The simple yet iconic Kaya Toasts serves as everyday breakfast staple for the locals.
And for many first time tourists in Singapore, one of the first places they hunt for here is… Yakun.
This traditional breakfast staple, is the perfect amalgamation of crispy toast, slathers of kaya (sweet coconut jam), and slices of cold butter.
Many local coffee chains, kopitiams (coffee shops), and hawker stalls serve this item, alongside soft-boiled eggs and a cup of aromatic local coffee.
Discover 18 of the top, well-loved and ‘hidden’ gems for the best Kaya Toast Singapore has to offer:
Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Far East Square, 18, #01-01 China Street, Singapore 049560
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 3:30pm (Mon – Fri), 7:30am – 3pm (Sat – Sun)
Ya Kun needs little introduction, well-loved by both the Singaporean locals and tourists.
Since its foundation in 1944 by Loi Ah Koon, Ya Kun has been serving perfectly crisp and delectable kaya toasts and soft-boiled eggs to the Singaporean community.
Slathered with its home-made kaya – the signature fragrant spread made of egg and coconut – the toasty brown bread slices carry two thick slices of lightly-salted butter. I love their Steamed Buns too.
Its kopi and teh are a magnet for those who want aromatic traditional local drink.
Franchising causes differing standards, but at least their eggs and beverages are one of the most consistent around, comparatively.
Bao Er Café
Balestier Plaza #02-01, 400 Balestier Road, Singapore 329802
Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)
Located in the somewhat overlooked Balestier Plaza, Bao Er Café has emerged as a favorite spot for food enthusiasts on social media, celebrated for its exceptional Kaya Toast and Hokkien Mee.
Owned by the team behind the Hokkien Mee joint Prawnography at Novena Gardens, this modest cafe captivates with its homely yet satisfying offerings.
The kaya toast, known for its light, crisp bread and rich, custardy kaya made from fresh coconut milk, stands out as a must-try, though the consistency can vary.
While the coffee is more towards ordinary, the cafe’s breakfast and beyond—including a notably saucy and sticky Hokkien Mee with wok-hei make it a worthy visit for those seeking local Kaya Toast beyond the big chains.
Read more at: Bao Er Café (Balestier Plaza)
Tong Ah Kopitiam
35 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089142
Opening Hours: 7am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Tong Ah may have moved away from the iconic building in the corner of Keong Siak (which Potato Head Folk took over) but its iconic crispy kaya toast still remain.
The toast is thrice-toasted, with charred parts scrapped off by the lid of a condensed milk can (very skillful), sliced into two (very thin) and sandwiched with iconic kaya and salted butter from New Zealand.
One of the very few around that still does it the old school way.
Love their kopi c kosong, which was smooth, fragrant, with the lingering delicate bitterness.
Note: Tong Ah is opened during the day for kaya and toast, but start serving zi char dishes lunch onwards.
Heap Seng Leong
10 North Bridge Road, #01-5109, Singapore 190010
Opening Hours: 5am – 3pm (Mon – Sun)
Heap Seng Leong is one of those treasures in Singapore, a short walk away from the famous ”Michelin” Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles.
It is known for its extremely old-school setting that is caught in time of the 70s, from the tables, chairs, tiles and décor.
And has become a place for tourists to visit due to several viral videos, especially on Xiao Hong Shu.
While the kaya toast may not be the crispy-thin style that many would have liked, it was thick and fluffy – charcoal grilled and big on taste of nostalgia.
You can also order its Kopi Gu You, local coffee with a slab of butter dropped within for caramelised flavour and softer notes of the coffee beans. Local style bulletproof coffee.
Keng Wah Sung Café 琼华昌
783 Geylang Road, Singapore 389672
Opening Hours: 5:30am – 11pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun
Keng Wah Sung Café, with a history spanning over 70 years, appeals to those seeking a nostalgic dining experience.
The café opens early at 5:30 am and is noted for its quick service despite steady customer queues.
Affordability is a highlight, with a breakfast set (comprising Kopi or Teh) priced at $3.60, Kaya Toast at $0.80, Soft Boiled Eggs at $0.70, and various local beverages ranging from $1.20 to $1.80.
The Kaya Toast is known for its crispiness and balance of butter and kaya, despite not being as crispy as Yakun’s.
The local Kopi, with its fragrant aroma and mild bitterness, was my favourite, followed by the toast and eggs.
The café’s charm lies not just in its food but in the old-school atmosphere it offers, providing a backdrop of hustle and bustle that adds to the dining experience.
Read more at: Keng Wah Sung Café 琼华昌 (Geylang)
YY Ka Fei Dian
37 Beach Rd, #01-01, Singapore 189678
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 7pm (Mon – Fri), 8am – 7pm (Sat, Sun)
YY Ka Fei Dian is a coffee shop near Purvis Street, a short walk from Bugis or City Hall MRT stations.
The kopitiam serves some pretty neat Hainanese fare zi char style, such as pork chop, chap chye, and chicken rice.
However, in the morning, many come here for their soft kaya bun, baked in the shop, lightly toasted and quite firm yet fluffy. Probably one of the best soft buns around.
