’s unique and delicious drinks. Cheers to your next cup of teh c!
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