Lemonade PostAug 2016 The FIRST-EVER ISSUE! SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORT INDUSTRY In a nutshell Explore SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS
Have you Heard of KOPI? TOP 5 MUST-TRY HAWKER FOOD Eat & drink like a local!
CONTENTS Lemonade Post Editorial Editor Koh Han Jun Contributor Timothy Yeung
Art Direction Creative Direction Koh Han Jun Photography Timothy Yeung Cover Adrian Yeap
Advertising [email protected]
Publisher Yeap Transport Pte Ltd 3 Ang Mo Kio Street 62 #08-04 Link@AMK Singapore 569139 Co Regn. No. 200301353E 4 CEO’S MESSAGE
It’s our rst issue! 13 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
Singapore Co ee INDUSTRY UPDATES What you need to know 5 about kopi
The school bus industry in Singapore
6 EXPLORE 17 TOP 5
Map of Singapore Eat Like a Local! A list of attractions at a glance Top 5 must-try hawker food
12 RECREATIONS
Singapore Botanic Gardens Guiding you through one of the city’s most enthralling attractions
3 Dear Readers,
Over the past 30 years, there's been a growth CEO’s in the number of families relocating to Singapore for work. In that time, some of the long-time customers have become my Message mentors, while many familiar faces are now dear friends of mine. I am delighted to know that many of them are keen to explore Singapore with their family members, who tend to be in South East Asia for the rst time.
Through my conversations with my customers, I get to share more about Singapore. Unfortunately, short exchanges like these would not be able to cover what this vibrant city truly o ers. This is one of the reasons why I decided to put together this magazine with the help of my team, to allow us to e ectively communicate industry updates, spread latest happenings, as well to ignite the local spirit!
I hope that you will enjoy this maiden issue of the Lemonade Post. I believe you will be inspired to explore what makes us uniquely Singapore, experience rst hand our cultures, and discover its hidden treasures together with your loved ones. Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to our very small but very hardworking editorial team. Enjoy!
Best Wishes,
Adrian Yeap CEO Yeap Transport Pte Ltd INDUSTRY UPDATES
School Bus Transport in Singapore By Timothy Yeung
The transportation industry in the land-scarce Moreover, Singapore has grown to become a Singapore has always been tough. In major cities like world-class city over the years, with the costs of Shanghai and New York, road congestion is an living matching up to it. Salaries have raised ongoing problem and a di cult issue to tackle. The steadily, which in-turn increases the overall cost of Singapore government has decided to tackle this business and its services. Vehicle insurance, fuel issue by controlling the number of vehicles on the taxes, as well as parts and labour for maintenance roads, and one way to do that is to make it less all contribute to the ever-rising costs of operations. a ordable for people to own private vehicles in Singapore. Certi cates of Entitlements (COE), Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) systems, heavy taxation on vehicles and fuel sales drive up the costs of private vehicle ownership.
Fortunately for the busing industry, the Singapore government only imposes a 5% tax on heavy vehicles upon its registration (Additional Registration Fee or ARF), as compared to private vehicles with taxes that School bus transportation service will always be could easily double or triple the cost of the vehicle here to stay - it is a safe and convenient way to itself! That said, school buses are still subjected to shuttle your child between school and home other costs. COE prices started to increase from an without a ecting your already busy schedule. In average of $2,500 in 2009, to a high of $76,000 in order to maintain an a ordable service to all 2013, a whopping 3040% increase. Currently, it is families despite the rising cost pressures, we always hovering around $50,000. This means the cost of aim to minimise the use of smaller buses. We have acquiring just the vehicle for the purpose of providing to work as a community and understand that school bus transport service has increased from 30% school bus service is not a direct service from to 80%, depending on the bid price of the COE. Only school to your home, but a service that caters to about 1 in 10 COEs are awarded to school bus many people living in and around your transport providers as construction and logistics rms neighbourhood. Using lesser small buses will not with higher nancial capabilities often outbid them. only reduce the environmental impact and ease Thus, school bus transport providers are constantly tra c congestion, it would also mean more facing the issue of limited school bus supply. a ordable school bus service for you. 5 Explore Singapore
2 3 1
4
5 12 13 6
7 8 10 11
9
1. Bukit Timah Hill 10. Chinatown SEE &DO 2. River Safari 11. Clarke Quay 3. Singapore Zoo 12. Orchard Road This small tropical island has 4. Night Safari 13. Little India much to o er despite its size. If 5. Singapore Botanic Gardens 14. Merlion you don’t know where to start, 6. Holland Village 15. Gardens by the Bay here’s a simple guide to point you 7. Jurong Bird Park 16. East Coast Park in the right direction. 8. Dempsey Hill 17. Changi Airport 9. Sentosa 18. Coney Island 6 MAP
GENERAL INFORMATION Weather Singapore’s climate is warm and humid, with the average 18 temperatures ranging between 28 to 32 deg C. However, while the world is experiencing the hottest year to date, tropical Singapore is unlikely to be a ected by the heatwave due 17 to the moderating e ect of surrounding seas. Instead, be prepared for rain at any time, which can be torrential, but 14 usually brief. 16 15 Safe Drinking Water Tap water is potable as water in Singapore passes the World Health Organization standards. Water coolers can be found in major tourist attractions. Alternatively, bottled water are easily available.
