When it comes to iconic Singaporean breakfasts, Kaya Toast holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. This delectable combination of toasted bread, rich kaya (coconut and egg jam with a hint of pandan), and a generous slab of butter creates a symphony of flavours. Let’s explore some of the best places to indulge in this culinary delight in no particular order.
1. Yakun Kaya
Location: Islandwide
A Toast to Tradition: Yakun Kaya is synonymous with Kaya Toast in Singapore. With outlets scattered across the island, Yakun has been perfecting the art of Kaya Toast since 1944. Their fragrant kaya, coupled with the perfect ratio of butter, is a delightful start to any day. The bread used here is brown and toasted well making it crispy, just the way I like it. So, this might be the reason why this is probably my favourite spot for kaya toast even if it may be a mainstream option. Their slabs of butter in the bread used to be infamously thick, but on this visit they seemed to have cut down (thankfully). The thick slabs did make it quite sickly after a few bites. They also sell other products like their very own kaya jam in jars that you can take home. The setting a decor is that of a modern western cafe, so you can feel comfortable and not overwhelmed.
2. Killiney Kopitiam
Location: Multiple Outlets
A Heritage Brew: Established in 1919, Killiney Kopitiam is not just a coffee shop; it’s a slice of Singapore’s history. The Kaya Toast here embodies a timeless recipe, a nostalgic journey back to the roots of Singaporean coffee culture. Dining at this cafe will be an intimate experience where it’s likely you’ll be rubbing shoulders with others. It’s little more rustic than Yakun and you’ll see more locals frequent here. They serve the eggs uncracked and it’s up to you to crack the soft boiled eggs. The unique thing they have here is French toast kaya toast, which looked and sounded intriguing, but unfortunately, we did not get this.
3. Heap Seng Leong
Location: 10 North Bridge Rd, #01-5109, Singapore 190010 (Google Maps link)
Charm in Every Cup: Tucked away in the heart of Singapore, Heap Seng Leong is a traditional coffee shop that has been crafting Kaya Toast for over 50 years. The vintage charm of the place adds to the overall experience of enjoying a simple yet authentic breakfast. Walking into this cafe will feel like you’re walking back in time. It is truly a nostalgic experience. I would strongly advise to visit this place to just experience that. Seating is more spacious than Killiney, but a lack of AC upsets some visitors. Despite its old school traditional look, the visitors include locals as well as tourists. It’s one of those spots. You can also see them make your breakfast for you. They use charcoal to grill their bread, which is the traditional method. They also use the traditional sock method to make their traditional coffee. Their unique offering is the butter coffee, a dying a drink that was once a very popular drink in the country. The bread here is white, fluffy and soft. It was really good, but I think it just prefer my toast a little more toasted, so that’s why my number one is Yakun Kaya.
Choosing the Perfect Kaya Toast
Bread Matters: The type of bread used is crucial. Traditional white bread or, for a heartier bite, Hainanese bread, contributes to the texture of the toast.
Kaya Quality: The kaya’s consistency and richness play a pivotal role. It should strike the right balance between sweet and fragrant coconut goodness.
Butter Bliss: A generous spread of butter is non-negotiable. It adds a creamy element that complements the sweetness of the kaya. But as mentioned above, I personally don’t like it too thick as it makes it a bit sickly after a few bites even if super delicious.
Tips for the Perfect Kaya Toast Experience
Soft-Boiled Eggs: Many locals enjoy their Kaya Toast dipped into soft-boiled eggs, seasoned with a dash of soy sauce and white pepper.
Pair with Kopi or Teh: Enhance your experience by pairing your Kaya Toast with a cup of traditional Kopi (coffee) or Teh (tea). My advice would be a kopi (with condensed milk and sugar i.e. the original one). And dip your toast into your kopi for an added kick (or pour a spoon of kopi into the egg mix if you don’t want to ruin your kopi like us).
Embark on a quest to discover your favourite Kaya Toast spot in Singapore. Whether it’s the modern appeal of Yakun Kaya, the historical resonance of Killiney Kopitiam, or the quaint charm of Heap Seng Leong, each bite promises a journey through the rich tapestry of Singapore’s culinary heritage.
