From MOLD Magazine: Issue 04, Designing for the SensesOrder your limited edition issue here.

Tapow, derived from the Chinese phrase for “take-away,” is a common phrase heard on the streets of Singapore, where the consumption of takeout is almost an everyday affair. While it is common to find food wrapped in a flat piece of paper, some people are unsure what to call this type of packaging. Some call it “chicken rice paper”—as it is commonly associated with the local dish—or “kertas bungkus,” which loosely translates to “wrapping paper” in the Malay language. For the sake of clarity, we shall call this form of food wrapper with a water-resistant coating on one side tapow paper.

Images by Atelier Hoko.

Atelier HOKO, the Singapore-based design research practice, explores the implicit conditions and forms that define our experience of this everyday artifact.

Picture of a stack of tapow paper.
A STACK OF TAPOW PAPER
Although the 30x40cm sheet is the most common size, tapow paper is available in various sizes and is sold in packs containing approximately a hundred sheets. 
Picture of a person sitting on the ground eating out of an unfurled tapow paper package.

THE FLAT FINDER

In recent years, tapow paper has been steadily replaced by plastic or foam containers as many people lament the inconvenience of having to find a flat surface to support the structureless tapow packet when eating. Over-reliance on robust containers has consequently dulled our awareness of the surrounding environment—we no longer need to improvise or identify a flat surface that is “just flat enough” to eat from.

Picture of a person eating out of an unfurled tapow paper package as it leans on the front of a car.

SLOWLY UNRAVEL

Not all takeaway food packaging is created equally. Some manufacturers take pride in how well their products seal and prevent spillage, some excel in presentation and effective compartmentalisation, while others emphasize eco-friendliness and biodegradability. Tapow paper, belonging to all or none of the criteria above, is concerned with something else altogether. Each step taken to unravel a tapow packet builds toward a sensorial encounter of the food inside, not unlike the anticipation of unwrapping a gift.

Wrapped tapow package with rubber band.
1. VISIBLE GREASE STAINS ON THE PAPER MAY SUGGEST THAT THE FOOD INSIDE IS SINFULLY GOOD.
Rubber band removed from tapow package.
2. PULLING OFF THE RUBBER BAND PRODUCES A “RA-TA-TA-TA” SOUND THAT MANY HAVE COME TO RECOGNIZE AS THE START OF A DELICIOUS MEAL.
Unfolded tapow package with rubber band to the side.
3. AS THE TAPOW PAPER SLOWLY UNFOLDS, VARIOUS SENSORY ORGANS ON THE FACE RECEIVE THE WARM AROMA RISING FROM THE FOOD. AN INCREASE IN SALIVA PRODUCTION IS OFTEN ATTRIBUTED TO THIS ENCOUNTER.
Open tapor package with food revealed.
4. ONCE UNWRAPPED, THE TAPOW PAPER PRESENTS THE FOOD GENEROUSLY IN FULL VIEW, FILLING THE AIR WITH ITS RICH AROMA.

TAKE IT AWAY!

With the aid of rubber bands, what started off as a flat, structureless wrapping paper becomes an effective food container. Multiple packets can be stacked and transported with ease.

A picture of a hand carrying a clear plastic bag full of tapow packages.

DOUBLE WRAP

Containing overly wet or greasy food can be achieved by simply layering two sheets of tapow paper. This makes for a clever and no-frills solution without the need for excessive packaging.

A picture of hands folding two tapow papers together.

AN OPEN PLAN

For the uninitiated, the flatness of tapow paper may pose certain difficulties when moving food from surface to mouth. Such sentiments, typically felt by those who only know the manners of a table filled with an unnecessary amount of tableware and cutlery, are expected but can hardly be justified given the inherent versatility of tapow paper. Across South-East Asia, diverse, vernacular culinary practices have accumulated unspoken wisdom on making the tapow paper work optimally with the food inside.

A picture of a soaked tapow paper with shrimp and noodles on top of it.

WHY BORDER?

Laying tapow paper side by side produces a large, hygienic surface where food can be eaten and shared all around, eliminating boundaries commonly found on the edges of formal tableware and disposable food containers.

A picture of an unfolded tapow paper with a leaf and chicken and egg dish on top of it.

PICK AND MIX

The generous and expansive surface of tapow paper provides ample space to separate the ingredients, allowing the diner to pick and mix freely without the constraints defined by plates.

A picture of an unfolded tapow paper with meal dissected on top of it. Rice, chicken and egg seperated.

FAR FROM FLAT

When unwrapped, the edges of the tapow paper are often slightly crumpled and rarely lay flat on the surface beneath. It is common to find people appropriating this as a “flexible wall” to assist one in scooping up food without the need for additional utensils.

A picture of a hand using the tapow paper to curve against its surface to more easily scoop up rice.

IT’S A WRAP

When the last slivers of gravy are meticulously scraped and scooped from paper to mouth, one need not overthink how to dispose of the tapow paper; simply re-fold, roll or crush it into a ball before tossing it into the bin.

A before picture of a full tapow package.
An after picture of an empty discarded tapow package.