Tipping F&B establishments typically 1. Bukit Timah Hill 10. Chinatown add a standard 10% gratuity to 2. River Safari 11. Clarke Quay your bill. However, if you experience exceptionally good 3. Singapore Zoo 12. Orchard Road service, feel free to tip on top 4. Night Safari 13. Little India of the standard service charge. 5. Singapore Botanic Gardens 14. Merlion Useful Numbers 6. Holland Village 15. Gardens by the Bay 7. Jurong Bird Park 16. East Coast Park Police 999 Ambulance & Fire Brigade 8. Dempsey Hill 17. Changi Airport 995 (Emergency) 9. Sentosa 18. Coney Island 1777 (Non-emergency) 7 Origins The rst botanical garden in Singapore was set up on Government Hill, currently known as Fort Canning Hill where founder of Singapore, Sir Stamford Ra es once lived. Shortly after his arrival in 1819, Stamford Ra es had a garden set up beside his home where spices and trees he had brought along with him were planted. He eventually proposed to allocate a 19-hectare site Government Hill for the establishment of a botanic garden. Besides being a keen naturalist, Stamford Ra es’ interest to set up a botanical garden in Singapore was tied to the colonial Singapore tradition of developing such gardens for cultivation of economic crops, as well as for the research and preservation of native plants. Within 3 years, expansion Botanic Gardens plans for the garden led to the rise of spice industry in Singapore, making it the backbone of economy during that Horticultural Society in 1859. The time. Unfortunately after its peak, the government acquired the 23- By Koh Han Jun Photography by Timothy Yeung, Koh Han Jun gardens became unsustainable and had hectares plot of land in Tanglin to be closed in 1829. from businessman Hoo Ah Kay, A glimpse into the Gardens’ legacy known as Whampoa, to develop Established in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is the SBG at Tanglin the Gardens, and repositioned it as oldest garden in Singapore. Besides being an ornamental The present location of the Singapore a landscape ornamental garden and recreational garden, it was also a scienti c garden in its Botanic Gardens is established when and leisure park. early years. interest in setting up a botanic garden sprang up for the third time by an Agri The Gardens’ initial development Over 150 years old and spread across 82-hectares, the was spearheaded by the rst Gardens possess an array of botanical and horticultural superintendent, Lawrence Niven. attractions with a rich history and a wonderful plant He adopted English garden as the collection of worldwide signi cance. As of January 2014, standard gardening style, and the Gardens has 36,400 living plant accessions, 6,544 many distinctive features and species and 44 heritage trees, some of which are more than landmarks still remains today were a hundred years old. The herbarium contains 750,000 created during his tenure. specimens, which includes 8,000 are type specimens, and a library that holds over 28,500 volumes that include books, In 1874, the colonial government journals and unpublished materials. took over the management of the Gardens, and conceded a more Today, the Gardens is considered one of the most scienti c and economic role for it. important centres for plant taxonomy and biodiversity research in the region, apart from being a recreational and Towards the end of the 19th educational attraction. It is also the rst UNESCO (United century, the Gardens even had a Nations Educational, Scienti c and Cultural Organization) miniature zoo that housed around World Heritage Site in Singapore. 150 animals at its peak. 8 RECREATIONS Singapore Botanic Gardens
Origins The rst botanical garden in Singapore was set up on Government Hill, currently known as Fort Canning Hill where founder of Singapore, Sir Stamford Ra es once lived. Shortly after his arrival in 1819, Stamford Ra es had a garden set up beside his home where spices and trees he had brought along with him were planted. He eventually proposed to allocate a 19-hectare site Government Hill for the establishment of a botanic garden. Besides being a keen naturalist, Stamford Ra es’ interest to set up a botanical garden in Singapore was tied to the colonial tradition of developing such gardens for cultivation of economic crops, as well as for the research and preservation of native plants. Within 3 years, expansion plans for the garden led to the rise of spice industry in Singapore, making it (Top) The Bandstand, an iconic the backbone of economy during that landmark of the Gardens Horticultural Society in 1859. The
