Est. Since 1944 – We Checked Out Ya Kun’s First Outlet To See If The OG Is Really The Best

Ya Kun Kaya Toast

A traditional Singaporean breakfast would undoubtedly be the humble kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs and kopi.

While it is a common staple in many coffeeshops across the island, there is a brand that’s synonymous with GOOD kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs and kopi.

Enter Ya Kun Kaya Toast.

This humble brand started way back in 1944, before Singapore’s independence.

The first concrete stall was located in Lau Pa Sat, where it was simply known as Ya Kun Coffeestall. It remained there for 15 years before relocating in 1984 to Telok Ayer Transit Food Market, and then again in 1998 to its present location at Far East Square along China Street.

[caption id="attachment_35602" align="aligncenter" width="1280"]Ya Kun Kaya Toast Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

As someone who loves eating Ya Kun’s kaya toast, I’m ashamed to say that I’ve never been to this OG Ya Kun outlet.

So this morning, I decided that I had to see for myself, to see if the quality of Ya Kun toasts changed with its expansion. And off I went with my kopi-connoisseur colleague.

A Simple Traditional Breakfast

At first glance, the shophouse outlet looks huge and rustic, with the little tiled roof extensions on the side entrance.

[caption id="attachment_35604" align="aligncenter" width="1280"]Ya Kun Kaya Toast Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

However, the indoor seating space is actually quite limited, with more spacious seats available outside. Stepping in, the interior of the outlet is actually quite old-school, with simple tiled walls and raw concrete floors.

The old-school vibe is further accentuated by the marble top tables, wooden stools, and the kopitiam posters with almost-tacky lines.

[caption id="attachment_35611" align="aligncenter" width="1280"]Ya Kun Kaya Toast Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

While the outlet itself isn’t big, the kitchen and food preparation area sure are.

[caption id="attachment_35603" align="aligncenter" width="1280"]Ya Kun Kaya Toast Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

You can choose to order at the counter inside, or from any of the roving aunties – one of the few things that’s not available at other outlets across the island.

[caption id="attachment_35605" align="aligncenter" width="1208"]Ya Kun Kaya Toast Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

This Ya Kun outlet also has portable menus, in contrast to the menu boards typically found at other outlets.

[caption id="attachment_35606" align="aligncenter" width="1259"]Ya Kun Kaya Toast Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

I decided to order my usual Kaya Peanut Toast Set ($4.80) for optimal taste comparison. That’s when I noticed, there was only 1 drink size available.

I always upsize my drink at Ya Kun, so this was a bit of a downer.

Service was incredibly quick and efficient, with the aunties, serving drinks, eggs, and cleaning tables in one swift dance-like movement.

Even the cups used here are different, with a more classic kopitiam look, compared to the usual white Ya Kun cups.

[caption id="attachment_35609" align="aligncenter" width="960"]Ya Kun Kaya Toast Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

Call me biased, but even the toast here is sliced slightly thinner than the other outlets.

[caption id="attachment_35608" align="aligncenter" width="960"]Ya Kun Kaya Toast Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

Overall, the meal was splendid. I expected nothing less from Ya Kun. The toasts were thin and crisp and the eggs perfectly soft-boiled (great for dipping).

[caption id="attachment_35612" align="aligncenter" width="1280"]Ya Kun Kaya Toast Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

I loved my cup of Teh while my colleague’s freshly-made kopi was aromatic and sufficiently “gao” without being too sweet.

While Ya Kun has always maintained a high standard for their food and service, what we got at this original outlet was beyond good.

It wasn’t a Ya Kun meal, it was a Ya Kun experience.

Just to clarify, this isn’t sponsored. I just have very strong feelings for Ya Kun Kaya Toast. Though if Ya Kun would like to sponsor, hello, I am available.

Sponsored or not, I will still continue recommending people to Ya Kun Kaya Toast for a good traditional Singaporean breakfast. With over 40 outlets across Singapore, you can find a Ya Kun outlet easily.

However, if you’re looking for the perfect Ya Kun meal, then you should head to this original outlet.

And if you haven’t had Ya Kun Kaya Toast, have you truly lived?

Ya Kun Kaya Toast (First Outlet)
Address: 18 China Street, #01-01, Singapore 049560
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 7.30am – 7pm, Sat: 7.30am – 4.30pm, Sun: 8.30am – 3pm
Contact no.: 6438 3638
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(Header Image Source: DiscoverSG)

Only Have 1 Day in Singapore? Here Are Some Must Visit Food Places – For All Budgets!

Everyone loves hosting friends from overseas in Singapore! Watching them marvel at how delicious hawker food is or how clean the streets are stirs up an unmistakable sense of patriotism. However, once in a while we face our worst nightmare – the friend who only has 1 day to spare.

Where should you bring him/her to eat? How much is him/her willing to spend? Worry no more, as we have compiled 4 different eating itineraries for any budget!

