An almost identical photo over at Epicureal Epiphanies had me remembering one of my all-time favourite breakfasts in Singapore, Ya Kun Kaya Toast.
In the scheme of things, I’m only new to the delights of this dish (well, since I met Dan almost two and a half years ago). And like him, I now yearn for soft boiled eggs broken into a bowl, seasoned with soy sauce and pepper. I crave the crispy brown toast slathered with kaya (an eggy coconut jam) and smooshed with a wedge of honest-to-goodness butter. And then there is kopi – black coffee mixed with evaporated milk. It is a breakfast of champions.
And afterwards, if you are still hungry, you can indulge in an ice-cream sandwich. And yes…that’s a DURIAN ice-cream sandwich. Sooo good.
Ya Kun Kaya Toast is now as popular in Singapore as McDonalds is in Melbourne. You’ll find this franchise in most malls across Singapore.
I’ve long believed there ought to be a Ya Kun’s as well as an Old Chang Kee (place to go for curry puffs and other deep fried goodness’ on sticks) franchisee here in Melbourne. Any interested entrepreneurs out there?
Funny you should mention that
Oooh…I *wish* someone would at least start a Ya Kun Kaya here!
Hi Mellie,
I didn’t mind Ya Kun, but I did find the toast was so thin that it was cold by the time I got it. Was it the same for you, or did I just have bad luck? Had kaya toast from a coffee shop on Beach Road, where the bread was thick and fluffy, and preferred that style. Regardless, kaya toast is great! After getting back from Singapore, I had to go out and buy a jar of kaya jam to feed my cravings!
Your posts are making me want to revisit Singapore – what an awesome city for food.
Cheers,
Blair
is there anywhere you can get that breakfast in melbourne???
aaron: There is a place in Chinatown called Old Town Kopitiam that does the kaya toast and half boiled eggs. I’ve tried the kaya toast and unfortunately, is nothing as yummy as Ya Kun Kaya. But do give it a go!
Mellie: You must also give Toast Box a go when you next visit Singapore. It is opened by the boss of Bread Talk. There is a branch within Terminal 1 at Changi Airport and kaya toast with a piping hot cup of teh-C is a must before I board any plane!
PS: You must hop over the Causeway next time to try some authentic Malaysian fare!! The best kaya toast I ever had was at this kopitiam complete with the marble table tops. I asked where they got their kaya from and the chap told me that it was made by his grandmother!!!
Ohhhh… *yum* I went to one of the franchise stores late last year in Singapore.
Love the soft boiled egg with soy sauce and kaye toast.
Oooooooooooomg you got me there. I *REALLY* wish someone would set up a ya kun kopitiam in Melbourne, and I’d imagine that QV would be a perfect spot to do so. That way I can pick up my kaya toast and kopi on the way up to work!
Dear tummyrumbles,
I’ve been reading your blog for a while and I just wanted to say it’s absolutely fabulous. And this post on OldChangKee and YaKunKaya Toast really makes me miss S’pore so much right now.
Btw, any good places for Chicken Rice in Melbourne?
xx
Hey Blair – hmm, you must have got a bad one. My toast was hot, the butter melting ever so deliciously into the kaya. Yes, the toast is rather thin, but I like the crispyness
We normally have a jar of kaya in the fridge at home too – although I find I must restrain myself…it is too delicious! Straits Cafe in Doncaster makes their own preservative free kaya too, which is rather good. I must try and make it myself one day.
Hi Aaron – I haven’t found anywhere in Melbourne that does kopitiam style breakfasts (except my house of course
).
Hey Cat – thanks for your tip to Aaron. I was very excited when Old Town Kopitiam opened – but must confess I was dissapointed with heir kaya toast
But when you’ve had such great kaya toast overseas, it’s hard to compare! Funny that you mention Toast Box at Changi Airport, as we did try it when we left Singapore (see photo here). It was awesome as well! I’d love to hop over the Causeway into Malaysia on my next visit. It’s on my list!
Hey Will – you are a man after my own heart.
Hi Pseudo Epicurean – actually, QV would be the PERFECT spot for it (cause its also on my way to work!!
).
G’day Nicole – glad you are enjoying the blog! Yes…I have a few of these old S’pore posts hanging around, and was inspired to dust them off by a posts over at Psuedo Epicurean’s blog. Hmm…the age old question of where to find good chicken rice in Melbourne. To be honest, I’m still searching myself!
Ohh.. I miss Ya Kun Kaya toast and soft boiled eggs soooooo much !!!