Singapore’s vibrant kopitiam culture is the heartbeat of our mornings. Whether you are reaching for a no-frills Kopi-O-Kosong or indulging in a thick chocolatey iced Milo, our go-to beverages can vary according to our personal tastes.
These drinks reflect not just our preferences though, but also a range of prices that come with different ingredients.
We ranked some of our favourite morning beverages in Singapore, from the cheapest to the most expensive, and try to determine – if that’s possible at all – what it might reveal about you.
#1 Kopi-O-Kosong (Black Coffee, No Sugar) – $0.80 to $1.20
First on the list is the humblest Kopi-O-Kosong — loved for its bold flavour and reputation as a strong brew to kick start your mornings. Quite intuitively, Kopi-O-Kosong uses minimal ingredients comprising pure black coffee with no sugar or milk.
Found right at the top of most signboards in coffee shops across the island, it starts off at prices as low as $0.80 in the heartlands, and go up to S$1.20 in more central locations.
This simple and fuss free cup of coffee shows that you may enjoy straightforward solutions, whether it’s your morning brew, your office attire or your approach to challenges. This no-nonsense morning beverage can also be a reflection of an individual who values efficiency, quality and mastery of a single set of skill rather than being mediocre at many.
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#2 Teh-O (Black Tea With Sugar) – $1.00 to $1.20
Not a coffee person and you prefer things a little bit sweeter? The Teh-O is your comfort drink. While this beverage may feel “lighter” than coffee, it can still pack a punch to energise your morning.
Sibling to Kopi-O, Teh-O is consists of black tea with sugar. The The-O is a similarly low-frills drink and usually costs between $1.00 to $1.20.
Teh-O enthusiasts may veer towards being lighthearted – and prefer to keep their days less intense. The balance you enjoy in life, may flow outwards as you stay grounded and give the same advice to those feeling stressed. Just like the tea, you may have a way exuding warmth and soothing others.
#3 Kopi (Coffee With Condensed Milk And Sugar) – $1.20 to $1.50
For those who prefer drowning their caffeine in a side of creamy sweetness, Kopi with condensed milk is your poison.
At many hawker centres and kopitiams, this costs about $1.20 to $1.50. The added milk and sugar make it slightly pricier than the plain Kopi-O-Kosong, but for many Singaporeans, the creamy sweetness offers a worthy upgrade. Those who enjoy indulging in this drink but want to feel better choosing a less sinful option, Kopi Siew Dai (coffee with less sugar) is available at a similar price point.
Kopi-lovers are likely living for the little indulgences in life. You’re not afraid upgrade your life, especially if its to find pleasure in the simple things.
#4 Teh-C (Tea With Evaporated Milk) – $1.50 to $1.80
Teh-C is the slightly fancier cousin of Teh, thanks to the addition of evaporated instead of condensed milk. While it’s almost the same drink, it comes with a price bump of up to $1.50 to $1.80. The subtle flavor of evaporated milk makes for an equally creamy, smooth, and full flavored beverage, that’s a little fancier than the plain Teh.
Those who order Teh-C appreciate indulgences but are thoughtful enough to grounded their choices certain restraints in place. You know how to bring a little something special to even the simplest situations.
#5 Kopi-C (Coffee With Evaporated Milk) – $1.50 to $2.00
Just like Teh-C but with coffee, the Kopi-C is a upgraded version of the standard kopi. The use of evaporated milk instead of condensed milk makes it healthier and less sweet, but it also raises the price.
Spoiler alert: at popular chains like Ya Kun which might be more convenient location wise, expect to pay closer to the $2.00 mark for the beverage. Although you can still find it cheaper in hawker centres and coffee shops, where prices start around $1.50.
Kopi-C drinkers enjoy subtle luxuries — just like how they believe evaporated milk takes the edge off their coffee without drowning it in sweetness. While you appreciate tradition (that you drink coffee in the morning), you also value moderation in your indulgences.
