The kopitiam (traditional Chinese coffee shop) is the social centre of Batu Pahat's daily life. These open-fronted cafés serve strong local coffee with condensed milk, toast with kaya (coconut jam), half-boiled eggs, and simple noodle dishes from early morning. Alcohol is limited in this predominantly Muslim town; the Chinese coffeeshops are the main social spaces for a casual drink. Large hotel bars exist but lack character.