Hor Kar Sai

Malaysia — Hokkien kopitiam culture

The Hokkien ordering system produces dozens of kopi variations, and hor kar sai is among the richest — extra-thick coffee with heavy condensed milk pulled between cups. The name means 'bottom with sand' in Hokkien, referring to the grainy sweetness of the condensed milk settling at the bottom. You'll only hear this ordered in kopitiams where the staff still speak the old dialect.

How to make it

1. 1

   Brew a concentrated batch of kopi using a cloth sock filter with extra grounds — it should be thick and dark.

2. 2

   Add generous condensed milk to the glass — more than a standard kopi.

3. 3

   Pull the coffee between two cups from height to mix and aerate — this creates a slight froth.

4. 4

   The finished cup should be intensely sweet with a thick, syrupy body.

5. 5

   Drink while hot — the condensed milk sinks as it cools.