#6 Kopi Peng (Iced Coffee With Condensed Milk) – $1.80 to $2.60
Kopi Peng is a well-known Singaporean answer to the sweaty morning commute. Iced and served with condensed milk, the Kopi Peng concoction comes at a starting cost of roughly $1.80 at hawker centres and coffee shops but can go up to $2.60 at food courts.
While some argue that the only difference to its hot beverage sibling, the Kopi, is just a few ice cubes, the extra cost may be justified in having to store ice and serving it in a different cup (whether in-store or takeaway) compared to more common hot drinks.
As a Kopi Peng fan, you enjoy refreshing escapes and are not afraid to fork out a little more for added comfort.
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#7 Teh Tarik (Pulled Tea) – $1.80 to $2.50
Next up, we have got Teh Tarik, or “pulled tea” Singapore’s very own milk tea with a twist—literally. Vendors often dramatically and skillfully “pull” the tea between containers to give it that signature froth. The theatrics result in rich, frothy taste do not come cheap as this local favorite is usually priced between $1.80 and $2.50.
One can argue that its price is attributable to the more complex preparation method rather than ingredients. But, if we’re being honest, sometimes it’s worth it just for the visual treat.
If you’re reaching for a Teh Tarik, chances are you’ve got an eye for flair — in the best way possible. You enjoy statement-making drinks solutions. Indeed, the journey can be just as enjoyable as the destination.
#8 Honey Lemon Barley – $2.00 to $3.00
Celebrated for its “cooling” properties, Honey Lemon Barley is for those who prioritise a refreshing, healthier start to their day. Adding a zesty sweetness of honey and lemon to barley water, this beverage is often enjoyed chilled.
Prices for this drink range from around $2.00 at hawker centers and coffee shops to about $3.00 at food courts, where it is often freshly prepared with real ingredients rather than instant mixes.
Ignore the haters at office who will just ponder if you’re coming down with an illness. If Honey Lemon Barley is your morning pick-me-up, no one tells you what to drink do. You obviously value health and you’re mindful outcomes in the long-term future rather than partaking in short-term delight.
#9 Yuan Yang (Coffee-Tea Mix) – $2.00 to $3.30
Why settle for just coffee or tea when you can have both? Meet Yuan Yang, the harmonious blend of coffee and tea which is a go-to for those who just can’t decide between the two.
Originating from Hong Kong and gaining popularity in Singapore, this drink is made by mixing three parts coffee with seven parts milk tea, with prices generally starting around $2.00 to $3.30.
This quirky and complex fix of both caffeine and flavor showcases your sense of adventure. You’re not easily phased by little contradictions, and instead, easily adapt to new situations.
#10 Iced Milo – $2.50 to $3.50
Topping off the list as one of the most expensive morning drinks in Singapore, Iced Milo is a beloved chocolate-malt drink many of us grew up with. Indulgences like this also comes at a price – typically around $2.50 to about $3.50. Still, for many, there is nothing quite like a decadent and sweet start to the day.
Those who choosing Iced Milo still haven’t let go of their inner child. You live for nostalgia and feel-good moment, and nothing feels better than starting your day with a familiar drink that reminds you of childhood.
Favourite Morning Drinks – More Than Just A Way To Kickstart Your Day
Beyond being just a way to start our day, our favourite morning drinks may be an expression of ourselves and a shared culture. From the simplicity of the humble Kopi-O-Kosong to the decadent indulgence of Iced Milo, each drink has a story to tell about its drinker.
Whatever your preference, these beverages are an integral part of Singapore’s kopitiam culture, representing the spirit and diversity of the island.
Read Also: 3 Reasons Why Singaporeans Are Willing To Pay For Overpriced Transparent Drinks
The post Kopi-O-Kosong To Iced Milo: Cheapest To Most Expensive Singaporean Morning Drinks And What It Might Say About You appeared first on DollarsAndSense.sg.
