Kopitiam – An Insider's Brew

Re-visit Singapore

by Kopitiam Team , 26 Feb 2010 0 Comments

Do-dos and no-nos of Chinese New Year

by Shu Chiang Yong , 13 Feb 2010 0 Comments

What are the customs to adhere to, and faux pas to avoid, during new year festivities.

Fear of the Tigress?

by Shu Chiang Yong , 12 Feb 2010 0 Comments

Is there any truth about Tiger women being strong-headed and difficult? Singapore Kopitiam writer Yong Shu Chiang finds out.

Asian Ghouls & Goblins: Orang Minyak

by Kopitiam Team , 29 Oct 2009 0 Comments

The Orang Minyak, according to Malay folklore, is a cursed individual who feeds on youth and purity to sustain his dark powers. Covered entirely in putrid black oil, this fiend uses supernatural stealth to elude detection.

Asian Ghouls & Goblins: Toyol

by Kopitiam Team , 29 Oct 2009 0 Comments

In Malay legends, the Toyol is a child-like imp specially bred by practitioners of the dark arts for nefarious purposes like stealing valuables and creating mischief. In return for its servitude, a Toyol demands a blood sacrifice from its master.

Asian Ghouls & Goblins: Pontianak

by Kopitiam Team , 29 Oct 2009 0 Comments

According to Malay folklore, the Pontianak is a vampire- spirit of a woman who died during childbirth. This sinister banshee roams at night in the guise of a beautiful damsel, preying on the blood of the living.

Asian Ghouls & Goblins: Rakshasa

by Kopitiam Team , 29 Oct 2009 0 Comments

In Hindu mythology, Rakshasas are malevolent, man-eating spirits who enjoy tormenting humans. Cunning shape-shifters, Rakshasas have been known to morph into tigers and other beast-like forms when hunting prey.

Asian Ghouls & Goblins: Wú Tóu Guǐ

by Kopitiam Team , 29 Oct 2009 0 Comments

In Chinese folklore, a Wú Tóu Guǐ is believed to be the ghost of criminals or people who were killed by decapitation. Unable to find peace, these grisly-looking spirits roam the world aimlessly in a state of torment.

Eurasian Cultural Etiquette

by Denyse Tessensohn, 11 Aug 2009 0 Comments

This week, cultural stalwart Denyse Tessensohn lays out the proper way for addressing people of seniority in the Eurasian community.