There’s eggs and toast, and then there’s eggs and toast. In Singapore (and Malaysia), a traditional eggs and toast breakfast comes in the form of charcoal-toasted bread spread with kaya and butter, local coffee and a pair of half-boiled eggs. When it comes to modern franchises for this traditional kopitiam fare, Ya Kun is the name that springs to mind.

While the Ya Kun franchise is modern, its origins are decidedly traditional. James talks about his routine with Ya Kun:

Almost every Sunday mornings in the 1970s, I was a regular customer with Ya Kun at his stall at the Telok Ayer Transit Market which was conveniently located at Shenton Way. I used to address him as “Ah Kor” (brother in Hainanese) and he was very courteous and efficient service. I visited Ya Kun stall using around 6.00 am or else there would be a long queue with customers waiting for their orders.

Ya Kun kaya toast is a “heritage food of Singapore” which many senior citizens will remember Ya Kun and his friendly, humble and excellent service to all his customers.

Read James’s uncovering of the history of Ya Kun here. You can still find the traditional eggs and toast breakfasts in coffee shops all over Singapore. However, it’s rare to find shops that still toast their bread using charcoal. Does anyone know where these shops can be found?