Kopitiam has become a trendy place for various groups to enjoy coffee and relax. Discover the reasons below. Scroll down...
Photo by Jonas Jacobsson on Unsplash
Lately, culinary destinations reminiscent of old Chinatowns have emerged, called Kopitiams. These establishments have oriental-themed branding and decorations, creating a cozy atmosphere. They offer menus inspired by the Kopitiam tradition of Chinese immigrants.
The concept of a Kopitiam restaurant can be traced back to the 1800s in Malaysia, following the migration of Hainanese people from Hainan Island, China. Chinese migrants who spoke Cantonese, Teochew, and Hokkien settled in Malaysia to trade, farm, and work in mining. Hainanese people also came to Malaysia with similar goals, and some decided to buy properties and open small restaurants throughout the country.
According to a discussion by academic Gaik Cheng Koo in "Kopitiam: Discursive Cosmopolitan Spaces and National Identity in Malaysian Culture and Media," Kopitiam owners in Malaysia used to rent out part of the shop space to food vendors. However, drinks were the owner's monopoly.
A similar phenomenon occurred in Singapore when Chinese immigrants started working on British ships or in European households, leading to cultural mixing. This gave rise to a new culinary movement called Kopitiam, which was born from adapting Western-style breakfast combined with local customs.
Kopitiam has become an affordable dining option in Singapore. Visitors often relax, play chess, and sip coffee in Kopitiam.
Moving to Indonesia, Kopitiam shows a strong influence from neighboring countries. In Malaysian islands like Bangka Belitung and Riau, numerous coffee shops owned by Chinese individuals have emerged.
Kopitiams, an old-style coffee shop, has recently become popular after being established on islands outside Java. This revival is attributed to its nostalgic branding, traditional Chinese decor, and old-house layouts. Is there growing interest in Kopitiam as the coffee trend gradually subsides?
1. A taste that is familiar to the tongue.
The main offerings at a kopitiam typically include coffee, toast, and half-cooked eggs. In addition, Kopitiam often features a variety of Indonesian, Chinese, and Malay fusion dishes. These establishments showcase flavors from these three countries that appeal to Indonesian palates, encouraging people to be more adventurous and explore the diverse offerings found in Kopitiam.
2. Simplicity and family.
Not only does the Kopitiam evoke a sense of nostalgia, but its cozy interior also makes people feel at home and encourages long conversations. The simplicity and warm, family-like atmosphere add to its charm, creating a friendly vibe closely associated with the Kopitiam.
3. Coffee that anyone can accept
The coffee in the Kopitiam may not be artisan or specialty, but it is as simple as its nostalgic ambiance. Typically, Kopitiam uses the Arabica variety, which is readily available and well-known. What sets it apart is that many kopitiam roast the coffee beans with sugar and butter in a hot pan before brewing to achieve the distinctive taste of kopitiam coffee. Despite starting with this basic coffee brew, Kopitiam offers a diverse menu, including black coffee, milk coffee, and iced coffee.
Kopitiam's popularity shows that Indonesia's culinary scene is constantly evolving and rich with nostalgia. These two elements work together to create a diverse culinary landscape deeply intertwined with the daily lives of the Indonesian people.