time. Unfortunately after its peak, the (Below) A bronze sundial as the government acquired the 23- gardens became unsustainable and had centrepiece of the garden to show hectares plot of land in Tanglin how the ancients used to keep track to be closed in 1829. of time from businessman Hoo Ah Kay, known as Whampoa, to develop Established in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is the SBG at Tanglin the Gardens, and repositioned it as oldest garden in Singapore. Besides being an ornamental The present location of the Singapore a landscape ornamental garden and recreational garden, it was also a scienti c garden in its Botanic Gardens is established when and leisure park. early years. interest in setting up a botanic garden sprang up for the third time by an Agri The Gardens’ initial development Over 150 years old and spread across 82-hectares, the was spearheaded by the rst Gardens possess an array of botanical and horticultural superintendent, Lawrence Niven. attractions with a rich history and a wonderful plant He adopted English garden as the collection of worldwide signi cance. As of January 2014, standard gardening style, and the Gardens has 36,400 living plant accessions, 6,544 many distinctive features and species and 44 heritage trees, some of which are more than landmarks still remains today were a hundred years old. The herbarium contains 750,000 created during his tenure. specimens, which includes 8,000 are type specimens, and a library that holds over 28,500 volumes that include books, In 1874, the colonial government journals and unpublished materials. took over the management of the Gardens, and conceded a more Today, the Gardens is considered one of the most scienti c and economic role for it. important centres for plant taxonomy and biodiversity research in the region, apart from being a recreational and Towards the end of the 19th educational attraction. It is also the rst UNESCO (United century, the Gardens even had a Nations Educational, Scienti c and Cultural Organization) miniature zoo that housed around World Heritage Site in Singapore. 150 animals at its peak. 9 Singapore Botanic Gardens RECREATIONS
Origins SBG after Independence The rst botanical garden in Singapore After Singapore gained its independence was set up on Government Hill, in 1965, Singapore Botanic Gardens currently known as Fort Canning Hill shifted its focus to provided botanical and where founder of Singapore, Sir horticultural support as Singapore move Stamford Ra es once lived. Shortly after towards the vision of becoming a “garden his arrival in 1819, Stamford Ra es had city”. To this end, the School of Ornamental a garden set up beside his home where Horticulture was opened to provide spices and trees he had brought along theoretical and practical horticultural with him were planted. He eventually training for public o cers and students. proposed to allocate a 19-hectare site Government Hill for the establishment The Gardens today of a botanic garden. Besides being a In 2015, Singapore received one of the best keen naturalist, Stamford Ra es’ Jubilee year gifts when the Singapore interest to set up a botanical garden in Botanic Gardens was awarded UNESCO Singapore was tied to the colonial World Heritage Site status. The 156-year-old tradition of developing such gardens for garden was inscribed at the 39th session of cultivation of economic crops, as well as the World Heritage Committee in Bonn, for the research and preservation of Germany, on July 4. The Gardens has been native plants. Within 3 years, expansion described as an "exceptional example of a plans for the garden led to the rise of British tropical colonial botanic garden in spice industry in Singapore, making it Southeast Asia". the backbone of economy during that Horticultural Society in 1859. The time. Unfortunately after its peak, the government acquired the 23- The Gardens today has been developed gardens became unsustainable and had hectares plot of land in Tanglin based on a 3-core concept, namely Tanglin, to be closed in 1829. from businessman Hoo Ah Kay, Central and Bukit Timah core. The Tanglin known as Whampoa, to develop core is the heart of the Gardens’ heritage Established in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is the SBG at Tanglin the Gardens, and repositioned it as and retains its charms with some of oldest oldest garden in Singapore. Besides being an ornamental The present location of the Singapore a landscape ornamental garden and signature landmarks of the historic and recreational garden, it was also a scienti c garden in its Botanic Gardens is