Kopi

Global • Vegetarian

135

kcal

Protein

18g

Carbs

Fat

✓ Verified Nutrition Data

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About Kopi

Traditional Singapore coffee with condensed milk

How to Make Kopi (Traditional & Healthy Version)

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 20 min

2 servings

easy

Kopi is the beloved local coffee drink that fuels Singapore’s bustling hawker centres and kopitiams (traditional coffee shops). Rooted in Singapore’s multicultural heritage, Kopi is made using robusta coffee beans roasted with sugar and margarine, then brewed through a sock filter known as 'kopi sock'. The result is a rich, aromatic beverage enjoyed by everyone from office workers to retirees. Singapore’s Kopi culture is a quintessential part of daily life, offering a unique twist on coffee with condensed or evaporated milk, and sometimes sugar, creating a sweet, creamy, and bold cup. Today, with growing health awareness, Kopi is being adapted to suit modern dietary preferences, making it a great choice for those seeking healthier alternatives without sacrificing flavour. This recipe maintains traditional taste while focusing on health-conscious ingredients and preparation methods, perfect for enjoying at home while reminiscing about the lively atmosphere of a Singaporean kopitiam.

Diabetic-Friendly Weight Loss Kid-Friendly Vegan Adaptable

Allergens: dairy

Ingredients(for 1 large cup (about 250ml) per serving, as typically served in Singapore kopitiams)

3 tablespoons Robusta coffee beans (ground) (locally roasted, 'kopi' style)
500ml Hot water (freshly boiled)
4 tablespoons Evaporated milk ('Kopi C' style, use low-fat for healthier option) - optional
2 tablespoons Condensed milk ('Kopi' classic, use reduced sugar or omit for health) - optional
1-2 teaspoons Sugar (optional, adjust to taste or use sugar substitute) - optional
4 tablespoons Oat milk (vegan/fusion option) - optional
1/4 teaspoon Margarine (for roasting beans, optional for home version) - optional
as needed Ice cubes (for iced kopi) - optional
a pinch Cinnamon powder (optional for fusion twist) - optional

Instructions

1
Prepare the coffee grounds by ensuring they are finely ground in the traditional 'kopi' style. If you have whole beans, roast them lightly with a little margarine and sugar for an authentic flavour.
5 minutes
Use locally roasted beans for best taste.
2
Boil fresh water and allow it to cool slightly before pouring over the coffee grounds. Place grounds into a kopi sock or fine mesh strainer.
3 minutes
Water just off the boil (around 90°C) extracts optimal flavour.
3
Slowly pour the hot water over the grounds in the kopi sock, allowing the coffee to drip into a pot or jug. Repeat pouring for a stronger brew.
5 minutes
Pouring slowly intensifies aroma and richness.
4
Add evaporated milk or oat milk to the brewed coffee, stirring well. For a classic Kopi, use condensed milk. Adjust quantity for desired creaminess and sweetness.
2 minutes
Use reduced-fat or vegan milk for a healthier brew.

Why This Dish is Healthy

This healthy Kopi recipe is a smart choice as it offers the rich flavours of Singaporean coffee culture with less sugar and fat. Using plant-based or reduced-fat milk and moderating sweeteners helps lower overall calories, making it suitable for weight management and diabetes. The antioxidants in coffee provide health benefits, and the drink itself is low in calories when prepared mindfully. It’s a great way to enjoy local flavours while supporting a balanced lifestyle.

Kopi made using reduced-fat evaporated milk or plant-based milk is lower in saturated fat and calories than the traditional version. Robusta coffee is naturally high in antioxidants which help fight free radicals. By moderating the use of condensed milk and sugar, you can decrease the carbohydrate content and keep the drink diabetic- and weight-loss friendly. Coffee also contains small amounts of potassium and magnesium, supporting heart health. Enjoying kopi without excessive sugar and with healthy milk alternatives makes it suitable for most diets.

Pro Tips

💡Tip 1: Use a kopi sock for authentic texture and aroma.
💡Tip 2: Adjust milk and sugar to taste for personalised health and flavour.
💡Tip 3: Try oat or soy milk for a vegan, lower-calorie twist.

Storage & Serving

Brewed Kopi is best consumed fresh. You may refrigerate for up to 24 hours, but flavours are best within the first few hours. Store milk separately and add just before serving.

Best served: Breakfast or Lunch