Yawn. Sick of that regular bread or cereal fix for your first meal of the day? I got you.
Welcome to the 10 best meals for a legit Singaporean Breakfast. Surprise surprise! I will also be recommending 3 spots on where to find them.
But, I have to warn you though.
Say goodbye to fancy cafe brunches like full English Breakfasts and Soufflé Pancakes. Fuss-free, no-frills, cheap and good — Gathered from personal observations and conversations, these are the unsaid dishes enjoyed by the Little Red Dot people at sunrise.
Hurry! The early myna catches the worm.
1. Tau Huey
You can never ever go wrong with my favourite breakfast option. Made from soybeans, this traditional Chinese dessert is essentially a silky smooth tofu pudding served with clean-tasting syrup. Enjoy it warm or chilled! I personally love pairing a warm bowl of tau huey with crispy strips of you tiao.
118 Beancurd
If you have read 11 Best Stalls for Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre’s Last Hurrah, you will know that I fully adore their freshly handmade beancurd and soya bean drinks without any preservatives or gypsum gum powder. My usual pick? Beancurd (S$1) paired with a cup of Soya Bean (S$1). The price is crazy good, I know.
Teck Seng Soya Bean Milk
I’m a sucker for all things handmade and this is another. A mainstay at Tiong Bahru Market, Teck Seng Soya Bean Milk is helmed by a second-gen hawker who took over his father’s business in the 1980s. So, you can expect his velvety Dou Hua (S$1.20) to be made from the same recipe his dad formulated 74 years ago.
Rochor Original Beancurd
Established in 1960, this hot spot at Short Street should not be unfamiliar to you. Aside from the titular Hot/ Cold Beancurd (S$2), they provide Pudding Beancurd (S$2.50) which is perfect for sweet tooths. Catch that array of fried fritters; the Butterfly (S$1.50) and Sesame Peanut Ball (S$1.50) are our go-tos.
2. Kaya Toast
Of course lah, the staple Singaporean Breakfast. Self-explanatory, but kaya toast features a spread of sweet kaya (maybe a salty pat of butter) sandwiched between fluffy or well-toasted bread. It is especially filling when served with soft-boiled egg and kopi. While there are many new renditions of this classic (think French toast), I prefer its roots.
Heap Seng Leong
I guess it is fitting to start with the oldest of em’. This archaic coffeeshop at North Bridge Road exudes an irreplaceable charm of nostalgia as reflected in its old-school interior. Many will come for the stallowner’s Kopi Butter (S$1.30), but his thinly-sliced Kaya Butter Toast (S$1.40) is very solid too. Look at that creamy kaya and butter!
Bao Er Cafe
According to my lovely colleague Isabelle, Bao Er Cafe at Balestier has gorgeous-looking squares of Kaya Butter Toast (S$2). Do you agree? Consisting of halved slices of twice-toasted bread thickly slathered in housemade kaya and slabs of cold butter, each piece of golden brown goodness is not to be missed. Opt to complete your meal with the full Kaya Butter Toast Set (S$5).
YY Kafei Dian
Said to sell one of the best kaya toast in Singapore, this retro Hainanese coffeeshop at Beach Road has a modern touch as seen in its air-conditioned dining area. Their kaya toast isn’t your typical toast though. Incredibly soft and squishy, the Kaya Bun (S$1.60) is baked in-house and brimming with, you guessed it, a generous kaya and butter spread.
3. Chee Cheong Fun
My family makes it a point to order this Cantonese dish during our dim sum stints. Made with delicate silks of rice noodles, the chee cheong fun is usually loaded with ingredients such as char siew, shrimp or vegetables, and drizzled with light soy sauce. It holds a special place in my heart too – I used to eat this back when I stayed at my popo house. Boy, I miss that.
