Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Foodie

apology

Bahasa Malaysia

language

response

Oriental Kopi

improvement

Malaysian kopitiam chain Oriental Kopi has responded to public criticism over its menus, which reportedly feature food descriptions in English and Chinese but do not include Bahasa Malaysia. The controversy has sparked a wider discussion on the use of the national language by local businesses and how Malaysian brands represent the country's multicultural identity.
The issue gained traction on Threads after a user shared a photograph of the restaurant's menu and questioned why Bahasa Malaysia was absent despite Oriental Kopi presenting itself as a proudly Malaysian brand. The post drew widespread attention, with some Malaysians calling for the menu to be updated, while others questioned whether the criticism was being applied consistently to other food and beverage businesses.
Oriental Kopi founder Datuk Calvin Chan Jian Chern has since acknowledged the feedback, apologised for the oversight and confirmed that the company is working on a new menu design that will include Bahasa Malaysia.
Oriental Kopi Founder Apologises Over Missing Bahasa Malaysia
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9aaa24a5f9bfb9e1e4e4f36bc3ee52c4756d5f880738ef47dad573ba7956c553" />
Responding to the criticism on Threads, Calvin thanked the public for highlighting the issue and reiterated the company's respect for Bahasa Malaysia as the country's national language.
He also acknowledged that the omission was a shortcoming on the company's part and asked for patience while the team works on improvements.
<blockquote id="ig-tp-DedQTLlibGl" class="text-post-media" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 16px; max-width: 650px; margin: 1px; min-width: 270px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px); border: 1px solid #00000026;" data-text-post-permalink="https://www.threads.com/@calvinchan_kopi/post/DedQTLlibGl" data-text-post-version="0">
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<div style="display: block; height: 32px; width: 32px; padding-bottom: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; color: #000000; font-weight: 600;">View on Threads</div>
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<script async="" src="https://www.threads.com/embed.js"></script>

&ldquo;As a brand born in Malaysia, we always respect Bahasa Melayu as our national language. We apologise for this shortcoming. We're already in the process of introducing a new menu design that will include Bahasa Malaysia,&rdquo; he said.
In a separate response, Calvin emphasised that Oriental Kopi welcomes customers from all races and backgrounds. He added that the company remains committed to representing Malaysia through its traditional heritage dishes and thanked the public for giving the brand an opportunity to improve.
The response received positive reactions from some social media users, who welcomed the founder's willingness to acknowledge the feedback and address the concern.
Why Are Malaysians Criticising Oriental Kopi's Menu?
<blockquote id="ig-tp-Dea5-9WE1a9" class="text-post-media" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 16px; max-width: 650px; margin: 1px; min-width: 270px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px); border: 1px solid #00000026;" data-text-post-permalink="https://www.threads.com/@perakoghang/post/Dea5-9WE1a9" data-text-post-version="0">
<div style="padding: 40px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center;">
<div style="display: block; height: 32px; width: 32px; padding-bottom: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; color: #000000; font-weight: 600;">View on Threads</div>
</div>
</blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://www.threads.com/embed.js"></script>

The controversy centres on the absence of Bahasa Malaysia from the descriptions of Oriental Kopi's food items, with screenshots circulating online showing descriptions presented in English and Chinese.
Some Malaysians argued that including the national language should be a basic consideration for a local restaurant, particularly one that celebrates its Malaysian identity. Others expressed disappointment that customers who prefer reading menus in Bahasa Malaysia might not have the same experience as those who are comfortable with English or Chinese.
Some users also called for a boycott until the restaurant introduces the language into its menus, while others urged the company to make the necessary changes rather than allowing the controversy to escalate.
The discussion also gained momentum after Oriental Kopi had shared posts expressing pride in being a Malaysian brand. For some customers, the absence of Bahasa Malaysia appeared inconsistent with that identity.
One customer, who described themselves as a regular at the restaurant, said they enjoyed its food and drinks but believed the menu could better reflect Malaysia's multicultural society.
The comments highlight how language choices can influence public perceptions of a brand, particularly when it comes to businesses that position themselves as part of Malaysia's local food heritage.
Some Malaysians Question Why Oriental Kopi Is Being Singled Out
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2db0a848100832d74381acadd838ea4326bf545e811fcc1f2b02444033f3be53" />
Despite the criticism, not everyone agreed with the way the issue was raised. Some social media users questioned why Oriental Kopi was receiving particular attention when other food and beverage chains also feature menus primarily in English or use a different combination of languages.
Brands mentioned in the discussion included ZUS Coffee, Tealive, Luck Bros Kopi and Tea Garden, with some users arguing that similar expectations should apply consistently across the industry.
Others maintained that businesses should be encouraged to include Bahasa Malaysia regardless of their ownership, target audience or preferred menu language.
The debate has therefore expanded beyond Oriental Kopi itself, raising broader questions about how Malaysian businesses can balance their branding, customer preferences and the country's linguistic diversity.
While some see the inclusion of Bahasa Malaysia as an important way to recognise the national language, others believe criticism should be directed at business practices rather than focused on a single brand.
What Is Oriental Kopi Doing to Improve Its Menu?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9333f0995d9f6f12041ab59a1c289557d528d428d69890407f3c9c21faa9d3c6" />
For now, Oriental Kopi has confirmed that a redesigned menu featuring Bahasa Malaysia is in progress, although the company has not announced a specific date for its introduction.
Founded in 2020, Oriental Kopi is known for its Nanyang-style coffee, egg tarts, polo buns and other traditional kopitiam favourites. The brand has expanded across Malaysia, with additional outlets in Singapore, and has built a following among customers from different backgrounds.
Its response suggests that the company intends to address the menu issue while maintaining its identity as a Malaysian food and beverage brand.
The next step will be the introduction of the updated menu and whether the changes meet customers' expectations.
Ultimately, the controversy serves as a reminder that language can play an important role in how local brands connect with their customers. As discussions surrounding Bahasa Malaysia continue, Oriental Kopi's planned menu update could also encourage other businesses to review how their menus reflect the communities they serve.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Hopefully, more Malaysian businesses will be encouraged to include Bahasa Malaysia in their menus and embrace our national language.

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Oriental Kopi Apologises Over Menu Without Bahasa Malaysia, Promises New Design

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Oriental Kopi Apologises Over Menu Without Bahasa Malaysia, Promises New Design

Hopefully, more Malaysian businesses will be encouraged to include Bahasa Malaysia in their menus and embrace our national language.

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