Best Kaya Toast in Singapore

A guide to kaya toast in Singapore

Kaya toast in Singapore is more than a snack. It is a breakfast habit at old coffee shops, called kopitiams, across the island. The full set is toast, two soft-boiled eggs and a cup of kopi or teh. This guide explains each part of the meal, how to order and where to try it.

What is kaya toast?

Kaya is a sweet spread made from coconut milk, eggs and sugar. It is cooked slowly until it turns thick and smooth. Many recipes add pandan leaves for a fragrant taste.

The toast is usually thin and crisp, and some places toast it over charcoal. The cook spreads kaya on one side and adds a thick slice of cold butter. The bread is then pressed together like a sandwich. The mix of cold butter and warm toast is a key part of the dish.

Brown or green kaya?

There are two main types. Hainanese kaya is brown, because the sugar is caramelised. Nyonya kaya is green, from pandan leaves. Both are sweet, but the brown one has a deeper, caramel taste. Read Hainanese vs Nyonya Kaya: Brown or Green Coconut Jam for more.

Other ways to eat kaya

• Thick toast: soft, fluffy slices instead of thin, crispy ones.
• Steamed bread: soft white bread, steamed instead of toasted.
• Kaya and crackers: cream crackers with kaya and butter.

How to eat the full kaya toast set

1. Crack the eggs. Some places crack them for you. If not, crack them into the small dish provided.
2. Season them. Add a few drops of dark soy sauce and a shake of white pepper. Stir gently.
3. Dip the toast. Many locals dip their kaya toast into the eggs. The sweet and salty mix works well.
4. Sip your drink. Kopi is local coffee, usually strong and sweet. Teh is local tea.

Learn more in Soft Boiled Eggs with Soy Sauce: The Kopitiam Way.

Ordering kopi

• Kopi: coffee with condensed milk.
• Kopi O: black coffee with sugar.
• Kopi C: coffee with evaporated milk and sugar.
• Kosong: add this word for no sugar.
• Peng: add this word for iced.

The same words work for teh. See How to Order Kopi in Singapore Without Getting Lost for the full list.

Where to eat kaya toast

You can find kaya toast at kopitiams, at drinks stalls in many hawker centres and at cafés that serve local breakfast.

Ya Kun Kaya Toast (Far East Square) is in the Marina Bay & CBD area. It is handy for breakfast before a day of sightseeing around the bay. Killiney Kopitiam is in the Orchard & River Valley area, so it suits a morning before shopping on Orchard Road. Both serve the classic set of toast, eggs and a hot drink.

Read What Is a Kopitiam? Singapore Coffee Shops Explained to learn how these coffee shops work. For more morning ideas, browse our Kaya Toast & Local Breakfast guides.

Prices and tips

• Rough cost: a set with toast, eggs and a drink often costs around S$5 to S$8. Prices change, so check the menu board.
• Go early: breakfast is the classic time. Coffee shops in office areas fill up before work on weekdays.
• Take some home: jars of kaya make a good gift. Spreads count as liquids or gels at airport security, so pack large jars in your checked bag.
• Keep it cool: many jars of kaya need to go in the fridge once opened. Check the label.

FAQs about kaya toast

What does kaya taste like?

Kaya is sweet and creamy, with notes of coconut and caramel. Green kaya has a stronger pandan taste. It is a little like a coconut custard.

Is kaya toast eaten only at breakfast?

No. It is most popular at breakfast, but many people also eat it as an afternoon snack.

Why are the eggs so runny?

The eggs are cooked only briefly in hot water. The whites stay soft and the yolks stay runny. This is how locals like them for dipping toast.

Is kaya toast suitable for vegetarians?

Kaya is made with eggs, coconut milk and sugar, so it suits most vegetarians who eat eggs. It is not vegan. Ask about the butter and bread if you have strict needs.