Butter and spreads melt on freshly baked bread — the must-try kaya toast in Singapore

▲Unwrap Ya Kun’s iconic kaya toast, and you’ll see the melted butter and kaya spread.

Text & photos / Nine-Five Nasty Wife

In Taiwan, from Chinese fried dough sticks and flatbread to hamburgers and even eel congee, anything can be the start of your day. Likewise, every country and region has its own unique breakfast culture. When traveling in Singapore, many people opt for Ya Kun’s kaya toast as their morning meal.

Kaya ToastIt’s a highly representative snack in the Singapore-Malaysia region, typically consisting of toasted bread layered with kaya spread and butter. Many food stalls sell it, each with their own unique techniques and flavors. Popular chain brands familiar to Singaporeans include Toast Box and Ya Kun. Established in 1944, Ya Kun now has about 70 outlets both locally and abroad, including one in Neihu, Taipei.

Because the ingredients for kaya toast are simple, the key kaya spread becomes the star. Made from eggs, sugar, coconut milk, and pandan leaves, the kaya spread has a sweet, smooth taste. Flavored with coconut milk and the abundantly available pandan leaves of Southeast Asia, the spread carries the region’s distinctive warmth and aroma.

▲Kaya toast made using a steamer is exceptionally soft.

The meals served at Ya Kun are mostly made to order, with its most iconic being the kaya toast — toasted bread layered with kaya spread and butter. The lightly browned toast is crispy yet not hard or burnt; the kaya spread and butter between the slices melt into the bread, adding a rich sweetness with a hint of saltiness.

▲A slice of toast with coffee often fuels many Singaporeans’ daily energy.

Although visually it may just be browned toasted bread, light brown kaya spread, and yellowish butter — nothing extraordinary — the taste is rich and delicious. Paired with a cup of coffee, it’s a perfect match. No wonder kaya toast has become a must-try Singaporean dish for many.

Besides the freshly toasted kaya toast, Ya Kun also serves steamed kaya toast. This version isn’t toasted but steamed until fluffy and white, then topped with kaya spread and butter. It has a soft, pillowy texture, similar to a custard bun.

▲French toast coated in egg mixture.

For those seeking a more filling option, there’s also French toast — bread coated in an egg mixture, fried, and served with kaya spread on the side for dipping. Compared to pairings with honey or syrup, this version has a stronger Southeast Asian flair.

According to foodies, many Singaporeans actually order a classic half-boiled egg, seasoned with soy sauce and pepper, then beaten and drunk straight or used as a dip for bread. Unfortunately, Nine-Five Nasty Wife has a slight fear of half-boiled eggs, so she’ll have to gather courage to try it next time she visits Singapore.

▲Ya Kun outlets are commonly seen on the streets of Singapore.

Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Singapore Chinatown Branch
Address: 18 China Street #01-01 Far East Square, Singapore
Business hours: Weekdays 07:30–19:00, Holidays 08:30–17:30
Price: Toast from SGD 2 (approx. TWD 47)

Taipei Neihu Branch
Address: No. 34, Lane 18, Alley 478, Ruiguang Road, Neihu District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-8751-9656