Observing Ordinary Orang at the Kopi Tiam

Was at the Kopi Tiam the other morning for a wholesome breakfast before heading back home for a quiet weekend.

It was a public holiday for the Thaipusam celebrations, needless to say, the Kopi Tiam was crowded with merry folks of old and young.

After having a hearty good meal of Kopi Bing gao gao and Chu Yuk Fan (pork noodles), I decided to start people-watching while waiting for my companion to finish up her meal.

"I like people like that. Making an honest living. Kan bagus." My friend raised her eyebrows at my random thoughts (rants, more like.)

The stall selling my favourite Chu Yuk Fan is run by this middle-aged Chinese couple. The husband huffs and puffs away frying Yong Tau Fu, mincing onion stalks and boiling soups. The wife, a petite lady supporting a ponytail will help to serve the dishes and collect money from the customers. It was when I glanced up, saw a satisfied and happy smile on the lady's face upon collecting the payment from one of her customers that I realized - people who make an honest living like this are worth all the respect. They might not be in tailor-made pants and suits working in air-conditioned rooms behind LCD screens, but they are definitely part of the strong pillars that hold up the society.

Bien salute.

Then, this macho and ruff looking man who sat at the next table caught my attention when he started talking on the phone. From his paint-tainted coveralls, worn boots and very tanned skin, I am guessing that he is either a construction worker or a plumber or an electrician. When he spoke, the voice and language was gruff and awkward but the conversation certainly brought a smile to my lips. A rough and tough man, asking the person at the other end of the phone conversation whether he/she has recovered from the cold; putting on a tough demeanor while chastisising the person to take their medication on time, to rest and to take care of themselves etcetera etcetera.

Despite looking all burly, tough, and manly - he certainly is sweet and sensitive. His tan covered up his blush well, I must say. Caring guys are a rare find nowadays eh.

There's also stall owners who are the best gymnasts with superb balancing acts with their pots, pans, containers, trays and ladles.

There's waiters who took orders with clear, loud and sing song voice that can be heard through out the whole restaurant. Whatever beverage you ordered - be it Milo Bing, Teh C, Cham Bing or Barley Suam - everyone in the restaurant is informed as the waiters shout their orders from different corners.

I like Kopi Tiams. Food is good. The crowd and buzz is always there.