Low $ (Average spending per meal – Below SGD $10)

Breakfast at YA KUN; Local – Chinese
Indulge yourself with a treat in the local kopi (coffee) culture within the cozy atmosphere. With more than 50 stores island wide, make sure you lay your hands on its famous kaya butter toast set from SGD$4.90. If you fall in love with its kaya (coconut jam) flavor, you can also bring back these jars of homemade spread. 

Lunch at BOON TONG KEE; Local – Chinese

Known for their silky white sauce chicken rice, this well received chain serves this popular local dish from as low as SGD $5. If you become a fan for its delicious dipping sauce, you can purchase these in house sauces that they have used in their dishes.
www.boontongkee.com.sg

Dinner at SPIZE; Asian Fusion and Mediterranean

Serving both Eastern and Western cuisine food from evenings till wee hours in the morning, this vibrant restaurant chain is the perfect hang out especially for night owls. The must try dishes include assorted pratas, nasi lemak, maggie goreng, roti john and not forgetting milo dinosaur drink!

Mid $$ (Average spending per meal – Below SGD$30)

Breakfast at SONG FA; Chinese – Teochew

With its signature dish Bak Ku Teh “meat bone tea” from SGD $7, Song Fa promises their loyal patrons its tingling peppery aftertaste in their soup, accompanied with succulent and tender pork ribs. If you cannot get off the flavourful broth off your mind, simply bring home a box of 10 sachets of Song Fa spices at SGD$22.

Lunch at THE CURRY HUT; Asian – North Indian

Aimed to attract all the curryholics island wide, The Curry Hut serves sumptuous true Indian Curry dishes as their specialties. Using various unique spices such as cumin, mustard, turmeric, fenugreek and black pepper, every dish is made to perfection. Must try dishes include Purdah Biryani, Dhehati Murg curry, Tandoori kebabs and of course, Mango Lassi drink to finish off the meal.

Dinner at I’M KIM KOREAN BBQ; Korean barbecue

With dinner starting from SGD $22.90, guests can pick from a free-flow selection of cooked Korean dishes, fresh poultry, condiments, drinks and more. Often populated for its attractive price and seasonal Facebook promotions, it will be recommended to book in advance for reservation before you miss its signature volcano chicken and irresistible chicken wings!

High $$$ (Average spending per meal – Below SGD$50)

Breakfast at WILD HONEY; International

Enjoy all day breakfast at anytime of the day at Wild Honey! Be it signature dishes like The English, Tunisian or European, or new modern favourites such as Norwegian or Aussie, you will fill that craving spot for sure. Be sure to make an advanced reservation at this popular joint!

Lunch at COFFEE LOUNGE; Chinese – Taiwanese

Situated within Goodwood Park Hotel, get to enjoy the extensive Taiwan Porridge and local degustation menu. With its lunch bento starting from SGD $21, it also serves a la carte buffet with 31 traditional favors, accompanying piping hot bowls of rice or sweet potato porridge. Be sure to make an advanced reservation.

Dinner at JUMBO SEAFOOD; Local – Chinese

Garnering prestigious culinary and service, JUMBO Seafood captures the diners’ hearts with its fresh seafood cooked to perfection. With its award-winning JUMBO Chili Crab, it also serves black pepper crab, golden salted egg prawns, crispy-fried squids and other innovative seafood cuisine. Reservation required.

Super High $$$$$ (Average spending per meal – Above SGD$50)

Breakfast at YAN TING; Chinese – Cantonese

Located at The St. Regis Singapore, Yan Ting showcases the exquisite yet hearty Cantonese fine dining. Aside from Executive Chef Tony Wun’s signature creations on the a la carte menu, patrons can also enjoy the Weekend Dim Sum Brunch from SGD $53. This style of Cantonese cuisine prepares steamed or fried food that are traditionally served in streamer baskets or small plates. Due to its bite-sized portions, get to try a wide variety! Reservation required.

Lunch at NATIONAL KITCHEN BY VIOLET OON; Asian Fusion

Showcasing Singapore’s culinary treasures and heritage from Nyonya, Chinese, Indian and Malay cuisines, local chef Violet Oon’s latest addition at National Gallery Singapore celebrated the authentic colorful flavours. Treat yourself to a luxurious meal from Tumeric Chicken Rings, fragrant Beef Rendang, Daging Chabek Beef Cheek and top off with a must try Roti Jala with Gula Melaka and Bananas. Reservation required.

Dinner at WILD ROCKET; Asian Fusion

Opened by local Chef Willin Low, he described himself and his food as “Mod Sin” cuisine – Modern Singapore fusion food of local delight and European cuisine. Apart from a la carte menu, four-course meal is also served from SGD $75. Do contact the restaurant to find out the specials created on its omakase tasting menu at the chef counter.

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