established when and leisure park. attraction. These include the Swan Lake, the early years. interest in setting up a botanic garden Bandstand Hill, and of course, the Tanglin sprang up for the third time by an Agri The Gardens’ initial development entrance where the main gate stands. The Over 150 years old and spread across 82-hectares, the was spearheaded by the rst Central core, being the main tourist belt of Gardens possess an array of botanical and horticultural superintendent, Lawrence Niven. the Gardens, is where attractions such as attractions with a rich history and a wonderful plant He adopted English garden as the the National Orchid Garden and Symphony collection of worldwide signi cance. As of January 2014, standard gardening style, and Lake are situated. The Bukit Timah core is the Gardens has 36,400 living plant accessions, 6,544 many distinctive features and the educational and discovery zone. It species and 44 heritage trees, some of which are more than landmarks still remains today were encompasses the Jacob Ballas Children’s a hundred years old. The herbarium contains 750,000 created during his tenure. Garden, Eco-Lake, as well as gardens of specimens, which includes 8,000 are type specimens, and a herbs, spices, fruit trees and medicinal library that holds over 28,500 volumes that include books, In 1874, the colonial government plants. Most recently, a new Learning Forest journals and unpublished materials. took over the management of the core has been added. It is designed to Gardens, and conceded a more integrate into the Gardens’ existing Today, the Gardens is considered one of the most scienti c and economic role for it. rainforest to form an enlarged forest important centres for plant taxonomy and biodiversity habitat. More wildlife is expected to inhabit research in the region, apart from being a recreational and Towards the end of the 19th the space while the forest grows, educational attraction. It is also the rst UNESCO (United century, the Gardens even had a enhancing biodiversity in the area. There Nations Educational, Scienti c and Cultural Organization) miniature zoo that housed around are plans to open it progressively to the World Heritage Site in Singapore. 150 animals at its peak. public from 2016. RECREATIONS Singapore Botanic Gardens
Origins The rst botanical garden in Singapore was set up on Government Hill, currently known as Fort Canning Hill where founder of Singapore, Sir Stamford Ra es once lived. Shortly after his arrival in 1819, Stamford Ra es had a garden set up beside his home where spices and trees he had brought along with him were planted. He eventually proposed to allocate a 19-hectare site Government Hill for the establishment of a botanic garden. Besides being a keen naturalist, Stamford Ra es’ interest to set up a botanical garden in Singapore was tied to the colonial tradition of developing such gardens for cultivation of economic crops, as well as for the research and preservation of native plants. Within 3 years, expansion Visitor Information plans for the garden led to the rise of spice industry in Singapore, making it Vanda Miss Joaquim (above) Getting there by public transport the backbone of economy during that Horticultural Society in 1859. The Singapore’s national ower is cultivated right within the gardens. Orchid hybrid time. Unfortunately after its peak, the government acquired the 23- • Tanglin Gate (Napier Road) Vanda Miss Joaquim, was bred and chosen Bus: 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123, 174 gardens became unsustainable and had hectares plot of land in Tanglin to represent Singapore's uniqueness and Nearest MRT: Orchard to be closed in 1829. from businessman Hoo Ah Kay, hybrid culture. It gets its name from the lady known as Whampoa, to develop who found this hybrid orchid cultivation, and became the national ower of • Bukit Timah or Dunearn Road Established in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is the SBG at Tanglin the Gardens, and repositioned it as Singapore on April 15, 1981. Bus: 48, 66, 67, 151, 153, 154, oldest garden in Singapore. Besides being an ornamental The present location of the Singapore a landscape ornamental garden 156, 170, 171, 186 and recreational garden, it was also a scienti c garden in its Botanic Gardens is established when and leisure park. Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens early years. interest in setting up a botanic garden Park at sprang up for the third time by an Agri The Gardens’ initial development • Botany Garden (Tanglin Gate) Over 150 years old and spread across 82-hectares, the was spearheaded by the rst • Visitor Centre (Nassim Gate) Gardens possess an array of botanical and horticultural superintendent, Lawrence Niven. Things to do at Singapore Botanic Gardens • Eco Garden (Cluny Park Gate) attractions with a rich history and a wonderful plant He adopted English garden as the While the Gardens is a treasure-trove for nature lovers, it can also be • Ginger Garden (along Tyersall collection of worldwide signi cance. As of January 2014, standard gardening style, and a place for many fun- lled activities. If you are into botany, embark Avenue) the Gardens has 36,400 living plant accessions, 6,544 many distinctive features and on walking trails, or sign up for workshops to learn more about the Opening Hours species and 44 heritage trees, some of which are more than landmarks still remains today were array of plant collections. You can even learn how to cultivate your 5 a.m. to 12 midnight a hundred years old. The herbarium contains 750,000 created during his tenure. own orchids and have it named after you! The sports fanatics can opt specimens, which includes 8,000 are type specimens, and a for outdoor yoga classes or boot camps that are conducted at Prices library that holds over 28,500 volumes that include books, In 1874, the colonial government various parts of the Gardens. Tropical weather has encouraged active Free garden admission outdoor tness community to thrive at the Gardens almost all year National Orchid Garden: journals and unpublished materials. took over the management of the • Adult: $5 Gardens, and conceded a more round. Enjoy lungfuls of fresh air and feel revitalized within the lush • Children under 12 years: Free Today, the Gardens is considered one of the most scienti c and economic role for it. greenery of the Gardens. Fans of orchestra music can keep a look out important centres for plant taxonomy and biodiversity for free performance held regularly at the Symphony Stage. The research in the region, apart from being a recreational and Towards the end of the 19th crowds are always huge; so do head down early with your picnic For more information, check out the educational attraction. It is also the rst UNESCO (United century, the Gardens even had a baskets and mats to secure a good spot. If you are looking for a place o cial website at www.sbg.org.sg Nations Educational, Scienti c and Cultural Organization) miniature zoo that housed around to have a nice meal away from the city buzz, cafés and restaurants are World Heritage Site in Singapore. 150 animals at its peak. also available within the Gardens’ premises. 11 NEW - TION C ALL A ATTR
Big Dreams Start Here KidZania is an indoor kid-sized city where children can feel and work like adults through many different realistic role-play activities. Suitable for kids aged 4 and above, kids can choose the professions they wish to role- play, change into the uniform and start working! They
of KidZania, which can be used to pay for goods and services. So the more they work and earn, the more they can play! KidZaniaSingapore
Book your tickets at www.kidzania.com.sg Authorized Licensee of KidZania, S.A.P.I. de C.V. Uniquely Local Flavour
In a country where change and progression has been the only constant, majority of the co ee shops are keeping up with times and revamping themselves to keep the business going. However, here at Heap Seng Leong, the father and son team is determined to keep things the traditional way. Singapore Coffee CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
Old School Kopitiam Co ee Shop Lingo How to Decode the Terminology Stepping into this co ee shop will give In case you haven’t noticed, beverages in kopitiams Kopi (ko-pee) you a feel of how it is like back in the are typically ordered using the co ee shop lingo. Co ee in Malay language, which by default is served 70s and 80s. A wooden signage hangs Similar to Singlish, the co ee shop lingo is a result of with condensed milk at the entrance; the owner, who in his Singapore’s polyglot culture, comprising of Malay O (oh) late seventies now, clad in his Kopitiam language, Chinese dialects and English short forms. Short form for “black”. It rhymes with the word black signature white singlet and blue The terminology used in kopi-ordering is so unique in Hokkien dialect [ko-pee-ti-arm] pyjamas pants. Together with his son, that even some locals, especially the younger they serve traditional charcoal grilled generation, nds it confusing at times. C (see) toast, half-boiled eggs and co ee at The short form for Carnation, a common brand for very a