The casual slang “Kita minum dulu” or simply “Jom menggopi” holds a very unique place in Southeast Asia culture, particularly in Brunei, Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. “Minum” (to drink) often means having coffee, tea, or a beverage while chatting or engaged in relax conversations. “Dulu” means first or beforehand. Common alternative in casual slang among young people “Let's grab a coffee first” or “Let's get a drink first before we start talking”. In Western contexts, “grabbing a drink” often implies going to a bar for alcohol. In this region, “minum” always refers to non-alcoholic beverages like Teh Tarik (pulled mix tea), Kopi (traditional coffee) or Milo. It revolves around the vibrant local cafe and mamak stall culture.
Based on my own experience, just like the Western phrase “Let's grab a coffee”, “Mari kita minum dulu” is a social lubricant. It is used to Start a business meeting on a friendly, casual note; Catch up with an old friend I haven't seen in a while; Take a break from a stressful task or long journey. So, adding the word “dulu” changes the dynamic entirely. It implies whatever we are about to do (working, traveling, discussing a serious topic), socializing and relaxing should come first. It highlights a cultural preference for building a relationship or winding down before getting straight to a formal business conversation. Inviting someone to “minum dulu” is a sign of warmth. Rejecting it outright can sometimes be seen as slightly impolite, so we take a sip to show respect.
I am happy in conjunction with Malaysia Day on 16 September 2026, an entrepreneur, Halik from Johor launched KIMIDU Cafe at Level LG1 Community Center of Aura Residence in Presint 8, Putrajaya, It provides an intimate, cozy atmosphere for residents and visitors in a family-friendly neighborhood away from the heavily crowded township, office complex and mega-malls. I found this venue is fitting right into the cultural concept of “Mari Kita minum dulu”.
Zulkifly Baharom (hajizul50@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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