Seng Hong Coffee Shop
58 Lengkok Bahru, #01-521, Singapore 150058
Opening Hours: 6am – 5pm (Mon – Fri), 6am – 4:30pm (Sat), Closed Sun
Seng Hong Coffee Shop, is a hidden gem located at Lengkok Bahru near Redhill MRT station in Singapore.
It is well-loved by residents for its traditional Singapore breakfast fare, including Kaya Toast and coffee.
This coffee shop stands out for maintaining a nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of the 1980s and 1990s, offering a taste of the past that may evoke memories of older generations.
One unique offering at Seng Hong Coffee Shop is its Steamed Bread – praised for its cloud-like softness.
The Toasted Bread diverged from the crisp variety towards a fluffier texture.
Both the kaya spread and butter, although less abundant than desired, contributed to an authentically old-school flavour that’s increasingly hard to find.
Read more at: Seng Hong Coffee Shop (Lengkok Bahru)
Chin Mee Chin
204 East Coast Road, Singapore 428903
Opening Hours: 8am – 4pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon
Residents of Katong and of a certain generation should be familiar with Chin Mee Chin Confectionery, otherwise known as CMC.
This is where you can get a taste of the old-styled coffee and bakes, and to take a step down the memory lane.
The shop has been bought over by another company, and had a revamp a couple of years back.
The Kaya Toast with the thick slab of butter remained my favourite item of the lot, with sweet aromatic kaya hand-made in traditional style on charcoal-roasted bun.
Other breads available include Luncheon Meat Bun, Brown Bun, Hae Bee Hiam Bun, Otah Bun, and Sausage Bun.
Killiney Kopitiam
67 Killiney Road, Singapore 239525
Opening Hours: 6am – 6pm (Mon – Sun)
1st shop of the Hainanese coffee shop chain
Originally founded back in 1919 as “Kheng Hoe Heng Coffeeshop”, this place was a small humble shop where you could buy warm beverages and bread toast, as well as well-brewed tea and coffee.
In 1993, Mr. Woon who was a regular customer decided to buy the shop and rename it to “Killiney Kopitiam”.
Today, this has branches all over Singapore and dozens of outlets overseas.
Killiney Kopitiam has many branches, but the main outlet at at Killiney Road remains as one of the best, if not the best in taste and quality. Some of the other branches are questionable.
They have expanded their menu and serve a wide range of local delicacies and of course the signature Hainanese style coffee.
Their freshly homemade kaya and rich kopi concocted from Columbian Arabica coffee beans remain their main selling point. My other personal favourite dish is the fragrant curry chicken with crispy prata.
Toast Box Coffee House
58 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 160058
Opening Hours: 7:30 am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)
Toast Box recognised for its Nanyang Kopi and traditional toast, has become a staple breakfast and snack destination in the country.
Customers can enjoy variety of toasts, beverages, and dishes like Mee Siam and Curry Chicken with Rice at any of the numerous Toast Box locations across Singapore, but I like the outlet at Tiong Bahru.
A highlight of the Toast Box menu is its signature Kaya Toast, with lightly toasted bread served with sweet kaya spread (a traditional jam made from coconut and eggs) and a slab of butter.
Good Morning Nanyang Cafe
Far East Plaza #02-23, 14 Scotts Road, Singapore 228213
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 8pm (Tues – Sun), Close Mon
For those unaware, Good Morning Nanyang Cafe which had prominent shop spaces at Pagoda Street and Maxwell Road had closed those branches.
Good Morning Nanyang Cafe’s kopi made with freshly roasted coffee beans is one of my favourite cups for being aromatic and smooth, yet not overly sharp.
Other than the traditional toast and thick toast, I would most recommend the Orange Ciabatta set – the breads are baked with caramelised orange peel, evenly toasted with a spread of kaya within.
Toast Hut
Old Airport Road Food Centre #01-52, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
Opening Hours: 6:30am – 12:40pm (Mon – Wed, Fri – Sun), Closed Thurs
Toast Hut at Old Airport Road Food Centre is popular for its traditional kaya toast and kopi, meticulously crafted by Melvin Soh and team.
Distinguished by its less sweet kaya that complements the aromatic coffee, Toast Hut offers a healthier yet delicious alternative to the classic Singaporean breakfast.
The Giant Bun which is distinctive Toast Hut, features a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, filled with just the right amount of kaya and New Zealand Anchor brand salted butter.
Note though: the wait can be long during peak hours, and can take any time from 40 minutes to an hour.
Coffee Break
Amoy Street Food Centre #02-78, 7 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069111
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 2:30pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat, Sun
Coffee Break is helmed by siblings Faye, Anna and Jack Sai who took over their father’s stall at Amoy Street. Their grandfather also owned a coffee shop called San Hai Yuan more than 80 years ago.
The stall is known for their sweet toasts with funky fillings of Rum & Raisin, Earl Grey Crème, Key Lime Crème to even Matcha Coconut.
