Chope
chop seat
Here, chope is the local word for reserving a place, not the restaurant-booking company.
Just Tell Me
In Singapore, to chope means to reserve a seat or place, often by leaving a small personal item on a hawker-centre table.
Also called: chop seat, chope seat
Explain Like I’m Five
Chope means “this place is taken for now.” At a busy food centre, someone may leave a tissue packet, umbrella or another small item at a seat while going to buy food.
Where You’ll Run Into It
The practice is most visible during crowded lunch periods at hawker centres and food courts, when a group finds a table before splitting up to order.
Example
“You chope the table; I’ll queue for chicken rice.”
One person will hold the seats while the other buys food.
Watch Out
Chope is an informal social convention, not a formal booking system. Look for clear signs that a place is occupied, and do not leave valuables unattended.