Even though there are many options to have for breakfast in Singapore, kaya toast is Singapore’s most iconic breakfast option. Kaya is a type of coconut jam, spread between to pieces of crispy toasts. A kaya toast set usually consists of two slices of kaya toast, a cup of coffee/tea/milo and two soft-boiled eggs.
Here are 4 places to have the most authentic kaya toasts in Singapore. Each of these places have been around for many years.
Tong Ah Eating House
Tong Ah Eating House has been around since 1939, formerly occupying the iconic red and white corner building in Tanjong Pagar. They have since moved to a shophouse in adjacent street.
Tong Ah Eating House makes their own kaya, which has a greenish tint. The kaya is not as sweet as commercially-made ones and it’s so very fragrant!
The toast is toasted till slightly browned on the outside and in goes their homemade kaya with two slabs of butter.
Their kaya goes amazing well with their french toast as well. I do wish the french could be thicker and fluffier though.
Address: 35 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089142
Telephone: 62235083
Opening Hours: Wednesday 7am – 2pm, Monday – Tuesday + Thursday- Sunday 7am – 10pm
Facebook Page: https://m.facebook.com/100063629290078/
Keng Wah Sung
Keng Wah Sung is another historic coffeeshop famous for its kaya toasts. This old-school coffeeshop in Geylang has been around for more than 70 years.
The thinly-sliced toasted bread is smeared generously with fragrant kaya and topped with butter. Kopi gou yu or butter coffee is available here, a buttery robust coffee drink.
Address: 783 Geylang Road, Singapore 389672
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 5.30am – 11pm, closed on Sundays
Ah Seng (Hai Nam) Coffee
Ah Seng (Hai Nam) Coffee was set up by Mr. Wong Lock Seng’s father at Lau Pa Sat in 1964. The stall relocated to Amoy Street Food Centre in 1997 where it has been in operation for the past 20+ years.
This hawker stall was mentioned in 2018 Michelin Guide which piqued my interest.
Ah Seng (Hai Nam) Coffee is one of the few remaining hawker stalls in Singapore that still toast their bread over charcoal which imparts a subtle smokiness. The crispy bread is then sliced open and slathered generously with homemade kaya and slabs of butter.
French toast is another must-order here. The egg-soaked bread is pan-fried till golden brown and tastes awesome with the accompanying homemade kaya.
The coffee here is supposed to be really good too, too bad I don’t drink coffee. The Robusta coffee beans are roasted in-house. The most popular drink here is Kopi C where unsweetened condensed milk is added in place of regular condensed milk.
Address: 7 Maxwell Road, Amoy Street Food Centre #02-95, Singapore 069111
Telephone: 97102907
Opening Hours: Saturday – Wednesday 5.30am – 3pm, closed on Thursdays and Fridays
Heap Seng Leong
Heap Seng Leong is a heritage coffeeshop located in Lavender, across the canal from ICA building. This stall has been around since 1974 which means it has 48 years of history at the point of writing.
The highlight is the drinks stall which sells kaya toast sets and drinks. Heap Seng Leong uses charcoal to toast the bread, just like Ah Seng (Hai Nam) Coffee.
Heap Seng Leong serves a special type of coffee called kopi gu you. This coffee comes with a slab of butter, which gives the coffee a creamy buttery note.
Address: 10 North Bridge Road #01-5109, Singapore 190010
Telephone: 62922368
Opening Hours: Daily 5am – 4pm