Breakfasts are important. Aren’t they? It’s considered the most important meal of the day, and when in Singapore, what options can you consider for your breakfast? It’s a destination that’s known for a buzzy food scene. Try out the following, and you will never regret doing so.
1) Traditional Kaya Toast
Feel like trying out something sweet for your breakfast? Then, why not try out the most famous street food in Singapore- Kaya Toast for your first meal of the day? It consists of fluffy white bread, which is toasted and kaya, which is spread on the bread. In most places, they also have thick slices of salted butter as an ingredient. If you are wondering what this ‘Kaya’ means, it is a jam made of coconut milk, eggs and sugar, and it has a truly special taste.
2) Bak Kut Teh
Traditionally enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or a late-night supper, a bowl of Bak Kut Teh is served with a pot of strong Chinese tea to cut through the richness, alongside sides like youtiao (fried dough sticks), braised tofu, and rice. Try this with dark soy sauce for the best flavour. You can either make this at home with packets of seasoning you’ll find at the store, or if you are staying at a city hotel like Hotel Boss, opt for this dish at a nearby eatery.
3) Chee Cheong Fun
Almost all the best places to stay in Singapore try to offer traditional meals to their guests for breakfast, and in such instances, a dish that will never be missed out on is Chee Cheong Fun. If you’re familiar with the delicate, steamed parcels of dim sum, you’ll recognise a kindred spirit in these silky rice noodle rolls. Chee Cheong Fun is made by steaming a thin, delicate layer of rice batter into a smooth, chewy sheet, which is then rolled around fillings like plump shrimp, seasoned minced pork, or simply enjoyed plain for its pure, comforting texture. The dish is elevated by its accompanying sauces, with a lightly sweetened soy sauce being the classic and essential component, though it is often complemented by a nutty sesame paste and a tangy chilli sauce for added complexity.
4) Roti Prata
If you love Indian food, Roti Prata is an excellent choice for breakfast. This soft and crispy flatbread is unique because you can enjoy it even without any curry. Try having a roti with sugar for breakfast, and you will definitely be going for seconds. In Singapore, you’ll find various versions of Roti Prata, each offering a different taste. You can also enjoy this dish with several types of curry, such as chicken, dhal, and pork.
5) Congee
For those who find comfort in a warm, soothing bowl of porridge to start the day, Chinese congee is a culinary revelation you’re sure to adore. Far more than simple rice porridge, congee is a savory masterpiece, achieved by slowly simmering rice in a generous amount of broth or water until the grains completely break down into a luxuriously smooth and creamy consistency. Its deeply comforting flavor base is built from foundational aromatics like fresh ginger and garlic, which infuse the entire dish.
6) Chai Tow Kway
Despite its name, Fried Carrot Cake is a beloved savoury staple in Singaporean and Malaysian hawker centres that contains no actual carrot. The “cake” is made from steamed radish (often called white carrot in Chinese dialects) and rice flour, creating soft, pudding-like squares. These are then masterfully wok-fried with garlic, eggs, and preserved radish (chai poh), resulting in two iconic styles: the “black” version, coated in sweet dark soy sauce for a rich, caramelised flavour, and the “white” version, which highlights the savoury, eggy taste with a lighter soy seasoning.
