Kopi tiam

Traditional kopitiam menus typically feature simple offerings: a variety of foods based on egg, toast, kaya, plus coffee, tea, Horlicks and Milo.

To offer the true kopitiam experience, modern kopitiams mostly offer authentic local coffee brews, charcoal grilled toast served with butter and kaya (a local version of jam made from coconut milk and eggs), and soft-boiled eggs.

Kopitiams in Singapore are commonly found in almost all residential areas as well as some industrial and business districts in the country, numbering about 2,000 in total.

Usually, in a typical kopitiam, the owner will either manage the tze char stall, which usually sells simple stir-fry dishes made to order, or the drinks stall which sells coffee, tea, soft drinks, and other beverages as well as breakfast items like kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and snacks.

[4] Some of the popular kopitiams in Singapore include Kim San Leng, Killiney & Tong Ah Eating House, or Ya Kun Kaya Toast.

"Coffee shop talk" is a phrase used to describe gossip because it is often a familiar sight at kopitiams where a group of workers or senior citizens would linger over cups of coffee and exchange news and comments on various topics including national politics, office politics, TV dramas, sports, and food.