Ya Kun Kaya Toast represents an iconic piece of Singapore\s culinary heritage, tracing its roots back to 1944 when Chinese immigrant Loi Ah Koon established his coffee stall in the heart of the city, creating what would become the gold standard for traditional Singaporean breakfast cuisine. The Chinatown outlet on China Street stands as a testament to authentic local kopitiam culture, serving generations of Singaporeans and international visitors the definitive kaya toast experience that has become as integral to Singapore\s food scene as hawker stalls and chili crab.
The restaurant\s signature offering centers around their legendary kaya toast - perfectly griddled thin bread served crispy on the outside with generous portions of house-made kaya (coconut jam) and four substantial pats of butter, creating the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and savory flavors that define Singapore\s breakfast tradition. Their classic breakfast set at $6.90 includes two expertly prepared soft-boiled eggs served in traditional bowls with soy sauce and pepper, alongside hot or cold kopi (traditional coffee made with condensed milk), providing exceptional value for an authentic local dining experience. Additional menu highlights include their French toast with kaya spread, house-made pastries, fluffy Swiss rolls, and various traditional kopitiam beverages.
What makes Ya Kun Kaya Toast truly special is their commitment to preserving traditional preparation methods and flavors while maintaining the authentic atmosphere of old Singapore. Diners can witness the skilled staff preparing coffee using traditional "sock" filters, creating the perfect cup of local kopi that pairs harmoniously with their signature toast. Despite the inevitable 30+ minute queues during peak breakfast hours, the restaurant\s efficient service, consistent quality, and authentic ambiance have earned it recognition as "the most delicious and authentic Kaya Toast in Singapore" and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience genuine Singaporean breakfast culture in its most traditional and beloved form.
There is a lady staff in charge of the dessert stall who keeps complaining n talking loudly across; making the whole yakun cafe very noisy n uninviting. Every other staff is working hard and doing their job quietly.
Positive Reviews
Maggie Cheung
Really cool place.
The toast set meal that comes with 4 slices of toast with jam and butter, 2 runny eggs and coffee/tea is such a great way to start the day.
There are also other variations, such as peanut butter, french toast, hard boiled eggs, cold coffee instead.
They serve toast bread too.
The coffee is a must try
Jo
Recently tried the kaya toast and coffee at Ya Kun Toast, and both were really enjoyable. The toast was nicely crisp with just the right amount of sweet kaya, and it paired well with the coffee. It can feel a bit rich after the meal, though.
Sarah Soong
Kopi O is robust and flavorful as per usual, but what stands out for this outlet is the desserts. Mango Coconut Jelly Snow Ice $7.9 is really good, with very fine ice, compared to most other Snow ice in Singapore.
Alvin Lim
Yakun is a beloved Singaporean café famous for its iconic kaya toast—a crispy, buttery delight slathered with fragrant coconut-egg kaya jam and a thick slice of cold butter. Served alongside silky soft-boiled eggs and strong, aromatic kopi (local coffee) or teh (tea), it offers a quintessential Singaporean breakfast experience. The toast strikes the perfect balance between crisp and fluffy, while the kaya delivers its signature floral sweetness. While the old-school decor adds nostalgic charm, be prepared for crowds during peak hours—the small space gets packed with both locals and tourists, creating a lively but noisy atmosphere. Service remains efficient despite the bustle, and the affordable prices make it easy to understand why this remains a decades-old favorite. For a more relaxed visit, try coming mid-afternoon when the breakfast rush has faded.
Chinee Loh
Adequate seats though you have to wait quite a bit for your order when it’s crowded. Seems like there’s tons of Japanese tourists here which I found fascinating hahaha. Great to stop by for breakfast! 🥰💕