Many customers come for their flavoured kopi, from Almond, Almond Ginger, Black Sesame, Ginger, Taro Milk, Mint, Melon Milk, Masala and Mango Milk.
One of their best sellers is the Sea Salt Caramel Latte, which I agree can be interesting to drink with slight sweet and salty notes along with the coffee-bitterness.
Ah Seng (Hai Nam) Coffee
Amoy Street Food Centre #02-95, 7 Maxwell Rd, Singapore 069111
Opening Hours: 5:30am – 3pm (Mon – Wed, Sat – Sun), Closed Thurs, Fri
The other kopi stall I really like at Amoy Street Food Centre is Ah Seng (Hai Nam) Coffee.
How many hawker stalls you know still grill bread over charcoal?
Therefore you would find the kaya toasts here with a beautiful brown appearance and lightly crisp texture, complete with a rather eggy and aromatic kaya.
Not to be missed is their French Toast ($3.50).
Their Hainanese coffee kopi has slightly bitter notes – I guess this is a perk-me-up for the CBD people around, prepared using with Robusta beans that are ground in-house.
The 1950s Coffee 五十年代咖啡
Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre #02-048, Block 335 Smith Street, Singapore 050335
Opening Hours: 7am – 5pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon
The 1950s Coffee aka 五十年代咖啡 Wu Shi Nian Dai is a Michelin-listed kopi stall located at Chinatown Complex Food Centre that serves traditional Nanyang kopi-O or black coffee.
The stall serves up Traditional Toast ($1.20), Peanut Thick Toast ($1.20), Kaya Thick Toast ($1.20), Black Coffee ($1.00), Half-Boiled Egg ($1.20), Iced Lemon Tea ($1.10), and Milo Ice ($1.80).
There is a reason why. Compared to some other coffee stalls, their kopi ($1.10) is full bodied, velvety smooth, and not over diluted.
It has a fragrant aroma, and not too bitter for a black local coffee.
Complete your experience by ordering a Traditional Toast or the Peanut Thick Toast on the side. Come early to make sure to get those lightly toasted thick-sliced bread. With the queue, the bread tends to run out by noon time.
Zheng Ming Cha Shi 正明茶室
Hong Lim Market & Food Centre #01-46, 531A Upper Cross St, Singapore 051531
Opening Hours: 6am – 2pm (Mon – Sun)
Zheng Ming Cha Shi, a quaint kaya toast and kopi stall located at Hong Lim Food Centre, has recently gained more popularity due to a viral TikTok video featuring a heartwarming family reunion.
Run by a friendly uncle and auntie duo, the stall is known for its warm greetings to regulars.
The stall offers a rich and aromatic kopi ($1.10) appealing to early risers and busy workers.
A modern take on their classic brew is the Oat Milk Kopi ($3), blending Oatside Oat Milk’s creamy, nutty flavours with the robustness of local coffee.
I loved their rendition of Toast with Kaya and Butter ($1.80), featuring slightly crisp bread with a generous layer of kaya and butter, subtly enhanced by a sprinkle of sugar – which made quite a difference without being too sweet.
Read more at: Zheng Ming Cha Shi 正明茶室 (Hong Lim Food Centre)
Heng Heng Coffee Stall 兴兴咖啡
Bukit Merah View Market & Hawker Centre #01-23, 115 Bukit Merah View, Singapore 151115
Opening Hours: 4am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)
Heng Heng Coffee Stall 兴兴咖啡, located at , has gained popularity not only for its distinctive “UFO Buns” but also for its reasonably priced offerings in the face of Singapore’s rising costs.
A highlight is their affordable kopi, priced at $1.20 per cup, which contributes to the constant queue at the stall, although it moves quickly.
Their celebrated “Space Buns” 太空包 are known for their charred exterior, filled with a layer of kaya and butter, priced at $1.60.
The kaya is specially noted for its pastel-green color, reduced sweetness to appeal to health-conscious consumers, and a delicate, eggy flavor enhanced with the aroma of pandan leaves.
Read more at: Heng Heng Coffee Stall 兴兴咖啡 (Bukit Merah View Food Centre)
Coffee Hut
Berseh Food Center #02-43, 166 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208877
Opening Hours: 7am – 1:30pm (Tues – Fri), 7am – 12pm (Sun), Closed Sat
The story behind this stall is an interesting one: the owner of this stall learnt how to make kopi by a Hainan coffee master for a price of $3000.
But this is ‘school fees’ well paid.
There is no doubt that the kopi at this stall has that aromatic quality that is not like the average, and you can tell that the owner poured their heart and soul into it.
I loved that smooth, balanced and not overly bitter taste of the kopi, unlike the bland and diluted version present in other places. Even the teh was not bad.
Another great thing about this stall is that every item on the menu seems to have a personal touch, like homemade kaya and peanut butter spread.
They have different sets of breakfast and brunch items to go with the hot beverage from $3, including Kaya Toast, Baguette French Toast, French-Toasted Bread, Kaya Bun or Toasted Kaya Bun.
The crispy and soft toast that paired well with the homemade kaya and butter.
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