ordable prices, and still uses evaporated milk. This brew is a bit less sweet than the By Koh Han Jun Photography by Timothy Yeung abacus instead of cash register. In fact, The co ee shop lingo also includes other localised default kopi the interior has not undergone any nicknames for various types of beverages. Examples In Singapore and many parts of South East Asia, the term kopitiam changes since 1974. of popular drinks at kopitiam include Michael Jackson, Kosong (ko-song) is a multilingual translation of "co ee shop". Long before co ee Dinosaur and Clementi (name of a place in It means empty or zero in Malay; essentially asking houses and cafés ourish in Singapore, co ee shops have been the This is one of the few nostalgic places Singapore). Try to make a guess what drinks do the for no sugar, no milk left in Singapore where people can place for people to socialize and unwind. It started out as a place nicknames stand for! Po (p’oh) nd a piece of the past to hold on to. If It means “thin” in Hokkien dialect; in other words, for labourers to recharge and have a drink or simple meal amidst you are keen to have an authentic old If you prefer tea to co ee, simply replace the word weaken the co ee by adding more water their long working hours. Co ee shops are the Starbucks- school kopitiam experience, do kopi with teh. The su xes in co ee names are Gao (gau) equivalent for the older generation. It is common to see retirees consider giving them a visit! modular and are mostly applicable in ordering the It means “thick” in Hokkien dialect; equivalent to local tea as well. Like kopi, teh by default is made with and housewives sitting around at co ee shops in the morning, chit Heap Seng Leong having double shot chatting or reading newspaper over their cuppa. Blk 10 North Bridge Road, #01-5109 sweetened condensed milk. Singapore 190010 Siu Dai (see-ew da’i) Opens from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Are you now ready to set yourself up for a challenge Less sweet and try the local co ee in all its di erent variants? If Gah Dai (gah da’i) The Singapore Kopi making process was given a twist so enhance the bean’s aroma by roasting you haven’t get the hang of it, fret not, we have Make it sweeter Singapore’s co ee drinking culture that it could be made available to the it using butter and sugar. Roasting prepared a visual guide on the next page to illustrate Peng (p’eng) is shaped by the early waves of masses, and Singapore’s kopi was caramelizes the beans and brings out to you the art of ordering kopi in Singapore. This means “iced” in Hokkien dialect immigrants from Europe and born. the avours of the co ee. The roasted China. When cultures and lifestyles co ee beans would be grounded and commingle, the Chinese immigrants Kopi vs. Co ee then coated onto the inside the who predominantly consume tea The main di erence in the making of “sock”. Next, co ee is extracted by were gradually inuenced by the kopi and traditional western co ee is pouring boiling water through the European habit of drinking co ee. the production cost. In the early days, “sock”. Finally, water and sweeteners Arabica beans that are commonly such as condensed milk, evaporated The traditional western co ee was used for Espresso were replaced by milk or sugar is added to the co ee initially an exclusive enjoyment for Robusta beans. It is a much more depending on the order. Since the expatriate families. However, a ordable option due to its Robusta beans tend to be very rich in being a multicultural society, the art adaptability to South East Asia’s avour, so some people prefer to of co ee making eventually spread growing condition. Despite Robusta’s smoothened the drink with outside of the western community. association with being beans of a sweetness and milk. Subsequently, the traditional co ee lower-quality, it turns out to be a perfect switch. Robusta have almost With these fundamental di erences, double the ca eine content of kopi has become what it is today. In Arabica, giving the ca eine rush that contrast to Espresso, it is cheaper and many locals prefer. requires less time and e ort to brew. With a di erent ltering technique, The brewing process was also given a the coarseness of the co ee powder revamp by the locals. Due to limited does not really a ect the taste of kopi. access to traditional brewing gears in Therefore, you may nd kopi tasting the early days, a new fabric “sock” stronger and more fragrant than your lter was introduced for kopi. normal serving of Espresso that is Additionally, co ee makers would smoother and more complex.