Xin Kee Hong Kong Cheong Fun
With only 4 Cheong Fun options for you to choose from, the hidden gem at Golden Mile Food Centre puts a unique twist on our typical chee cheong fun. What is this?! Dear reader, that is the Hong Kong-style Cheong Fun (S$3.50). Heavily doused with peanut butter sauce, the cylindrical treat is easy to consume and fret not, it isn’t jelat at all.
Pin Wei Hong Kong Chee Cheong Fun
Located at Pek Kio Market, Pin Wei Hong Kong Chee Cheong Fun offers traditional chee cheong fun made from scratch! Studded in red char siew bits, the Char Siew (S$4) boasts a huge serving that aligns with the price point. Want to try simplicity at its best? Customers swear by their translucent Cheong Fun (S$3) as well.
Grandpa Homemade Cheung Fun
You haven’t seen anything like this. Yes, the only pink and green chee cheong fun in Singapore. Say goodbye to the aforementioned fillings, this hawker stall at Toa Payoh and Tiong Bahru has egg, corn, sausage and more. But what sets them apart is their colourful Dragon Fruit (+S$0.20) and Spinach Skins (+S$0.20). Dare to try combos like Egg + Veg (S$4.50)!
4. Chwee Kueh
Translated as water rice cake, the chwee kueh is a traditional Teochew snack which consists of steamed rice cakes topped with umami-rich chye poh (preserved radish) and accompanied with a side of chilli sauce. Growing up, I have always watched my mum tucking into this after her early-morning wet market sprees.
Ghim Moh Chwee Kueh
Michelin-recommended chwee kueh? You heard that right. Founded in 1959, Ghim Moh’s best-kept secret is a household name among residents. Unlike other stalls, their chye poh is not as finely chopped and their moreish Chwee Kueh (S$2.40 for 4) leans toward the savoury side. Pair that with mildly spicy sambal and you’re good to go.
Kovan Chwee Kueh
Renowned for 3 friendly aunties who will greet you with a bright smile, Kovan Chwee Kueh at Bendemeer Market & Food Centre (not Kovan) is another resident favourite. Contrary to Ghim Moh Chwee Kueh, their Chwee Kueh (S$2 for 4) is sweeter! Light on vegetable oil, this is the underrated Singaporean Breakfast.
Man Man Chi
Approved by The Office Chef himself (Aaron), your next spot at Hougang is famed for their Ipoh-style Curry Chwee Kueh (S$4 for 4). Bathing in a pool of coconutty yet smoky curry gravy, their rice cake is sprinkled with sesame seeds and surrounded by assorted vegetables. Add a tasty Prawn Cracker (S$1.30) for the best Ipoh experience!
5. Min Jiang Kueh
Another recent breakfast favourite of mine. Commonly filled with crushed peanuts and sugar, min jiang kueh is a thick and chewy pancake that is perfect for a quick bite on the go. Other variations also include red bean paste or coconut! Ugh, this reminds me to get another share of my usual Peanut Min Jiang Kueh order.
682 Min Jiang Kueh
Often selling out before noon, this quaint stall at Hougang opens at 5am. Why? Behold their variety of pancakes in decadent flavours; I’m talking classics like Peanut (S$1.30) and Red Bean (S$1.30) to modern additions like Blueberry (S$1.40), Green Tea (S$1.40) and Black Sesame (S$1.60). The fillings are LOADED BTW. Okay, I’ll drag myself out of bed for this.
Munchi Pancakes
According to our bread expert Celest, this is her “favourite min jiang kueh stall of all time.” After opening its first outlet at Yishun, Munchi Pancakes has no plans of slowing down. Serving 3 types of skins (Original, Charcoal and Green Tea) and 11 types of fillings. Belgian Chocolate (S$2.20), Thai Milk Tea (S$2.20), Biscoff (S$2.80)? Gimme.
Tanglin Halt Original Peanut Pancake
Now, this stall at Tanglin Halt opens 3 times a week from 3.30am. Bye. Unsurprisingly, their pancakes infamously sell out before their closing time at 11.30am. Catch their rectangular-shaped Peanut Pancake (S$0.90) that has a unique kueh-like texture, and circular-shaped pancakes including Pandan Leaf Green Bean (S$1). Okay, I’ll stay up late instead.
