We had our breakfast here before going to Sentosa. The place was crowded, and it was a busy atmosphere. Finding an available table, especially for a group of five such as ours, was not easy, Each table has four chairs, and so we had to get an extra chair. Their toasts were served hot, as well as the soft-boiled eggs. Sugar for the coffee was pre-mixed; it was too sweet for my taste. The staff was very friendly.
Ordered the Kaya Toast Set. Ordering and payment were fast and smooth, but the food took a while to be prepared and I had to wait for a bit. The toast was alright, but it felt a little too heavy after the meal.
Ya kun
Ya Kun Kaya Toast: A Delightful (Vegetarian) Slice of Singaporean Tradition
As a vegetarian visiting Singapore, navigating the local food scene can sometimes be a delightful adventure, albeit one that requires a bit of careful menu scanning. So, when the omnipresent recommendation of Ya Kun Kaya Toast kept surfacing for an authentic Singaporean breakfast, I was curious but also a little cautious about the vegetarian-friendliness. Happily, my visit confirmed that this iconic spot offers a truly charming and satisfying experience even for those of us who stick to plant-based fare, earning a solid four stars in my book.
My first impression upon entering a Ya Kun outlet was one of bustling simplicity. There's no grand decor; it's all about efficient functionality and a comforting, almost nostalgic, atmosphere. The air was thick with the inviting aromas of toasted bread and rich, brewed coffee – a promising start. Despite the steady stream of customers, the queue moved quickly, and I found a spot at a small, shared table, ready to dive into what so many raved about.
The core of the Ya Kun experience, the Kaya Toast Set, is inherently vegetarian, which was a huge relief! I ordered the classic. Soon, a plate arrived with thin, perfectly toasted slices of bread, generously slathered with kaya, the famous coconut jam, and a cool pat of butter tucked inside. Alongside were two soft-boiled eggs and a steaming cup of traditional kopi (coffee).
Taking that first bite of the toast was pure bliss. The bread was incredibly thin and crispy, almost like a cracker, which provided a wonderful textural contrast to the smooth, sweet, and fragrant kaya. The butter, as it slowly melted, added a subtle saltiness that truly elevated the flavors, preventing the jam from being overly sweet. It's a testament to how simple ingredients, executed perfectly, can create something truly special.
The soft-boiled eggs were a revelation. Cooked to an ideal runny consistency, they're meant to be seasoned with a dash of dark soy sauce and white pepper, then enjoyed with a spoon or, as many do, by dipping the kaya toast into the runny yolk. This savory element perfectly complemented the sweet toast, creating a balanced and incredibly comforting breakfast. As a vegetarian, having this wholesome protein source as part of the traditional set was a definite plus.
The accompanying kopi was strong, rich, and quite sweet, as is typical for local Singaporean coffee. It’s certainly robust and provides a good kick to start the day. For those who prefer tea, their teh (local tea) is also a popular choice.
The service, while not overly personal, was incredibly efficient and systematic. Orders were taken and delivered with remarkable speed, a clear sign of a well-oiled machine. This efficiency is much appreciated, especially if you're looking for a quick and satisfying bite before exploring more of the city.
Why not five stars? While the core offering is fantastic and perfectly vegetarian, the menu is quite focused. If you're looking for a wide variety of breakfast items beyond toast, eggs, and traditional drinks, you might find the options limited. Also, for those who prefer less sweet coffee, the traditional kopi might be a tad intense, though you can usually request less sugar.
Despite these minor points, Ya Kun Kaya Toast stands out as an authentic and incredibly satisfying vegetarian breakfast experience in Singapore. It's a comforting, delicious, and culturally immersive way to start your day, proving that sometimes, the simplest things are truly the best.
I tried in a set of Kaya toast at Yakun, featuring crisp bread with a delightful sweet flavor and buttery goodness inside.
The set also included a soft-boiled egg and a cup of hot coffee (or an optional upgrade to iced coffee for an additional cost).
Compared to other kaya toast options in Singapore, this set stood out with its delicious combination.
I also tried the Rendang chicken sandwich, which was truly superb.
The prices are remarkably affordable.
I highly recommend this place for breakfast
A typical Ya Kun outlet. Food was quite nice although a bit expensive.
Ordered 2 sets that comes with a drink, egg and toast (costed $6 per set). But the price is kinda expected with the high rent at VivoCity.
Used app to order. Staff was friendly and nice. A bit crowded and slightly squeezed when I came but managed to get a seat.
Will come again if there is any promotion.
Had a wonderful breakfast this morning. I must commend the excellent service by all the staff in this outlet. The cashier remembers everyone's drink orders. The food are served to the table so there is no crowding while waiting for the food. The tables are cleared immediately by the steadfast waiters. I hope Yakun can set this outlet as an examplary model for all their other outlets.
Very disappointing experience. Challenger selling low quality, problematic items. Power bank will randomly die even if fully charged, and only works if recharged. Power bank doesn't have any power when bought, the counter guy claim it's working as expected. Hope they can set high standard for product they sell.