Ever stared down a lone tissue packet fiercely guarding a prime hawker centre table during lunch rush? Or maybe you saw something more… unusual, like a lip gloss? Welcome to the uniquely Singaporean dance of ‘chope-ing’ – reserving your seat. But what’s really ‘acceptable’ these days when everyone’s trying to makan?
The Chope Culture Now
Let’s be real, finding a seat during peak hours at a Singapore coffeeshop or hawker centre can feel like winning Toto. Chope-ing has become a common survival tactic. While the humble tissue packet remains the OG, Singaporeans are getting creative. From everyday items to surprisingly valuable ones, the chope game has evolved.
- Items used range widely
“This morning i went to a coffeeshop and saw a young couple, chopped a table using a lip gloss.”
- Common sights include personal belongings
“Wonder why nobody mentioned waterbottle yet. Used it all the way from school days to work, very effective + can save on drinks lol”
- Even valuable items are used
“I see before wallet. Only in sg.”
“I seen pple use latest iPhone to chope also”
Chope-ing Conundrums
This practice isn’t without its headaches, lah. The biggest debate? What exactly counts as a valid ‘chope’? Is a tissue packet somehow more legitimate than a hairpin or lip gloss? This leads to awkward situations and sometimes, mild confusion when approaching a seemingly empty table marked only by a small object.
- Debate on acceptable items
“IMO, it shouldn’t matter what you chop with. Why would a tissue be acceptable but a lip gloss or hair pin not acceptable? Either chopping is ok or not ok, doesn’t matter how.”
- Potential for conflict or misunderstanding
“after a while another couple came, when they saw a table with lip gloss, they were wondering if they can take that table. the first couple then tell the second couple the lip gloss was to chop table.”
- Risk when using valuable items
“The smaller and less valuable then you cannot get too upset if people sit there. Laptop or designer bag are your best bet to secure tables.”
Smart Chope Strategies
So, how to navigate this? Many Singaporeans stick to the tried-and-tested: low-value, easily recognisable items. The water bottle or the classic tissue packet (maybe a big one for extra effect!) often do the trick without risking much. Another approach, especially during super crowded times, is simply good old teamwork.
- Use common, low-value items
“I chop with a big tissue box to assert dominance”
“Wonder why nobody mentioned waterbottle yet.”
- Avoid chope-ing during peak hours if possible
“Though I make it a point to try not to chope during peak hour, and have someone physically at the table just so that people can ask to share if needed.”
- Have someone stay at the table
- Be open to sharing tables
Ultimately, a little consideration goes a long way. Maybe skip the chope during peak lunch if you’re alone, or have a friend guard the fort while you queue. And remember, sharing is caring, especially when the hawker centre is packed!
