Before cafes, there were kopitiams – which come with a language of their own! If you’ve ever stood at a hawker stall wondering what on earth kopi C peng siew dai means, this one’s for you! In this episode, Syaz and Andrina spill the teh (tea) on how to order coffee and tea like a true local in Singapore. From kopi O kosong (think, rich Americano) and teh tarik (pulled milk tea) to special concoctions like yuan yang (tea and coffee) and everything in between, they break down the lingo and share tips for your next kopi session. In true ‘kopitiam talk’ spirit, they even share a few hilarious “Mini Mouth Moments” from their kids. Tune in and learn to caffeinate the local way. You might just find your next favourite drink that’s not a strawberry matcha! 

Time codes:

1: 06 - Kopi siew dai

1: 44 - Kopi C peng

2: 07 - Back to basics of kopi and teh

2: 15 -  Kopi O

2: 20 - Kopi C

2: 25 - Kopi

2: 34 - Teh

2: 41 - Teh O

2: 47 - Teh C

3: 26 - Teh Tarik

3: 53 - What to expect at different drink stalls

4: 18 - Yuan Yang

4: 50 - Kopi C peng siew dai gao

5: 25 - Kopi ti lo

6: 11 - Kopitiam culture 

7: 52 - Mini Mouth Moment of the Week

Don’t forget to check our full guide to Ordering coffee and tea like a local in Singapore.

Featured voices

• Syazana Hishamuddin, Editor, HoneyKids Asia and mother of three.
• Andrina Loo, lifestyle writer at HoneyKids Asia and mother of one.

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