A Frothy Can of Goodness

Long before styrofoam cups, we had an ingenious takeaway for beverages. In sepia-tinted early Singapore, these nondescript condensed milk tins were recycled with coffee or tea to go. The raffia string strung delicately through a hole in the middle and piping hot beverages poured expertly into these tins with jagged-edged lids were not for the faint-hearted. To drink from this contraption required far more sophisticated skills. But it was all worth it when the lid is lifted to catch the first whiff of our local favs. As a child, I was fascinated by these nostalgic carriers. When I am lucky enough to still see it anywhere in Singapore, I am sure those from my generation will break into a knowing smile.

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