6. Soon Kueh
My father requested this to be added in. Another kueh, another traditional Teochew snack. Best enjoyed with sweet soy sauce and chilli, the steamed dumpling is stuffed with turnip, bamboo shoots and dried shrimp. I personally prefer its sweeter counterpart, ang ku kueh, but the soon kueh is perfect for those looking for a heartier share.
Lai Heng Handmade Teochew Kueh
Guess what, they were in the Michelin Bib Gourmand for 3 years. You can choose between steamed or pan-fried versions, handmade daily! Try out their Soon Kueh (S$1.10/ S$1.20) and the lesser known Png Kueh (S$1.40/ S$1.50). While the first has earthy undertones yielded from peanuts and celery bits, the latter has a combination of shredded turnips and hae bi.
Poh Cheu Soon Kueh & Ang Ku Kueh
Aside from their range of colourful ang ku kueh in interesting flavours like pineapple and durian, Poh Cheu Soon Kueh & Ang Ku Kueh at Bukit Merah also offers other glutinous rice products, including the stall-signature Soon Kueh (S$1.30). And signature it was. Encased with crunchy turnips, the dumpling had the ideal skin-to-filling ratio.
Jalan Kukoh Teochew Kueh
This century-old business that originated from Johor Bahru is now manned by the Loh siblings who helped their mother who used to have a pushcart stall when they were young. According to our reliable Aaron, their Soon Kueh (S$1.50) is “a cut above the rest”, filled with a savoury filling of braised turnips, mushrooms, chives and dried shrimp.
7. Fried Carrot Cake
Otherwise known as chai tow kway, the local fave fried carrot cake is the cornerstone of every Singaporean Breakfast. A versatile dish to the core, it is made from radish cake stir-fried with eggs, and chye poh of course. Real ones know that it comes in 2 varieties – “white” (without soy sauce) and “black” (with dark soy sauce).
He Zhong Carrot Cake
Situated firmly at the going-to-be-relocated Bukit Timah Market & Hawker Centre, He Zhong Carrot Cake offers chunks of addictive Carrot Cake (S$3/ S$4/S$5) in different portions. Boasting a layer of crispy fried egg that conceals a soft interior within, this made-to-order carrot cake retains its shape even after the wok-frying process.
炒菜头粿 Fried Carrot Cake
Affectionately referred to as “448 Carrot Cake”, 炒菜头粿 Fried Carrot Cake at Clementi is famous for their erm Carrot Cake (S$3/S$4/S$5). Complemented with savoury chye poh and chewy egg bits, this moist chai tow kway is said to sell out by the early afternoon, so it’s best if you make your way down early to secure yourself a plate.
Fu Ming Cooked Food
Michelin Bib Gourmand Chai Tow Kway? Hell yeah. Tucked away at Redhill Food Centre, you cannot miss their iconic signboard adorned with Mickey Mouse stickers. Their Carrot Cake (S$3/S$4/S$5) is a definite must-try. Nicely charred at the sides, these curds were smooth enough to be described as melt-in-your-mouth.
8. Roti Prata
We all know this. Served with a side of curry for dipping, roti prata is a type of flatbread that originated in India. However, it has grown to be a well-loved dish among Singaporeans as well! Flavours include kosong, cheese and my go-to condensed milk. Some may argue that this isn’t a breakfast-worthy dish, but based on the lightness of a well-made prata, it can be.
Sin Ming Roti Prata
Seth: “If heaven had a designated prata-maker, the pratas he would birth would taste like the ones made at Sin Ming”. True though. Best known for their magnificently crispy exterior, their roti prata is soft yet not overly doughy. Everyone goes for their Coin Set (S$4.50), which consists of 5 circular pieces of fluffy prata. The curry is viscous and fragrant too!
Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata
Ranked #1 in our 10 Best Pratas in Singapore, cult-favourite Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata at Joo Chiat only opens till 1pm. Super Crispy huh? Indeed. Even the simplest Plain Prata (S$1.50) is a crumbly crispy disc that has a surprisingly chewy mouthfeel. Say hello to the elderly Mrs Mohgan if you swing by!
Enaq the Prata Shop
Hidden in the HDB blocks of Jurong East, this prata spot has a sprawling menu with pratas that start from S$1.50. Their roti prata selection which includes Mushroom (S$2.50) and Hot Dog Egg (S$3.40) is basted in oil while fried, thus resulting in a crispy bite. LOL, can you tell my love for crispy pratas?
9. Porridge
Let’s wrap things up with something downright comforting. Depending on your preferred Chinese Dialect porridge type, this rice-based dish has a consistency that goes from watery (Teochew Mui) to creamy (Cantonese Jook). It can be served plain or with various toppings like century egg, fish, pork or chicken, offering a warm and nourishing meal.
Zhen Zhen Porridge
While some porridges might need the addition of soy sauce and pepper, the ones here at Maxwell Food Centre are very well seasoned on their own. Other than your usual Fish Porridge (S$4/ S$5) and Chicken Porridge (S$4/ S$5), why not enjoy the best of both worlds (and one more) with Sliced Fish + Shredded Chicken + Century Egg Porridge (S$4/S$5).
Weng Kiang Kee Porridge
Run by an ex-hotel chef, Weng Kiang Kee Porridge at Chinatown Complex sells porridge with the special addition of “birth intestines (fallopian tubes)”. You can find that in their Premium Porridge (S$5.50). For those who prefer to stick to comfort though, the Signature Porridge (S$5) has mixed pork with sweet intestine, liver, fish, cuttlefish and century eggs.
Botak Cantonese Porridge
As its name suggests, this hawker stall (that can be found at Tampines and Punggol) serves up piping bowls of thick jook. Best-sellers include Minced Pork Century Egg Porridge (S$4), that features slices of tender meat and the pungent jelly-like preserved delicacy that you either hate or love. Pro Tip: Add an Egg (+S$0.60) for a creamier consistency.
10. Vegetarian Bee Hoon
Finally rounding off the list is vegetarian bee hoon (my father calls it zai mi fen). Stir-fried with mock meats, vegetables and tofu (e.g. tau kee), this noodle dish is probably the heartiest breakfast I’ve ever eaten. Fun fact, this is the very dish that inspired me to start this listicle in the first place!
New Zai Xing Vegetarian
Specifically, from here. Said to sell “Singapore’s No.1 vegetarian bee hoon“, this stall at Tiong Bahru Market is renowned for their handmade Mushroom Rolls! They have a simple menu. With the option of Bee Hoon (S$4/ S$5), Mee (S$4/ S$5) or even Chicken Rice (S$5), each Standard Set comes with Cabbage, Tau Kee, Fungus, Mock Char Siew and Mock Goose.
Tanglin Halt Ru Yi Yuan
If this is a familiar name to you, you’ve probably seen them at their original location at yes, Tanglin Halt. Relocated in 2022, the popular Tanglin Halt Ru Yi Yuan is currently at Margaret Drive Hawker Centre. Similar to New Zai Xing, its Bee Hoon (S$4/ S$5) comes with assorted vegetables and mock meats. Can’t get enough? Add those moreish Mock Ducks for S$3.
Hup Seng Heng Vegetarian
The last stall on my list is worth gatekeeping. Located in West Coast Market Square, they also operate as a zi char stall! Prices float around S$3 to S$5; you can have 3 sides with White Rice for S$3 to a plate of Fried Noodles for S$4.50. After settling on your carb of choice, boggle at their selection of vegetarian zi char such as Vegetarian Butter Frog Leg and Vegetarian Claypot Asam Fish.
So guys, what’s for breakfast?
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