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In thinking about a local breakfast, the traditional ‘kopi’ and toast pairing certainly springs to mind. This classic Singaporean breakfast consists of a steaming hot cup of freshly brewed coffee, a stack of well-toasted bread (usually with a kaya and butter spread), and two soft-boiled eggs.
If you’re craving this simplistic but unbeatable combination, check out some of our favourite go-to’s for just that:
For Various Kaya Toast Renditions
Since its inception in 1939, Tong Ah Eating House has quickly become one of the most popular coffee shops in Singapore. Their regular patrons will most definitely vouch for their holy trinity, that is their toast, half-boiled eggs, and ‘kopi’ or tea.
Once there, choose between various types of toast: the incredibly crunchy Crispy Thin Toast Kaya ($2.60 for a la carte, $5.80 for a set), the thicker Traditional Kaya Toast ($2.20 for a la carte, $5.40 for a set), or the eggier French Toast with Kaya ($4 for a la carte, $7.20 for a set). Whichever set you pick, it will be accompanied by their creamy half-boiled eggs and their intense brews.
For A Substantial Breakfast
Founded in the 1920s, Chin Mee Chin started out as a bread delivery business before evolving into the iconic coffee shop they’re known as today! If you’re hunting down a substantial breakfast, do order their Kaya Toast Set ($5.20) which comes with two eggs and a drink. You can also upgrade this to a Milo Set ($5.20) or Milo Dinosaur Set ($6.20) if tea/coffee isn’t your thing. Still hungry? Top up 2 more eggs ($1.60) and perhaps another Kaya Toast ($2.40)!
For Fluffy Kaya Buns
YY Kafei Dian is best known for their Hainanese-style coffee and breakfast fare. Most of all, their light and incredibly fluffy in-house made Kaya Buns ($1.60 each) which are halved before being spread with a dollop of the sweetest kaya, and topped with a slab of butter that melts on the toast itself. Pair this with their runny Half Boiled Eggs ($1.50) and smooth Kopi C ($1.70) to complete your breakfast set!
For Charcoal-Grilled Toasts
Located within Amoy Street Food Centre, Ah Seng (Hai Nam) Coffee sells old-school Hainanese coffee and toast, specifically ones that are grilled over charcoal—this sets them apart from their counterparts as not many places do this anymore! Since their bread is heated over charcoal, you’ll find that the texture is crisper than usual and comes with a gorgeous char. We’d definitely recommend the Bread Toast ($1.80), French Toast ($3.50), and of course, the Kaya Toast ($1.80). Don’t forget to pair any one of these with their Eggs ($1.40) and a cuppa!
Coffee Break
Photo by Burppler toofoodtomiss ❧
For ‘Kopi’ & Toasts With A Modern Twist
In need of a Coffee Break? Head to Amoy Street Food Centre for a second-generation hawker stall with just that. Their coffee beans are roasted to perfection the traditional Nanyang way before being ground daily and brewed. Aside from the traditional cups of Kopi (O and C included; all at $1.60 a cup), Teh ($1.80), and Yuan Yang ($1.80), they also serve cafe-style lattes ($4 each), albeit at more affordable prices—these come in flavours such as Black Sesame, Butter Pecan, Hazelnut, and Taro Milk. You can even opt for soy or oat milk for a top-up of $1.20.
And, don't walk away without getting your hands on their signature toasts like the Black Sesame Butter Toast ($3.50) and the Earl Grey Creme Toast ($3.50). These thin slices of toasted bread are a unique twist on the traditional Kaya toast for sure!
