Kopitiam

Definition
Hokkien term for Coffee Shop


 * Kopi: Coffee
 * Tiam: (hokkien) Shop

Description and History
Traditional kopitiams have marble-top wooden-base tables, and wooden chairs. They are usually found on the ground-level of two-storey shophouses.

Modern-day kopitiams are also known as food courts, and are usually located in shopping centres, and serve a variety of international fare.

Kopitiam Lingo
Traditional kopitiams have a variety of lingo which vary from place to place. A non-exhaustive list of commonly-used terms follows:

Drinks

 * Kopi: Coffee
 * Teh: Tea, usually prepared with tea-dust, does not come in a tea-bag
 * Diao Her: (hokkien for Fishing) Tea, the tea-bag variety (usually Lipton or Rickshaw brand)
 * Tak Kiu: (hokkien for Kicking Ball) Milo
 * Hor-lick: Horlicks
 * A Hua Tien: Ovaltine
 * Shi-Pee: Sprite

Customization (for Coffee, Tea, and other hot drinks)

 * Kosong (Melayu for Zero): No sugar
 * Siu Dai (Cantonese): Less sugar
 * Kar Dai (Cantonese): More sugar
 * See: Carnation Evaporated Milk
 * Oh: No milk
 * Tid Lok (Hokkien for straight down): Super strong coffee (without the addition of water)
 * Peng (Hokkien): With ice
 * Pau (Hokkien for packet): Take-away