14 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE Singapore Coffee
Co ee Shop Lingo How to Decode the Terminology In case you haven’t noticed, beverages in kopitiams Kopi (ko-pee) are typically ordered using the co ee shop lingo. Co ee in Malay language, which by default is served Similar to Singlish, the co ee shop lingo is a result of with condensed milk Singapore’s polyglot culture, comprising of Malay O (oh) language, Chinese dialects and English short forms. Short form for “black”. It rhymes with the word black The terminology used in kopi-ordering is so unique in Hokkien dialect that even some locals, especially the younger generation, nds it confusing at times. C (see) The short form for Carnation, a common brand for The co ee shop lingo also includes other localised evaporated milk. This brew is a bit less sweet than the nicknames for various types of beverages. Examples default kopi In Singapore and many parts of South East Asia, the term kopitiam of popular drinks at kopitiam include Michael Jackson, Kosong (ko-song) is a multilingual translation of "co ee shop". Long before co ee Dinosaur and Clementi (name of a place in It means empty or zero in Malay; essentially asking houses and cafés ourish in Singapore, co ee shops have been the Singapore). Try to make a guess what drinks do the for no sugar, no milk place for people to socialize and unwind. It started out as a place nicknames stand for! Po (p’oh) for labourers to recharge and have a drink or simple meal amidst It means “thin” in Hokkien dialect; in other words, If you prefer tea to co ee, simply replace the word weaken the co ee by adding more water their long working hours. Co ee shops are the Starbucks- kopi with teh. The su xes in co ee names are Gao (gau) equivalent for the older generation. It is common to see retirees modular and are mostly applicable in ordering the It means “thick” in Hokkien dialect; equivalent to local tea as well. Like kopi, teh by default is made with and housewives sitting around at co ee shops in the morning, chit having double shot sweetened condensed milk. chatting or reading newspaper over their cuppa. Siu Dai (see-ew da’i) Are you now ready to set yourself up for a challenge Less sweet and try the local co ee in all its di erent variants? If Gah Dai (gah da’i) The Singapore Kopi making process was given a twist so you haven’t get the hang of it, fret not, we have Make it sweeter Singapore’s co ee drinking culture that it could be made available to the prepared a visual guide on the next page to illustrate Peng (p’eng) is shaped by the early waves of masses, and Singapore’s kopi was to you the art of ordering kopi in Singapore. This means “iced” in Hokkien dialect immigrants from Europe and born. China. When cultures and lifestyles commingle, the Chinese immigrants Kopi vs. Co ee who predominantly consume tea The main di erence in the making of were gradually inuenced by the kopi and traditional western co ee is European habit of drinking co ee. the production cost. In the early days, Arabica beans that are commonly The traditional western co ee was used for Espresso were replaced by Lemonade Post initially an exclusive enjoyment for Robusta beans. It is a much more Mailbox the expatriate families. However, a ordable option due to its being a multicultural society, the art adaptability to South East Asia’s of co ee making eventually spread growing condition. Despite Robusta’s Like our stories so far? outside of the western community. association with being beans of a Subsequently, the traditional co ee lower-quality, it turns out to be a perfect switch. Robusta have almost Let us know what you love, dislike or double the ca eine content of stories you wish to see in the upcoming Arabica, giving the ca eine rush that issue! Share with us your comments in many locals prefer. no more than 120 words at [email protected] The brewing process was also given a revamp by the locals. Due to limited access to traditional brewing gears in Please include you full name and a photo the early days, a new fabric “sock” of yourself. Selected entries may be lter was introduced for kopi. featured in our future issues. Additionally, co ee makers would A visual guide to Singapore kopi What's the difference between kopi-O and kopi-C? Subtle difference in the coffee names can be confusing. Know how to differentiate them at one glance with this glossary of common orders.
