Tina’s Cafe celebrates the simplicity of our Singaporean classics

For many, the quintessential Singaporean breakfast — buttery kaya toast, silky soft boiled eggs and a warm cup of kopi — is more than just a meal. It is a comforting ritual, a taste of home, and a cherished way to start the day.

For Shaun Ong, 37, this humble breakfast holds a deeper meaning. The simple pleasure of kaya toast in the morning was his mother’s quiet refuge. He remembers her as a kind and warm-spirited woman who found joy in life’s simplest moments — comfort in the quiet of something as unassuming as her morning kaya toast.

With over a decade of experience in the food industry, the co-founder of Edith Patisserie now honours his late mother through Tina’s Cafe. It opened its doors on February 18 as a heartfelt tribute that celebrates his mother’s love for life’s quiet, uncomplicated joys.

The menu offers a wide range of comforting dishes served until late afternoon, from the nostalgic kaya toast sets, to fragrant nasi lemak and hearty breakfast platters.

Cakes from Edith Patisserie will also be available at Tina’s Cafe.

A toast to tradition

Of course, there has to be the classic homemade kaya butter toast set with soft-boiled eggs, served with the choice of kopi or teh (S$6).

Unlike Ya Kun’s extra crispy toast, this version is only lightly toasted with a very generous slab of butter — a consistency that we appreciate across Tina’s other toasts. The kaya spread is subtly sweet, allowing the rich butter to take centrestage.

An eye-catching dish on the menu is the orh nee butter toast (S$2.80) — a Teochew-inspired twist on the traditional kaya toast. The delectable mashed yam pairs harmoniously with the butter and toast, offering a refreshing take on the beloved classic.

There are other variations on the usual Nanyang breakfast with an array of sets and a la carte options, including peanut butter toast, French toast with kaya, and kaya cheese toast, each elevating familiar flavours with a creative spin.

A spread of morning delights

Another Singaporean breakfast classic is its nasi lemak.

We tried the chicken karaage nasi lemak (S$8.90), where crispy Japanese-style chicken karaage replaces the traditional ayam (chicken). While the fried karaage introduces a modern twist, it didn’t satisfy quite as well as the classic fried chicken does, especially when paired with the fragrant coconut rice. For one, the smaller pieces had less heft to it and came out slightly dry, by contrast with the larger pieces we’re used to seeing in our nasi lemak.

Still, the fragrant rice, fresh cucumber, sweet sambal, and crispy ikan billis, when put together, makes for a pretty decent nasi lemak.

There are other renditions available, too, if you’re in the mood for this carb-heavy dish.

Those who prefer a more western-style breakfast can opt for Tina’s breakfast platter (S$14.80), a hearty spread of eggs, bacon, ham, chicken sausage, baked beans, hashbrown, toasted bread, and mixed greens.

To wash it all down, we opted for the yuan yang (S$1.80), a delightful blend of bold and rich kopi and smooth and sweet tea teh.

Sweet treats and bakes

Beyond the classic breakfast offerings, Tina’s Cafe also serves an assortment of pastries, snacks and desserts. Shaun’s expertise in patisserie shines through in these meticulously crafted treats, designed to evoke warmth and nostalgia.

The chocolate pandan waffle (S$2.30) is generously stuffed with rich chocolate, while the pandan-infused waffle remains soft and chewy. It instantly reminded me of the old-school waffle stores tucked away in our neighbourhoods or MRT stations — a simple and familiar delight.

Another noteworthy addition to the menu is the egg tart (S$2.80). The crisp, flaky exterior gives way to a soft, gooey custard filling, giving us a lightly sweet treat that rounds any meal perfectly.

For those with a soft spot for cakes, the pandan chiffon (S$2.80) is a must-try. It is light and airy, while delicately fragrant, with a good balance of pandan aroma and a hint of sweetness.

Tina’s Cafe embodies the warmth and simplicity of Singaporean breakfasts, blending nostalgia with modern touches. The cafe feels like a heartfelt embrace — a place to pause, reminisce and savour life’s little joys.

To celebrate its opening, Tina’s Cafe is offering 50% off every second toast set ordered from February 19 to March 5.

This was an invited tasting.

For the latest food news, read our stories on the newest hotpot concept by chef Andre Chiang’s Bon Broth and McDonald’s Singapore new curry McNuggets and return of popular nasi lemak burger & Coke float.

Tina’s Cafe is on the Grabfood Delivery service and offers free delivery (up to S$3 off) with GrabUnlimited. 

Enjoy up to 50% off when you dine with GrabFood Dine Out.

You can also book a ride to Everton Park for these comforting breakfast classics.