What is kaya toast? It is toasted bread spread with kaya, a sweet jam made from coconut milk, eggs and sugar, plus a slice of cold butter. It is one of Singapore's classic breakfasts. Most people eat it with two soft-boiled eggs and a cup of local coffee called kopi.
You can find kaya toast at old coffee shops, hawker centres and local chains all over the island. It is cheap, quick and easy to order, so it makes a good first local meal. This post is part of our Kaya Toast and Local Breakfast guides.
The three parts of kaya toast
Kaya toast looks simple, but each part matters. Here is what goes into a classic serving.
The bread
The classic version uses plain white bread. Some shops toast it over charcoal, and others use a grill or toaster. One popular style is thin and crisp, with the crusts cut off. Another uses thick slices that stay soft and fluffy inside. Ask for whichever the shop is known for.
The kaya
Kaya is a coconut jam. Cooks stir coconut milk, eggs and sugar slowly over low heat until the mix turns thick and smooth. Many recipes add pandan, a fragrant leaf used in many Southeast Asian sweets. The word kaya means rich in Malay, which suits its taste. Kaya can be brown or green, depending on the style. We compare the two in Hainanese vs Nyonya kaya.
The butter
The butter often comes as a thick, cold slab rather than a thin spread. It melts slowly against the warm toast. Its creamy taste balances the sweet kaya, and the cold slab adds a nice contrast to the hot, crisp bread.
How kaya toast fits into a Singapore morning
For many locals, kaya toast is a quick weekday breakfast before work. It is also a relaxed weekend meal with family. Coffee shops get busy early in the morning, when people stop for a set on their way out.
The usual order is a kaya toast set. It normally includes:
- A portion of kaya toast, cut into small pieces
- Two soft-boiled eggs in a small dish
- A hot kopi or teh, which is local tea
Locals crack the eggs into the dish, add soy sauce and white pepper, and dip the toast in. Our guide to soft-boiled eggs with soy sauce explains how. To get your drink right, read how to order kopi before you go.
Other ways to eat kaya
Toast is the classic, but kaya turns up in other forms too. Look out for these on the menu board:
- Steamed bread: soft, warm bread steamed instead of toasted, with kaya and butter inside.
- French toast: bread dipped in egg and pan-fried, served with kaya.
- Kaya with crackers: plain cream crackers sandwiched with kaya and butter.
- Thick toast: a fluffier, heavier slice for bigger appetites.
You can also buy kaya in jars at supermarkets and bakeries. It makes a simple food gift to take home. Pack jars in checked luggage, as hand-luggage limits on liquids and gels apply.
Where to eat kaya toast in Singapore
You do not need to look hard. Kaya toast is sold in almost every neighbourhood. Here are easy places to start.
Local kopitiam chains
Ya Kun Kaya Toast (Far East Square) is a handy stop in the CBD. Killiney Kopitiam, in the Orchard area, serves kaya toast with eggs and kopi in a classic coffee shop style. Both brands have other branches around the island, including some in malls.
Hawker centres and coffee shops
Many hawker centres and coffee shops have a stall that sells toast and eggs along with drinks. Tiong Bahru Market and Maxwell Food Centre are easy to reach and pair well with a morning walk. Neighbourhood coffee shops are another good bet. Our guide What Is a Kopitiam? explains how they work. For more ideas, browse our list of places for kaya toast in Singapore.
FAQs about kaya toast
What does kaya toast taste like?
It tastes sweet, rich and buttery, with a gentle coconut flavour. The crisp toast and cold butter add crunch and a creamy finish.
Is kaya toast vegetarian?
Kaya is made with eggs, coconut milk and sugar, so it suits vegetarians who eat eggs and dairy. It is not vegan, because of the eggs and butter.
How much does kaya toast cost in Singapore?
A kaya toast set with eggs and a drink usually costs a few dollars at a hawker centre, and a little more at chains in malls. Prices change, so check the menu board.
When do Singaporeans eat kaya toast?
Mostly at breakfast, but many people also have it as an afternoon snack. Many shops sell it all day, so check opening hours if you plan to go later.
Is kaya the same as coconut jam?
Yes. Kaya is often called coconut jam in English, so menus may use either name.
