Ok, so FatMan’s first thought upon hearing the word “Kaya” was that it must be referring to the small Gaya Confederacy of the early Three Kingdoms Period centered in the Gimhae area of the Nakdong River Basin. But just like so much of the food scene in Seoul, Fatman was about to be blown away by the delicious possibilities of international exchange.

kaya toast

Kaya, it turns out, is also a delicious treat from Southeast Asia. This dense coconut custard-style jam is a green, creamy delight that Singaporeans and Malaysians have long been using to top their toast. Taken with thick, sweet coffee or tea, it’s a quintessential breakfast treat made with coconut, eggs, and pandan or sugar. And with Seoul seeing an explosion of international foods and chains opening their doors to our hungry citizens, it was only a matter of time before this oozy treat made its way to our streets.

Kopitiam Kaya Toast gives you kaya toast done up in several different styles: Thick or thin, with kaya, chocolate spread, cheese, or peanut butter. Fatman’s particular favorite is the thin kaya toast for the crispy and toothsome wholemeal toast sliced razor thin to cradle thick slabs of salty butter that melt dreamily into the custard-y kaya. The bread is just chewy and crispy enough to make chewing a joy of contrasting texture against the gooey insides, and the saltiness of the butter adds a key savory note to keep it all from being overwhelmingly sweet. While those in Singapore and Malaysia may treat this as a way to start their day, Seoulites have turned this into a hopping spot for afternoon munching and evening lounging.
In addition to toast, Kopitiam offers the usual range of coffee and tea drinks at the usual prices. Still, if you’re looking to complete your experience, there’s a small selection of drinks done ala Singapore. Both the coffee and teas are exceptionally thick and strong and sweet. Brace yourself, they are big and bold even when served in small cups. They’re not merely bracing, they’re practically a meal in and of themselves.

kopitiam kaya toast

Kopitiam Kaya Toast has opened two stores in Seoul: The first is at Chonggye 2-ga, overlooking the stream, and the second is just outside exit 2 of Ewha Women’s University Station as you head towards the campus. Both aim for a chill, exotic vibe with lots of rough-hewn planking and ceiling fans to recall the steamy South Asian climate, and are strewn with magazines singing the praises of the city-state. Toast starts at 2500 won, and coffee and tea drinks start from 3000 won.
Their rival chain, Ya Kun, also runs two stores here in Seoul: One in the basement of the Seoul Financial Building (City Hall Station, lines 2 and 4), and the other in the basement of the Kangnam Finance Center.