I visited Yaowarat Cafe in Tanjong Pagar to try its viral Thai breakfast pan eggs, plus other wallet-friendly dishes priced below $10.
Since its opening in early April, Yaowarat Cafe at Tanjong Pagar has been drawing crowds, particularly during lunchtime. I’ve spotted CBD baddies flocking to this new cafe in Singapore for their midday meals, braving the line (and heat) to taste the city’s first and only Thai breakfast pan eggs. But everyone knows having a queue doesn’t necessarily mean the food’s good. So I dropped by on a weekday to try the menu, and here are my thoughts…
Yaowarat Cafe review: Details at a glance
Best for: Trying kai krata in Singapore
Must-try items: Yaowarat kai krata; Thai green tea kaya toast; Tomyum Mama seafood pot
How much: Signature dishes from $7.80; soups at $6; sides from $2; drinks from $1
Opening hours: Weekdays, 8am to 8pm
Address: Yaowarat Cafe, #01-05, Skysuites @ Anson, 8 Enggor Street, Singapore 079718
Bangkok’s Chinatown vibes in Tanjong Pagar
You’ve probably heard of Yaowarat Seafood, a Thai-Chinese restaurant which operated in Teck Chye Lane before moving to Lavender Street. A decade on, the founders expand their brand of Thai flair meets Nanyang heritage by launching Yaowarat Cafe at Tanjong Pagar. It’s located near the main entrance of Skysuites @ Anson, roughly a five-minute walk from the MRT station.
Before heading down, you need to know that the cafe is pretty compact: 30 seats, which fill up fast during lunchtime. In fact, I was told the place gets packed from 11am, only easing off after 2pm. So if you’re considering visiting, afternoon tea is ideal. No jostling with hungry folks, and you get the place all to yourself. Just brace for certain items being sold out for the day.
What I liked about the cafe were the vintage knick-knacks and nods to Thailand. It felt like I had been transported to Bangkok’s Chinatown, getting ready to tuck into authentic dishes for my daytime meal.
Singapore’s first taste of kai krata
Yaowarat Cafe’s claim to fame is the kai krata, aka Thai breakfast pan eggs. For $7.80, you get two fried eggs, Thai basil minced pork, fish sausage, and a layer of melted cheddar cheese, all served in a sizzling pan. Popular as a quick, affordable breakfast in Thailand, it’s the kind of hearty dish locals grab before heading off to work.
Be sure to dip the accompanying crisp baguette into the egg yolks! The crisp baguette adds a satisfying crunch against the runny yolks and savoury toppings. It may not look like much, but this humble breakfast dish is exactly what I’d return for. Consider this a solid introduction to street fare popular in north and northeastern Thailand.
The cafe also offers a localised version known as the Nanyang kai krata ($9.80), retaining the eggs and swapping everything else for a thick slab of otah, two chicken franks, and ikan bilis. It’s like having two familiar flavours smooshed into one dish, though some diners might baulk at the lack of “Asian carbs” (rice).
If you’re not into heavy breakfast, the Thai green tea kaya toast ($2) might be your jam. The kitchen was out of chunky bread during my visit, so I had to settle for soft, slightly thin toast. The green tea kaya spread is aromatic with some depth thanks to the tea, though I do wish the butter slab was more generous.
More than eggs and toast
Not keen on the all-day breakfast? Yaowarat Cafe’s menu also features a selection of Thai dishes that’ll fill you up adequately. The most familiar item on the menu is the Tomyum Mama seafood pot ($8.80), made with Thailand’s iconic instant noodles alongside seafood and eggs. One sip of the broth and you’re back in Bangkok, enjoying comfort food after a long day.
I couldn’t decide which rice dish I preferred – the tuk tuk chicken rice ($8.80) or the hotplate basil rice ($7.80). The latter is a staple at any Thai restaurant in Singapore, but the chicken rice edged out a win (by a hair!) thanks to the brighter presentation. Nothing can beat crispy wings and spiced rice, if you ask me.
Round out the dining experience with a cool glass of Thai tea ($1), or some Singha beer ($8 for 330ml) if you’re here for dinner. (You can also have it in the daytime – no judgment here!)
Is Yaowarat Cafe worth visiting?
Yaowarat Cafe made the smart decision to present a lesser-known Thai dish to Singapore. I reckon it wouldn’t have generated as much buzz if the business had played it safe. Keeping the prices below $10 is another draw, proving that not all food spots in the CBD are out to drain your wallet.
The cafe’s biggest draw is, unsurprisingly, the kai krata. The rest of the menu offers solid supporting acts, but Singapore’s first Thai breakfast pan eggs remain the main reason to make the trip. Overall, it’s a solid spot where you can tuck into casual eats, enjoy mindless, non-work-related conversations, and eventually think about making that umpteenth trip to Bangkok.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yaowarat Cafe's claim to fame?
Yaowarat Cafe stands out for introducing Singapore's very first Thai breakfast kai krata concept. It brings a unique, all-day dining format focused on accessible, street-side morning fare.
What is kai krata and what does it cost?
Served sizzling hot in a small pan, this comforting signature dish features two eggs loaded with minced pork, bacon, cheese, spring onions, and premium Thai fish sausages, with a side of crispy baguette. For a unique Singaporean twist, Yaowarat Cafe also offers a variation that swaps the traditional Thai meats for chicken franks and local otah.
What are the other must-try items on the menu?
- Thai Green Tea kaya toast: A morning favorite consisting of perfectly toasted bread generously slathered with cold butter and a fragrant, unique green tea infused kaya.
- Hotplate basil rice: A classic staple served with a fiery kick of garlic and chili, your choice of minced pork or chicken, and topped with a perfectly runny fried egg.
- Tuk tuk chicken rice: A fragrant dish featuring turmeric-infused jasmine rice paired with tender chicken marinated in lemongrass and blue ginger (galangal).
- Tomyum Mama noodles and green curry chicken: Hearty, dependable local-Thai staples perfect for a filling lunch.
Is it expensive?
Not at all. In fact, it is exceptionally rare for the Tanjong Pagar CBD because the vast majority of the main dishes come in under $10. Local kopi and Thai tea start from a very affordable $1.
Are there taxes and service charges?
While a 10% service charge applies to dine-in orders, there is no GST added to the final bill, keeping the pricing highly straightforward and transparent.
How bad are the queues during lunch?
Because of its high value-for-money reputation, it draws consistent, long queues between 12pm and 1.30pm on weekdays. If you want a seamless sit-down meal, aim to drop by slightly before noon or closer to 2pm.
Can I visit for an after-work drink?
Yes! Because the cafe stays open until 8pm, it doubles nicely as a laid-back pitstop to unwind after office hours. It serves bottled Singha Beer and even red wine by the glass alongside savoury, shareable small plates like Thai fish cakes and mango salad.
