Step into any Ya Kun Kaya Toast outlet, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and toasted bread instantly tells you you’re in a place steeped in Singaporean tradition.
For over 70 years, Ya Kun has been more than just a coffee shop; it’s a cultural icon, a source of comfort, and the starting point of countless mornings for locals and a must-visit destination for tourists.
The Famous Toast Selections
Before diving into the drinks, let’s look at what makes Ya Kun a household name.
The toast is thinly sliced, grilled over a charcoal fire for a unique crispiness, and then slathered with their signature kaya (a sweet, fragrant coconut and egg jam).
Kaya Toast with Butter
The quintessential classic. Crispy toast with a generous spread of kaya and a slab of cold butter that melts into perfection.
Kaya Peanut Toast
A nutty twist, combining the sweet kaya with creamy peanut butter.
Butter Sugar Toast
A simple yet satisfying option where slabs of butter are topped with a sprinkle of sugar for a sweet, crunchy bite.
French Toast with Kaya
Fluffy, egg-soaked bread, lightly fried and served with a side of kaya for dipping. A cheezy version is also available.
Kaya Butter Steamed Bread
For those who prefer a softer texture, this features fluffy steamed bread with the classic kaya and butter filling.
| Toast Item | Price Range (SGD) |
| Kaya Toast (Butter/Peanut) | S$2.60 – S$3.00 |
| Butter Sugar Toast | S$2.60 – S$3.00 |
| French Toast with Kaya | S$2.60 – S$3.50 |
| Kaya Butter Steamed Bread | S$2.70 |
Savory Bites: Toastwich & Snacks
If you’re in the mood for something savory, Ya Kun offers “Toastwiches,” which use the same iconic bread to create hearty sandwiches.
- Chicken Char Siew Toastwich: Filled with sweet and savory roasted chicken.
- Fish Otah Toastwich: A spicy and fragrant fish cake filling.
- Rendang Chicken Toastwich: Features tender chicken in a rich, spiced coconut gravy.
- Tuna Mayo Toastwich: A classic and creamy tuna filling.
For a quick snack, you can also grab Kaya Balls or Cheese Balls (around S$3.20), which are small, round, and fluffy treats with a warm filling.
Toastwich prices typically range from S$4.20 to S$5.20.
The Heart of the Kopitiam: The Drinks Menu
Let’s break down the menu so you can find your favorite.
Kopi (Coffee)
Ya Kun’s coffee is traditionally brewed using a cloth “sock” filter, which gives it a distinct, robust flavor.
- Kopi: The default. Strong black coffee with sweetened condensed milk.
- Kopi-O: Black coffee with sugar, but no milk. The “O” means black in Hokkien.
- Kopi-C: Coffee with evaporated milk and sugar. The “C” refers to “Carnation,” a popular brand of evaporated milk.
Here’s a story often shared by tourists: an American traveler, used to his morning latte, tentatively ordered a teh tarik.
Watching the “tea master” pull the tea, stretching it between two cups to create a frothy top, was a spectacle in itself.
The first sip was a revelation rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet. He was an instant convert.
Hot Coffee Menu & Prices:
| Drink | Price (SGD) |
| Kopi | S$2.00 |
| Kopi-O | S$1.80 |
| Kopi-C | S$2.20 |
Teh (Tea)
Like the coffee, Ya Kun’s tea is strong and full-bodied.
- Teh: Black tea with sweetened condensed milk.
- Teh-O: Black tea with sugar only.
- Teh-C: Black tea with evaporated milk and sugar.
- Teh Tarik: The famous “pulled tea.” The process of pouring the tea back and forth between two containers cools it down and gives it a signature frothy head.
Hot Tea Menu & Prices:
| Drink | Price (SGD) |
| Teh | S$2.00 |
| Teh-O | S$1.80 |
| Teh-C | S$2.20 |
Other Classic Beverages
Beyond coffee and tea, Ya Kun offers other beloved drinks.
- Yuan Yang: A perfect blend of coffee and tea, creating a unique harmony of flavors. It’s available as Yuan Yang, Yuan Yang O, and Yuan Yang C.
- Milo: A classic chocolate malt drink, popular with both kids and adults. For many Singaporeans, an Iced Milo is a nostalgic taste of childhood.
Iced Drinks for a Hot Day
When the Singaporean heat hits, an iced beverage from Ya Kun is the perfect refreshment. Most hot drinks are available in an iced version for a slightly higher price.
Iced Drinks Menu & Prices:
| Drink | Price (SGD) |
| Iced Coffee / Tea | S$2.90 |
| Iced Coffee / Tea O | S$2.80 |
| Iced Coffee / Tea C | S$3.10 |
| Iced Yuan Yang | S$3.00 |
| Iced Milo | S$3.20 |
| Iced Lemon Tea | S$3.00 |
Understanding Your Drink: Nutrition Facts
While these traditional drinks are delicious, it’s also helpful to know what’s in them.
Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for a standard serving. Note that these are estimates and can vary based on preparation.
Kopi (with condensed milk)
- Calories: 120-140 kcal
- Sugar: 20-25g
- Fat: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 22-28g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Caffeine: 100-120mg
- Ingredients: Coffee, condensed milk, water. Allergen: Milk.
Teh (with condensed milk)
- Calories: 110-130 kcal
- Sugar: 20-25g
- Fat: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 21-26g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Caffeine: 40-60mg
- Ingredients: Black tea, condensed milk, water. Allergen: Milk.
Iced Milo
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Caffeine: ~5mg
- Ingredients: Milo powder (barley malt extract, milk powder, sugar, cocoa), water. Allergens: Milk, Gluten (Barley).
The Enduring Appeal of Ya Kun
Ready to plan your visit? You can find Ya Kun outlets all across Singapore, from bustling shopping malls to quiet neighborhood centers.
Explore their full menu to discover all the delicious combinations waiting for you.
Naeem is a passionate drink enthusiast and recipe curator behind DrinkWhisper.com. With 10 years of exploring cafes, bars, and home mixology trends, he shares inspiring drinks, creative cocktails, and refreshing non alcoholic recipes for every occasion.