Kopi Kopi-C Kopi-O Coffee with condensed milk Coffee with evaporated Coffee with sugar, no milk milk and sugar Coffe strengt Coffe strengt Coffe strengt \\ \\ \\ Sweetnes Sweetnes Sweetnes \\ \ \
Kopi Siu Dai Kopi Ga Dai Kopi-O Kosong Coffee with less condensed Coffee with more condensed Coffee without milk and sugar milk milk Coffe strengt Coffe strengt \\ Coffe strengt \\ \\ Sweetnes Sweetnes \ Sweetnes \\\
Kopi Gao Kopi Po Kopi Peng Coffee with condensed milk, Coffee with condensed milk, Iced coffee with condensed milk double shot more water Coffe strengt Coffe strengt \\\ Coffe strengt \ \\ Sweetnes Sweetnes \ Sweetnes \ \\ TOP FIVE Must try Eat Like a Local Top ve must-try hawker food Here are some of the locals’ popular choices you can nd at your nearby kopitiams
By Koh Han Jun Hainanese Chicken Rice
You can call it Singapore’s signature dish or even the national dish. It is so ubiquitous that co ee shops in Singapore would be incomplete without a chicken rice stall. This dish is an adaptation from Hainan, China, by early Chinese immigrants. The uniqueness of Singapore-style chicken rice lies with its avourful rice, commonly known as "oily rice", which is cooked in chicken stock, ginger, garlic and occasionally pandan leaves (also known as screwpine leaves) for added fragrance. Chicken is poached or roasted, and is often accompanied by tangy chilli sauce made of chilli, ginger and garlic, and nally topped with some black soy sauce.
Rojak (Ro-jark)
Rojak is a Malay word used to describe something made from a random mix of unrelated things, but for Singaporeans it is a fruit salad that has an unexpected mixture of ingredients. Rojak sold by Chinese and Malays are made up of bite-size pieces of fruits, vegetables, dried tofu, fried dough fritters, and are tossed in fermented prawn paste sauce topped with crushed peanuts. Chilli and other ingredients are optional. The result is an appetising mix of sweet, spicy, sour and savoury avours.
“In the United States, we call ourselves a “melting pot” of di erent races, religions and creeds. In Singapore, it is rojak -- di erent parts united in a harmonious whole.” - President Barack Obama
Roti Prata (ro-tee prah-tar)
Roti means 'bread' in Malay, and prata or paratha means 'at' in Hindi language, so the name literally means at bread. Singaporeans tend to call it ‘prata’ in short. To make it, the dough is ipped multiple times into a large thin layer before the edges are folded in and fried on a large mental pan. Prata is served with sh or chicken curry, and some people like to sprinkle sugar with it. The most common option is to have it plain or with egg. Some places also ip the dough so thin it turns crispy when fried. These are called ‘paper’ or ‘tissue’ prata. However, many prata makers have gotten more creative with the variations, such as cheese, ice cream, chocolate and even durians. With its small serving size, prata can be a meal for any hour of the day. 17 Must try TOP FIVE
Fried Carrot Cake
Upon hearing Carrot Cake, you might think of the western dessert cake. However to most Singaporeans, it is a savoury dish made with eggs, preserved radish and white radish our cake, which resembles a ‘white carrot’. Its dialect name, Chye Tow Kueh, is a loose translation of "radish pastry". There are two version of the dish, namely the ‘black’ version, which is stir-fried cubes with black sweet soy sauce, and the crispy ‘white’ version with the cake fried on top of a beaten egg to create a fragrant crust over the chunks of cake.
Satay (sah-tay)
Satay is like the South East Asia’s version of kebab. Bite-size pieces of meat are marinated, skewered onto bamboo skewers and grilled. It is usually served with cucumber and onion chunks and a bowl of thick, sweet and spicy peanut sauce. A variety of meat can be used to make satay; it typically includes chicken, mutton, beef and even pork. You may choose to add on rice cakes, otherwise known as ketupat, at additional cost too. A good satay is tender and juicy with hints of that smoky avour from charcoal stove. It is best suited for occasions like pot luck or barbecues.
Lemonade Post For advertising opportunities, please contact us at [email protected]
For a digital copy of this issue, please visit http://yeaptpt.com/lemonadepost/