Kopi Khop is a signature coffee serving style from the west coast of Aceh, particularly Meulaboh, West Aceh. The presentation is highly unusual: a glass of strong robusta coffee is served upside down on a small saucer (lepek), accompanied by a plastic straw.
This tradition originated from the local wisdom of local coastal fishermen. In the past, fishermen who went out to sea did not consume their coffee all at once. They would take a few sips and then head out to check their nets or boats. To keep the coffee warm, preserve its aroma, and protect it from strong sea breezes and beach dust, the glass was turned upside down on a saucer.
Enjoying Kopi Khop requires a unique technique. Visitors must gently blow through the straw into the gap at the bottom of the glass. This air pocket pushes the coffee liquid out, flooding the saucer. Once enough coffee has collected, visitors can sip it directly from the saucer or drink it through the straw. Kopi Khop typically uses coarsely ground robusta coffee mixed with condensed milk (similar to Sanger) to balance its bitterness.
References & Sources: 1. West Aceh Culture and Tourism Office. (2021). *Coastal Culinary Heritage of West Aceh*. 2. Said, Mohammad. (1981). *Cultural and Geographical Records of the West Coast of Sumatra*. Medan: Waspada. 3. Culinary Anthropology of Coastal Acehnese, Syiah Kuala University. (2019).
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