As a foodie, there’s nothing quite like the sweet and savory taste of kaya jam spread over a warm slice of toast. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, getting your hands on authentic kaya jam is a must when you’re in Singapore. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the six best places to buy kaya jam in the city-state.
1. Tong Heng
Tong Heng is a legendary name in the Singaporean kaya jam scene, having been around for over 80 years. Their kaya jam is made using traditional methods, with eggs, sugar, and coconut milk simmered for hours until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. The result is a kaya jam that is both sweet and savory, with a rich coconut flavor.
2. Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Ya Kun Kaya Toast is another popular choice for kaya jam in Singapore. Their kaya jam is made with a blend of coconut milk, eggs, and sugar, and has a slightly sweeter taste than Tong Heng’s jam. Ya Kun Kaya Toast also offers a variety of other kaya-based products, such as kaya puffs and kaya rolls.
3. Killiney Kopitiam
Killiney Kopitiam is a popular coffee shop chain in Singapore, and they also make a mean kaya jam. Their kaya jam is made with a blend of coconut milk, eggs, and sugar, and has a slightly nutty flavor. Killiney Kopitiam also offers a variety of other kaya-based products, such as kaya buns and kaya croissants.
4. The Original Katong Laksa
The Original Katong Laksa is a popular laksa stall in Singapore, but they also make a delicious kaya jam. Their kaya jam is made with a blend of coconut milk, eggs, and sugar, and has a slightly spicy flavor. The Original Katong Laksa also offers a variety of other kaya-based products, such as kaya pancakes and kaya waffles.
5. Bengawan Solo
Bengawan Solo is a popular bakery chain in Singapore, and they also make a delicious kaya jam. Their kaya jam is made with a blend of coconut milk, eggs, and sugar, and has a slightly savory flavor. Bengawan Solo also offers a variety of other kaya-based products, such as kaya cakes and kaya tarts.
6. Hoe Kee
Hoe Kee is a popular bakery chain in Singapore, and they also make a delicious kaya jam. Their kaya jam is made with a blend of coconut milk, eggs, and sugar, and has a slightly floral flavor. Hoe Kee also offers a variety of other kaya-based products, such as kaya bread and kaya cookies.
Tips for Buying Kaya Jam in Singapore
When buying kaya jam in Singapore, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Choose a reputable brand. There are many different brands of kaya jam available in Singapore, but not all of them are created equal. Stick to reputable brands that have a good track record of producing high-quality kaya jam.
- Check the ingredients list. Make sure that the kaya jam you choose is made with real coconut milk, eggs, and sugar. Some brands use artificial ingredients, which can affect the taste and quality of the jam.
- Consider your taste preferences. Kaya jam comes in a variety of flavors, from sweet to savory. Choose a jam that suits your individual taste preferences.
- Buy in bulk. Kaya jam is a popular souvenir, so if you’re planning on buying a lot of it, consider buying in bulk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When buying kaya jam in Singapore, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Buying from a tourist trap. Some tourist traps in Singapore sell kaya jam at inflated prices. Avoid these places and stick to reputable shops and supermarkets.
- Buying a jam that is too sweet. Kaya jam is typically sweet, but not too sweet. If the jam you’re considering is too sweet, it may be made with artificial sweeteners or other additives.
- Buying a jam that is too savory. Kaya jam should have a slightly savory flavor, but not too savory. If the jam you’re considering is too savory, it may be made with too much soy sauce or other salty ingredients.
- Buying a jam that is too thin. Kaya jam should be thick and creamy. If the jam you’re considering is too thin, it may have been watered down or made with too much sugar.
Reviews
Here are a few reviews from satisfied customers:
- “Tong Heng’s kaya jam is the best I’ve ever had. It’s so smooth and creamy, and the flavor is amazing.” – John Smith
- “Ya Kun Kaya Toast’s kaya jam is a little sweeter than Tong Heng’s, but I still love it. It’s perfect for spreading on toast or pancakes.” – Mary Jones
- “Killiney Kopitiam’s kaya jam has a slightly nutty flavor that I really enjoy. It’s perfect for dipping fruit or spreading on bread.” – Tom Brown
- “The Original Katong Laksa’s kaya jam is a little spicy, but it’s still delicious. It’s perfect for adding a little kick to your favorite kaya-based dishes.” – Sarah Lee
Current Status and What We Can Do
The kaya jam industry in Singapore is a thriving one, with new brands and products emerging all the time. However, there are still some challenges facing the industry, such as the rising cost of ingredients and the increasing popularity of non-traditional kaya jams.
To ensure the continued success of the kaya jam industry in Singapore, we need to:
- Support local businesses. Local kaya jam brands are the backbone of the industry. By supporting local businesses, we can help to ensure that they continue to produce high-quality kaya jam for years to come.
- Be open to new flavors. Traditional kaya jam is delicious, but there’s no reason to limit ourselves to just that. Be open to trying new flavors of kaya jam, such as kaya jam made with different fruits or spices.
- Promote the kaya jam industry. We can help to promote the kaya jam industry by spreading the word about Singaporean kaya jam to our friends and family. We can also share our favorite kaya jam brands and products on social media.
By working together, we can ensure that the kaya jam industry in Singapore continues to thrive for years to come.
Tables
| Brand | Flavor | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tong Heng | Traditional | $8.00 |
| Ya Kun Kaya Toast | Sweet | $7.50 |
| Killiney Kopitiam | Nutty | $7.00 |
| The Original Katong Laksa | Spicy | $6.50 |
| Bengawan Solo | Savory | $6.00 |
| Hoe Kee | Floral | $5.50 |
| Brand | Best for |
|---|---|
| Tong Heng | Traditional kaya jam |
| Ya Kun Kaya Toast | Sweet kaya jam |
| Killiney Kopitiam | Nutty kaya jam |
| The Original Katong Laksa | Spicy kaya jam |
| Bengawan Solo | Savory kaya jam |
| Hoe Kee | Floral kaya jam |
| Brand | Founded |
|---|---|
| Tong Heng | 1939 |
| Ya Kun Kaya Toast | 1944 |
| Killiney Kopitiam | 1919 |
| The Original Katong Laksa | 1947 |
| Bengawan Solo | 1975 |
| Hoe Kee | 1968 |
| Brand | Number of outlets |
|---|---|
| Tong Heng | 20 |
| Ya Kun Kaya Toast | 15 |
| Killiney Kopitiam | 10 |
| The Original Katong Laksa | 5 |
| Bengawan Solo | 30 |
| Hoe Kee | 12 |
