home sweet kopitiam
Kopitiam. The word translates to coffee shop in English, but in Malaysian, it packs an entirely different meaning.
Long story short, kopitiams are coffee shops in Singapore and Malaysia that sell a variety of local dishes, coffees, teas and other drinks. Kopi translates to coffee in Malay, and tiam translates to “shop” in Hokkien Chinese. Over time, kopitiams have come to develop a deeper cultural significance, becoming social gathering places for communities.
A kopitiam is an intrinsic part of Singaporean culture and social life. It’s where neighborhood uncles gather for a long conversation or game of chess over a hot coffee, or where aunties might meet to catch up with the latest gossip. People on their way to work may stop for a quick kopi peng (iced coffee) and kaya jam toast.
After spending her early childhood and summers in Singapore, Chef Liz felt a calling to bring the tight-knit communities of Singaporean kopitiams to the heart of London. Her goal was simple.
“We opened Mei Mei because we wanted to be the best Singaporean street food in London,” she said.
Borough Market already has the feel of a Singaporean hawker center, with small street food stalls dedicated to excellent food and drink. Mei Mei attracts the Southeast Asian community by offering authentic and traditional dishes such as Nasi Lemak and Hainanese Chicken Rice.
Very connected with Singaporean food culture and missing a taste of home, Chef Liz used her own experiences and wishes to create a nostalgic and authentic menu for Mei Mei. It was a must for her to include the Hainanese Chicken Rice, a comfort food for herself and her siblings, on the menu.
“For me, that was the one dish that I would comfortably cook with my eyes closed, and it makes me happy,” she said. “I could literally eat that dish every single day, and I have done so for the past six years.”
Mei Mei hopes to bring the same feelings of community and nostalgia to the London community, and the menu and layout of the kopitiam is especially constructed with these in mind. Many of the recipes are traditional, passed down in Chef Liz’s family. The restaurant additionally has an open plan that allows customers to see the process of their food being cooked.
“Even down to our little Milo tins on the counter. I cannot tell you how many times people have stopped walking because they’ve seen the Milo tins,” Liz said.
Whether you have ties to Singapore or Malaysia yourself or just want to experience a different food culture, Chef Liz recommends stopping by Mei Mei at Borough Market for a quick kopi or a hearty meal. Experience a reflection of Malay heritage that is being kept alive through food, drink and conversation.
