Even Singaporeans highly recommend it: the must-try breakfast in the Lion City — “Kopitiam Toast” at Eastern Cafe

▲ The signature “Kaya Toast” at Eastern Cafe. (Photo / Reporter Lin Shiwen)

Reporter Cai Wenjun / Reported from Singapore

When it comes to essential Singaporean breakfasts, you can’t miss the Eastern Cafe located on Keong Saik Road. Their toasts are perfectly grilled to a crisp and topped with a light, pinkish-hued, sweet yet not cloying kaya jam, served with two soft-boiled eggs. This dish has been delighting the streets of Keong Saik for nearly half a century and remains a beloved breakfast choice even among locals.

▲ Eastern Cafe. (Photo / Reporter Lin Shiwen)

The Eastern Cafe has now been passed down to its fourth generation. While it serves breakfast, it also offers lunch options such as stir-fries and seafood. However, it’s the breakfast menu that draws the most visitors. The cafe offers four types of toast options: traditional kaya toast, French toast, steamed bread, and crispy sliced toast, with the traditional kaya toast and French toast being the most popular.

▲ Traditional Kaya Toast. (Photo / Reporter Lin Shiwen)

▲ French Toast. (Photo / Reporter Lin Shiwen)

Four slices of toast are lightly toasted to a crisp, spread with the light pink kaya jam, then cut in half, and served freshly made to order. With every bite, the toast’s caramelized aroma pairs perfectly with the sweet kaya flavor, making it hard to stop eating. The French toast is prepared slightly differently — the toasted bread is dipped in egg mixture and softened before serving, then drizzled with caramel sauce just before plating. The egg aroma on the bread and the caramel create a multi-layered taste. The shop also provides a bit of kaya jam on the side for dipping, offering a rich combination of flavors in every bite.

▲ Combo meals come with two soft-boiled eggs. (Photo / Reporter Lin Shiwen)

▲ A local Singaporean way to enjoy soft-boiled eggs is with soy sauce and pepper. (Photo / Reporter Lin Shiwen)

Here, you might want to go for a Combo meal (similar to a set), as each one includes two soft-boiled eggs. Gently crack the eggshell with a spoon, pour the eggs into a small dish, then add a bit of soy sauce and pepper to enjoy them. This is the most authentic way to eat them. If you’re thirsty, the cafe also offers choices like coffee or milk tea.

▲ Eastern Cafe. (Photo / Reporter Lin Shiwen)

Eastern Cafe
Address: 35 Keong Saik Road, Singapore
Business hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM