Toast with special kaya jam — a famous Singaporean delicacy with a crispy exterior that melts in your mouth

Text and photos by /Xiao Sheng

Kaya toast is a famous dish in Singapore and Malaysia, made with traditional bread and topped with specially made kaya jam. It has evolved into one of the most iconic snacks in the region, with Ya Kun Toast near Chinatown being a standout. It's a must-try when visiting Singapore.

　　Xiao Sheng had already decided which Singaporean dish he wanted to try even before arriving in the country. On his last day in Singapore, although the Fern Loft backpackers’ hostel provided breakfast, he only ate a little before heading out. That morning, his goal was to visit the famous Ya Kun Toast in Singapore. Kaya toast is a very authentic snack here, and Ya Kun has built its reputation on it—even expanding overseas to open branches in Taiwan. So this time, he made a special trip to Ya Kun in Singapore to try the most authentic kaya toast.

　　Ya Kun Kaya Toast is located on China Street in Singapore’s Chinatown (China St.). Though not far from the bustling heart of Chinatown—one of the liveliest areas in Singapore—Ya Kun itself isn’t in the main hub. That morning, there weren’t many people or vehicles around, but as soon as he stepped into Ya Kun, the place instantly buzzed with energy. Many locals and tourists were seated in the fairly spacious shop enjoying their breakfast, and there were even tables and chairs set up outside. The crowd spoke volumes about the allure of kaya toast.

　　The quirky cartoon image of the owner brewing coffee on the signboard outside was very eye-catching, and the walls inside the café were adorned with evidence of Ya Kun’s many media features over the years.

　　Ya Kun doesn’t offer a huge variety of items, but if you want a taste of an authentic Singaporean/Malaysian breakfast, just ordering the kaya toast set is enough. One kaya toast set costs just 4 Singapore dollars and includes kaya toast + 2 slices of butter, 2 eggs, and a hot drink. The portion might not be huge, but for him, it was more than sufficient.

　　The three-step egg ritual — in Singapore and Malaysia, there’s a unique way of eating soft-boiled eggs (or rather, 3-minute eggs, XD). You stir the egg thoroughly and then mix it with soy sauce before eating. Although his Malaysian friend loved this, he found the taste quite peculiar. For someone not used to semi-raw eggs, it was a bit hard to accept, but it was still worth trying this unusual flavor.

　　Coffee — people in Singapore and Malaysia also have a peculiar habit: no matter how hot the weather or how un-air-conditioned the dining environment, they still enjoy a cup of hot coffee. So he went with the flow and ordered hot coffee. Even though it was sweltering and there was no air conditioning, making him sweat buckets while drinking hot coffee, the aroma and richness of hot coffee just can't be beaten by iced coffee. Drinking coffee in the heat has a uniquely special feel to it.

　　Kaya toast — next comes Ya Kun’s signature item: kaya toast. At first glance, Ya Kun’s kaya toast doesn’t look particularly impressive, and the slices vary slightly in size. It’s unclear what kind of bread they use, but the toast is grilled, giving off a distinctive aroma that smells really good.

　　Lifting the toast reveals a somewhat surprising sight — there’s actually very little kaya jam and butter. The version he had at Duochun Teahouse in Malaysia came with a generous spread, whereas Ya Kun’s kaya toast feels a bit less satisfying in comparison.

　　But the texture of Ya Kun’s kaya toast is truly excellent. The charcoal-grilled crust is extremely crispy, and once you take a bite, it melts in your mouth. The aroma of kaya and butter instantly fills your mouth, complemented by the smokiness of the grilled bread. The taste and texture of Ya Kun’s kaya toast are really fantastic. The only downside is that there’s just a bit too little jam, but overall, the texture alone makes up for everything.

　　On this trip to Singapore, he finally got to try the legendary kaya toast. Ya Kun truly lives up to its reputation as a well-known spot. He absolutely loved the texture of the kaya toast, so it’s no wonder they’ve expanded all the way to Taiwan. However, those who have tried the Taiwanese branches say the Singaporean version tastes better, so when in Singapore, this iconic snack is an absolute must-try.

[Ya Kun Kaya Toast]

Address: 18 China St, Singapore 049560
Phone: +65 6438 3638
Business hours: 07:30–19:00

Xiao Sheng’s wandering journey
Every journey and every trip is a pursuit. Though he’s not entirely sure what he’s searching for, what he ultimately gains always turns out to be more than he imagined. And so, his wandering journey will continue, nonstop.