If you’ve ever stepped into a hawker centre or kopitiam and heard someone shout “Kopi-C kosong, dabao!”, you might’ve done a double take and thought—wait, what language is that? Welcome to Singapore’s unique coffee scene, where ordering a cup of joe is practically an art form in itself.
As a local barista, I’ve worked both in specialty cafés and the classic kopitiam (coffee shop), and let me tell you, there’s something truly special about the way Singaporeans order their coffee. It’s fast, efficient, full of character, and reflects our blend of cultures.
Whether you’re new in town, visiting for a few days, or even a local who’s never really understood all the kopi terms, here’s your complete guide to the different ways to order coffee in Singapore—and how to sound like a pro while doing it.
First, What Is “Kopi”?
In Singapore, kopi refers to traditional coffee brewed using a cloth strainer, often with robusta beans roasted with sugar and margarine. This gives it a thicker, more bitter body—perfect for mixing with condensed or evaporated milk.
Kopi is served in kopitiams, our version of old-school coffee shops found in hawker centres or housing estates. It’s affordable, strong, and always comes with its own language of ordering.
On the other hand, we also have Western-style cafés serving espresso-based drinks like lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos—just like anywhere else in the world.
Let’s break down how to navigate both worlds.
1. The Kopitiam Lingo: How to Order Like a True Local
Here’s where the fun starts. Instead of just “coffee with milk” or “black coffee,” you’ll hear unique combinations of terms in Malay and Chinese dialects. Each part of your order means something.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common kopi terms:
| Order | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Kopi | Coffee with sweetened condensed milk |
| Kopi-O | Black coffee with sugar |
| Kopi-C | Coffee with evaporated milk and sugar |
| Kopi kosong | Coffee without sugar (can be with milk or black) |
| Kopi-O kosong | Black coffee, no sugar |
| Kopi-C kosong | Evaporated milk, no sugar |
| Kopi siew dai | Less sugar |
| Kopi gao | Extra strong |
| Kopi po | More diluted |
| Kopi peng | Iced coffee |
| Dabao | Takeaway (served in plastic bags or cups) |
So if someone says, “Kopi-O peng siew dai,” they want an iced black coffee with less sugar. Efficient, right?
Pro tip: You can add “gao” to anything if you like it strong and “po” if you prefer it lighter. And yes, there’s also teh (tea) in similar styles!
2. Specialty Café Lingo in Singapore
While kopitiams rule the heartlands, Singapore’s café scene has exploded in recent years. Here, you’ll find third-wave cafés serving artisan espresso, single origin brews, and beautiful latte art.
When ordering in a café, things are more in line with international norms, but you’ll notice locals often:
- Ask for less ice in their iced lattes (we really like our milk!)
- Use “flat white” more often than “latte” because it has a slightly stronger coffee flavor
- Prefer oat or soy milk over dairy, especially at brunch cafés
- Order long blacks instead of Americanos (yup, we like it bold)
You might also come across café chains like Starbucks or PPP Coffee, which blend local and global coffee culture in their own way. Don’t be surprised if you see kopi-inspired lattes on their seasonal menus!
3. Popular Kopi Combos You Should Try
If you’re not sure what to order, here are some must-try kopi orders that locals swear by:
- Kopi peng – Our iced coffee: strong, milky, sweet, and refreshing in Singapore’s heat.
- Kopi-C siew dai – For a smoother, less sweet option with that familiar roasted edge.
- Kopi-O kosong gao – If you love your coffee strong, black, and unsweetened. This one wakes you up.
- Yuan Yang – A magical mix of coffee and tea. Sounds strange, but it works. A uniquely Singaporean pick-me-up.
- Kopi-C kosong peng – Iced coffee with evaporated milk, no sugar—great for those watching sugar intake but still want some creaminess.
4. The Culture Behind the Cup
Ordering coffee in Singapore is really more than just a morning routine. It’s part of daily life and identity. Uncles (older gentlemen) reading their newspapers with a kopi-O in hand, students grabbing a kopi peng between lectures, aunties chit-chatting over a warm kopi-C siew dai.
There’s also a ritual to the order. You don’t just say what you want; you say it with rhythm. And when the drink arrives, you stir, tap the spoon on the saucer, and maybe dunk a kaya toast if you’re feeling classic.
5. Modern Takes: Where East Meets West
Some modern cafés are bringing kopi culture into the third-wave spotlight. Cafés like Nylon Coffee Roasters, Kopi More, and Ollie Café have started offering blends that respect local flavours while using specialty brewing techniques.
You’ll find drinks like:
- Kopi latte – A café-style latte made with robusta beans and condensed milk.
- Gula melaka cold brew – Cold brew sweetened with palm sugar for a distinctly Southeast Asian twist.
- Kopi butter brew – Think bulletproof coffee, but the kopi version.
These blends blur the lines between old and new, East and West—and they show just how innovative Singapore’s coffee culture is becoming.
6. Ordering Etiquette and Tips
If you’re new to ordering kopi or café drinks in Singapore, here are a few friendly tips:
- Be specific – Kopi orders are all about customisation. Don’t be shy.
- Don’t expect latte art at a kopitiam – You’re here for the taste and vibe, not the foam swan.
- Bring cash – Most kopitiams are cash-based, while cafés accept cards and PayNow.
- Use Singlish if you’re comfortable – Locals will appreciate the effort. A “kopi peng siew dai dabao, uncle!” always gets a smile.
Final Sip: It’s More Than Just Coffee
In Singapore, coffee isn’t just about caffeine. It’s about connection, culture, and community. Whether you’re sipping kopi at a hawker centre or enjoying a hand-poured single origin in a quiet café, you’re tasting a little bit of the city’s heart in every cup.
So the next time you’re in town, try ordering a kopi-C peng or venture into a local café to try a gula melaka flat white. You might just find your new favourite brew—and learn a little Singlish while you’re at it.
Looking for café reviews, brewing guides, and more kopi content?
Bookmark kopiguide.com for barista-written insights straight from Singapore’s café scene.
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