Shoot Diary: “Kopitiam”
Kopitiam – a traditional coffee shop found in many Southeast Asian countries – is a cultural staple. The word "kopi" comes from the Malay word for coffee, while "tiam" means shop in the Hokkien/Hakka dialect.
Koptiam – a traditional coffee shop found in many Southeast Asian countries – is a cultural staple. The word "kopi" comes from the Malay word for coffee, while "tiam" means shop in the Hokkien/Hakka dialect.
The menu is simple yet beloved, featuring items like half-boiled eggs, kaya toast (a sweet coconut jam spread), and a selection of hot drinks such as coffee, tea, and Milo.
But beyond the food and drink, the kopitiam serves as a hub for locals—workers, retirees, and anyone seeking a place to connect. It's where people gather over cups of coffee to chat about everything from the latest gossip and politics to TV dramas, sports, and food. The chatter fills the air, creating a lively, buzzing atmosphere that, despite the noise, injects life into the space.
Lately, I’ve been feeling homesick and longing to capture a piece of my culture that’s hard to find in the city where I live. So, I decided to recreate a local kopitiam scene right here in my studio—a little slice of home through my lens.
