Typical Singaporean breakfast is composed of three things: kopi or teh (Singaporean coffee or tea) kaya toast, and soft-boiled eggs. There is other traditional breakfast in Singapore like the Nasi Lemak and Roti Prata. Read here fruits in Singapore and Asian Breakfast
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WHERE TO STAY IN SINGAPORE
There are dorm rooms in Singapore that only go for $20 USD or less. Another inexpensive lodging option is AirBnB, where you can get rooms for $40-50 USD. Those who want to treat themselves can always book luxury hotel rooms starting at around $200 USD per night.
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Top 3 Things That Comprise a Typical Singaporean Breakfast
Kopi
Did you know that Singaporean coffee beans are roasted in butter? Coffee is definitely a way to start breakfast in Singapore, and something we religiously welcome wherever where we are in the world. Singaporean coffee beans are Robusta beans and usually come from Indonesia.
Kopi, the coffee they serve in Singaporean breakfast, is like the Vietnamese coffee, with condensed milk. It’s definitely more on the sweeter side but can give you a full-bodied coffee and a dark-sweet one depending on how your beans are, but this is a coffee we really love to have.
There are a few types of Kopi you can have as well in Singapore, like the kopi-C which is for the Carnation milk and Kopi-o for just pure black coffee. If you use the word, “kosong” for your coffee order, this will mean no sugar.
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Teh
If you’re more of a tea person, then the tea is also another popular breakfast drink in Singapore, especially in the Chinese culture.
Kaya Toast
In Singapore breakfast, kaya, a type of coconut-based spread is very popular, and a welcome addition to your breakfast in Singapore. You can have this with your morning toast with butter, which gives your morning bread a hint of sweetness. Kaya is made with coconut milk, eggs, and sugar, and flavored with Pandan leaves.
Soft-Boiled Eggs
Soft-boiled eggs, which are a very European thing are also a common thing to have with a typical breakfast in Singapore. It could have relations during the British colonial times in the country.
More Typical Singaporean Breakfast Dishes to Try
Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak is a staple dish in the Malay community and is widely enjoyed throughout Singapore. It consists of rice that has been cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, giving it a fragrant and creamy flavor. The rice is typically served with a variety of accompaniments such as crispy fried anchovies, peanuts, slices of cucumber, and a spicy sambal sauce made from chili, garlic, and shrimp paste. The dish is often accompanied by a hard-boiled egg, adding an additional protein source to the meal.
Nasi Lemak can be enjoyed any time of day, but it is especially popular for breakfast due to its filling and satisfying nature.
Carrot Cake / Chai Tow Kway
Carrot Cake, or Chai Tow Kway in Cantonese, is a savory dish that is enjoyed throughout Singapore for breakfast. Despite its name, this dish does not actually contain any carrots. Instead, it is made from a mixture of rice flour and grated radish, which is then steamed and stir-fried with eggs, garlic, and spring onions. The result is a dish that is crispy and flavorful, with a unique blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors.
Roti Prata
Roti Prata is a type of Indian flatbread that is popular in Singapore. It is made by kneading flour, water, and oil to form a dough, which is then rolled out and fried until crispy. The crispy roti is often served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as curry or sugar, and is a staple of many Indian breakfast spreads in Singapore.
Mee Siam
Mee Siam is a type of noodle dish that is made from thin rice noodles that are stir-fried with a flavorful sauce made from spices, tamarind, and shrimp paste. The dish is typically served with a hard-boiled egg, tofu, and bean sprouts, making it a filling and nutritious breakfast option.
Murtabak
Murtabak is a type of Indian-style stuffed flatbread that is popular in Singapore. It is made by stuffing a mixture of spices, meat, and vegetables into a thin layer of dough, which is then fried until crispy. Murtabak is often served with a variety of dipping sauces and is a staple of many Indian breakfast spreads in Singapore.
Lor Mee
Lor Mee is a type of noodle dish that is made from thick yellow noodles that are served in a savory gravy made from spices, soy sauce, and flour. The dish is often garnished with bean sprouts, hard-boiled eggs, and other ingredients, making it a filling and satisfying breakfast option.
Kueh
Kueh is a type of traditional Singaporean snack that is enjoyed for breakfast. Kueh refers to a wide range of sweet and savory steamed cakes and dumplings that are made from rice flour, coconut milk, and various fillings. Popular types of kueh include Kueh Lapis, a layer cake made from rice flour and coconut milk, and Kueh Tutu, a small steamed cake filled with ground peanuts and sugar.
Fried Rice
Fried Rice is a popular breakfast option in Singapore, especially among those who are looking for a quick and convenient meal. Fried Rice is made by stir-frying cooked rice with a variety of ingredients, such as eggs, vegetables, and meat, and is typically served with a side of chili sauce or soy sauce.
Mee Rebus
Mee Rebus is a type of noodle dish that is made from yellow noodles that are served in a savory sauce made from spices, potatoes, and bean sprouts. The dish is often garnished with a variety of ingredients, such as hard-boiled eggs and fried tofu, making it a filling and satisfying breakfast option.
Toast with Kaya and Butter
Toast with Kaya and Butter is a simple but classic breakfast option in Singapore. Kaya is a sweet spread made from coconut milk, sugar, and eggs, and is often spread on toast along with a generous serving of butter. This dish is typically accompanied by soft-boiled eggs and a cup of strong coffee, making it a staple of many Singaporean breakfast spreads.
Top Restaurants for Breakfast in Singapore
Ya Kun Kaya Toast
With multiple locations around Singapore, Ya Kun is a popular chain that specializes in traditional kaya toast and coffee. The kaya toast is served with a soft boiled egg and a cup of kopi, making it a classic Singaporean breakfast dish.
Killiney Kopitiam
This chain of coffee shops has been serving up traditional kopi and kaya toast for over a century. The cozy and nostalgic atmosphere makes it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Toast Box
Another popular chain with locations throughout the city, Toast Box serves a range of traditional breakfast items, including kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs.
Tiong Bahru Market Food Centre
This food center is home to a variety of stalls, but the Tiong Bahru Pau stall is especially popular for its kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs.
These are just a few of the many places in Singapore where you can enjoy the classic breakfast combination of kopi, kaya toast, and soft-boiled eggs. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these restaurants are a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the flavors and traditions of Singaporean cuisine.
Sarnies Cafe
Sarnies is a cafe in Singapore that serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch. It is known for its relaxed and casual atmosphere, as well as its delicious food and coffee. Sarnies offer a variety of breakfast options, including classic items like eggs and toast, as well as more unique and creative dishes like breakfast burritos, waffles, and smoothie bowls. The cafe also offers a range of coffee drinks, teas, and other beverages to help customers start their day on a refreshing note. If you’re looking for a casual and tasty breakfast in Singapore, Sarnies is definitely worth checking out.
The Pantree
The Pantree is a cafe in Singapore that specializes in breakfast and brunch. It offers a variety of classic breakfast items, such as eggs, toast, and pancakes, as well as more unique and creative dishes like avocado toast, breakfast burritos, and smoothie bowls. The cafe is known for its laid-back atmosphere, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a leisurely breakfast or brunch.
In addition to its food offerings, The Pantree also has a range of coffee and tea drinks, as well as juices and smoothies, to help customers start their day on a refreshing note. Whether you’re looking for a classic breakfast or something a bit more adventurous, The Pantree is a great place to go for a delicious meal in Singapore.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.