A Guide to Traditional Breakfast in Singapore
Singapore’s breakfast culture is a reflection of its diverse heritage, with influences from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western cuisines. From crispy kaya toast to fragrant nasi lemak, breakfast in Singapore is a delicious and affordable affair, commonly enjoyed at hawker centers, coffee shops (kopitiams), and food courts.
1. Kaya Toast & Soft-Boiled Eggs (咖椰吐司 & 半熟蛋)
What It Is
A classic Singaporean breakfast set featuring:
Kaya toast – Thin slices of toasted bread spread with kaya (a sweet coconut jam made from coconut milk, eggs, and sugar) and a slab of butter.
Soft-boiled eggs – Served in a small bowl, these eggs are cracked open and eaten with a dash of dark soy sauce and white pepper.
Kopi or Teh – Strong Singapore-style coffee (kopi) or tea (teh) with condensed milk or evaporated milk.
Where to Try
Ya Kun Kaya Toast – One of the most famous kaya toast chains in Singapore.
Killiney Kopitiam – A historic coffee shop known for its authentic kaya toast.
Why It’s Popular
Kaya toast is a nostalgic and simple breakfast, enjoyed since the British colonial era. It pairs well with coffee and is a go-to for a quick, satisfying meal.
2. Nasi Lemak (椰漿飯)
What It Is
A fragrant Malay dish consisting of coconut rice served with:
Crispy fried anchovies (ikan bilis)
Roasted peanuts
Spicy sambal chili
Hard-boiled or fried egg
Fried chicken wing or otah (spiced fish cake)
Where to Try
Changi Village Nasi Lemak – Famous for its crispy chicken and fragrant rice.
Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak (Adam Road) – Known for its royal-approved nasi lemak.
Why It’s Popular
Though commonly eaten for breakfast, nasi lemak is also enjoyed throughout the day. The combination of rich coconut rice and spicy sambal makes it a flavorful way to start the morning.
3. Chwee Kueh (水粿)
What It Is
A Teochew-style rice cake, steamed until soft and topped with savory preserved radish (chye poh) and chili sauce.
Where to Try
Jian Bo Shui Kueh (Tiong Bahru Market) – A famous stall serving chwee kueh for decades.
Why It’s Popular
Chwee kueh is light yet flavorful, making it a popular breakfast choice for those who prefer something simple but tasty.
4. Roti Prata (印度煎饼)
What It Is
A crispy, flaky Indian flatbread that is pan-fried and served with:
Fish or mutton curry
Sugar (for a sweet version)
Variations
Egg prata – With an egg inside for extra richness.
Cheese, onion, or banana prata – Modern variations with different fillings.
Where to Try
Springleaf Prata Place – Famous for its innovative prata flavors.
The Roti Prata House – A late-night favorite for crispy prata.
Why It’s Popular
Roti prata is crispy on the outside, soft inside, and pairs perfectly with spicy curry. It’s filling and can be enjoyed plain or with various toppings.
5. Economic Bee Hoon (经济米粉)
What It Is
A budget-friendly breakfast of stir-fried vermicelli noodles served with a variety of toppings, such as:
Fried egg
Luncheon meat
Ngoh hiang (five-spice pork roll)
Vegetables
Where to Try
Found at most hawker centers and food courts, often in the morning.
Why It’s Popular
It’s a customizable and affordable breakfast option, allowing people to pick their favorite sides.
6. Bak Kut Teh (肉骨茶)
What It Is
A pork rib soup simmered with garlic, pepper, and herbs, served with:
Rice
You tiao (fried dough sticks)
Tea (traditionally paired with Chinese tea to cut through the richness)
Where to Try
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh – A well-known chain serving peppery soup.
Founder Bak Kut Teh – Famous for its rich broth.
Why It’s Popular
Though more commonly eaten for lunch, some people enjoy bak kut teh for breakfast, especially on cooler mornings.
7. Carrot Cake (菜头粿)
What It Is
Singaporean carrot cake is not a dessert but a savory dish made of fried radish cake, eggs, and preserved radish (chye poh). It comes in two styles:
Black (with sweet soy sauce)
White (without soy sauce, crispier)
Where to Try
Lau Goh Teochew Carrot Cake (Zion Road Food Centre) – A famous stall serving traditional versions.
Why It’s Popular
It’s a hearty, satisfying dish with a good balance of savory and sweet flavors.
8. Mee Rebus (爪哇面)
What It Is
A Malay-Indian noodle dish with yellow noodles in a thick, spiced gravy made from sweet potatoes, curry, and dried shrimp, topped with:
Hard-boiled egg
Fried shallots
Lime and green chili
Where to Try
Inspirasi Stall (Bedok Interchange Hawker Centre) – A well-loved spot for mee rebus.
Why It’s Popular
It’s warm, filling, and slightly sweet-spicy, perfect for a comforting breakfast.
Singapore’s breakfast scene is incredibly diverse, with influences from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Western cuisines. Whether you prefer sweet kaya toast, crispy roti prata, or spicy nasi lemak, there’s something for everyone.
