What better way to start the day than with the Singaporean classic — the humble kaya toast!
Slathered with a generous spread of the local coconut jam (kaya), a slab of butter and perfectly toasted bread, it’s a staple breakfast item for a reason. Complemented perfectly with rich kopi and dipped into soft-boiled eggs, it’s truly a satisfying start to the day.
Crunchy or pillowy, Hainanese style or Nonya — this comforting dish comes in different shades and flavours and is served all over Singapore. It’s a go-to for any Singaporean looking for a quick pick-me-up for breakfast or any time of the day.
Getting the perfect ratio of bread, butter and kaya may sound simple, but it is delicate work. And sure, it is simple to find — at your nearest Ya Kun or even Toast Box if you’re feeling desperate.
But, for those looking to go the extra mile (and trust us, it’s worth it), we’ve got just the list for you.
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Kaya Toast Breakfast Places
Chin Mee Chin Confectionery
Nestled in the colourful streets of Joo Chiat, Chin Mee Chin Confectionery stands out with its old-school charm and nostalgic design.
With indoor seating of familiar wooden chairs and an open-air area, Chin Mee Chin’s welcoming atmosphere is hard to pass up, especially for the first meal of the day.
A popular breakfast spot even among the cafes in the area, this establishment offers an array of sweets and baked goods that is a walk down memory lane.
But, the star of the show is still its Kaya Toast (S$2.20). Offering soft pillowy buns, a departure from the usual crunchy toast, and slathered with kaya that’s just the right consistency, their signature kaya toast is a definite must-try.
Rich and aromatic, pair this with runny eggs and a steaming cup of coffee. Plus, they’ve been around since 1925, so when it comes to kaya toast, trust the experts.
Chin Mee Chin Confectionery
Location: 204 East Coast Road, Singapore 428903
Opening Hours: Tue – Fri, 8:00am – 4:00pm
Tel: -
Website: https://www.chinmeechin.sg/
Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe
If the long, snaking queues are anything to go by, this cafe is an absolute must-try the next time you’re in the Tanjong Pagar area.
Opened just last year, this fresh face has been making waves in the kaya toast scene. But don’t let that fool you — with records lining the walls and traditional lanterns at the entrance, this cafe will transport you back in time with its nostalgic ambiance.
And to top it all off, the dishes – not just breakfast food – available will make you feel right at home.
While their Signature Hainanese Chicken Cutlet (S$15.90) is quite a show-stopper, every table in the cafe will most definitely have a plate of their Traditional Kaya Butter Toast (from S$2.50).
Rather than having the butter right in the middle, the kaya toast here offers butter with every single bite. Cut into thin rectangular slices, every bite is the perfect ratio of kaya, butter and bread — making every mouthful an absolute delight.
Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe
Location: 5 Craig Rd, Singapore 089665
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 4:00pm
Tel: -
Website: https://www.facebook.com/greatnanyang/
Tong Ah Eating House
One of the most recognisable eateries in Singapore, this well-known spot needs little introduction. While previously known for its iconic red and white shophouse, this 80-year-old establishment has moved to a new spot just a short walk away along Keong Saik Road.
For those looking for something a bit different, Tong Ah Eating House offers alternatives such as French Toast with Kaya (S$3.70) and Crispy Thin Kaya Toast (S$2.40).
But nothing can compare to their Traditional Kaya Toast (S$2.00). Rich and robust, the thick pieces of toast are slathered with exactly the right amount of kaya.
Have it on its own or dip it into creamy, half-boiled eggs — this local breakfast staple is undeniably one of the best around.
Tong Ah Eating House
Location: 35 Keong Saik Rd., Singapore 089142
Opening Hours: Mon – Tue, Thu – Sun, 7:00am – 10:00pm, Wed, 7:00am – 2:00pm
Tel: +65 6223 5083
Website: https://tong-ah-eating-house.business.site/
Zheng Ming Cha Shi
For those looking to spice their breakfast up, Zheng Ming Cha Shi offers a bold alternative — Oat Milk Kopi (S$3).
Its creamy, nutty and smooth flavour profile goes astoundingly well with kaya toast. So for those feeling adventurous, here’s a simple way to elevate a classic breakfast staple.
But of course, they also sell the usual kopi and teh that never goes wrong with kaya toast. With notes of caramel from the golden-brown kaya and a cold slab of butter, this crunchy delicacy is a nice change of pace from the usual pandan flavours.
The most affordable one on the list at S$4.00 for the traditional set and surrounded by other well-known stores, it makes the trip to Hong Lim Complex more than worth it.
Zheng Ming Cha Shi
Location: 531A Upper Cross St, #01-46 Hong Lim Market & Food Centre, Singapore 051531
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun, 6:00am – 2:00pm
Tel: -
Website: -
Bao Er Cafe
Another fairly new cafe, this establishment has been making quite an impression in the past few months. With long lines in the fairly empty Balestier Plaza, it certainly draws a crowd in, and for good reason too.
Setting itself apart from the competition, Bao Er Cafe makes its kaya with fresh coconut milk — a novelty these days. With its crunchy, golden-brown toast, it’s very reminiscent of Ya Kun but dare we say, it might be better.
This quaint store offers a wide variety of other classic dishes. From Economic Bee Hoon (S$4.50) to their Signature Hokkien Mee (S$7), Bao Er Cafe delivers on every front and does it right. But the star of the show is definitely the Kaya Butter Toast Set (S$5).
The decision to use fresh coconut milk for the kaya adds a layer of complexity and richness that elevates this classic dish. The first bite into the crunchy, golden-brown toast reveals a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, making it an unrivalled treat for breakfast or any time of the day.
Bao Er Cafe
Location: 400 Balestier Rd, #02-01, Singapore 329802
Opening Hours: Weekdays, 11am – 10pm; weekends, Daily, 8:00am – 8:00pm
Tel: +65 8686 9777
Website: -
Whether you opt for the traditional or venture a little out of your comfort zone, kaya toast remains a breakfast classic in Singapore.
