So, what does Kopi Thyme mean?

The definition

The name Kopi Thyme holds a special meaning close to the heart. Both Sara and Tao Yee’s grandparents owned a Kopitiam, a traditional Southeast Asian coffee shop that’s much more than just a place for a cup of coffee. Kopi Thyme is our playful twist on the word Kopitiam, a local dialect of coffee shops/cafes in Malaysia and Singapore, where locals gather to enjoy comforting food and drinks in an old school with a quaint ambience and rustic interior.

Pronunciation: kɒpɪˌtiːəm

Hyphenation: ko | pi | tiam

NOUN South East Asian
A traditional coffee shop/house/eatery serves affordable Southeast Asian meals with refreshments, such as coffee.

Origin: "Kopi tiam" is a traditional coffee shop mostly found in Southeast Asia. The word "kopitam" is a portmanteau of the word "kopi", (coffee in Malay, adapted from Portuguese) and "tiam," which means shop (店; POJ: tiàm) in the Hokkien dialect.

Passion + Food Science

Kopi Thyme isn’t just about sauces, it’s about bringing the authentic flavors of Southeast Asia straight to your kitchen! It’s for those busy days when you crave comfort food but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
With Kopi Thyme, you can savour bold, home-cooked goodness in no time. No flight to Southeast Asia required!

Tying in nostalgia and comfort food

For many Malaysians and Singaporeans, Kopitiam is more than just a café. It’s where we share fond memories over comforting meals. It’s a place where the smell of coffee blends with the warmth of family and friends. And for Sara and Tao Yee, it’s where their roots run deep, with both sets of grandparents owning a Kopitiam. This gave them the perfect inspiration to bring those nostalgic, heartwarming flavours to life through Kopi Thyme.

Whether you’re a fellow Southeast Asian living far from home or someone just ready to explore new flavours, Sara and Tao Yee are excited to share their childhood favourites with you. Each sauce is a taste of their heritage, and they can’t wait for you to experience the magic they grew up with.

Oh, and yes, they both love coffee (kopi). So feel free to sip while you dig into your Kopi Thyme meal! ☕️ Let’s make some delicious memories together.

Want more tea...oops, kopi?

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