Bao Er Cafe: Ya Kun-Dupe Kaya Toast, Wok Hei Hokkien Mee And More In Balestier

Bao Er Cafe is a popular toast cafe at Balestier Plaza

Balestier Plaza might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of wanting to have a local-style breakfast. After all, fried bee hoon, kaya toast and all that are easily found almost anywhere on the island. But you might want to add Bao Er Cafe to your radar, as this popular cafe has gained much online attention! 

Image credit: Ruth Goi

First up: their Kaya Butter Toast Set ($5). Bao Er Cafe makes their kaya with fresh coconut milk, and slathers it on crunchy slices of thin brown toast. Let’s not forget the cold, creamy butter slab that completes this sandwich, which might even be better than that at Ya Kun Kaya Toast. We’ll let you be the judge of that.

Image credit: Bobby Goh

For something more filling, consider ordering a plate of Economic Bee Hoon (price TBD), complete with sunny-side-up and a thicc slice of luncheon meat. Reviews on Google praise how each plate is fried to order, and full of wok hei—though some find it a little over-fried to the point of bitterness.

Image credit: @george.kooi

The couple behind Bao Er Cafe also run Prawnography in Novena, famed for their wok-kissed fried hokkien prawn mee. You’ll find the same dish here in several forms: Signature Hokkien Mee ($7), Signature Deluxe Hokkien Mee ($9), and Hokkien Fried Tiger Noodle ($15), which is good for two to share. Their fried hokkien prawn mee is on the wet side, so if you’re a fan of the drier variety, this might not be for you.

Another chef’s recommendation is their Prawn Paste Chicken ($12). If you’re looking for something else, other dishes on the menu here include Salted Fish Fried Rice ($5.50), Herbal Fried Fish Soup ($7), Prawn Noodle Soup ($5.50) and more.

Do expect a long queue, especially if you’re visiting during peak meal hours!

Also in Balestier Plaza is Kemuri BBQ, which serves legit Texan-Japanese BBQ donburi priced under $20! Otherwise, head to Nhung Kitchen, a Vietnamese eatery that opens till 3am.

Address: 400 Balestier Road, #02-01, Balestier Plaza, Singapore 329802
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 8pm
Tel: 8686 9777
Bao Er Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.

Feature image adapted from Jeff Tan, @george.kooi, Bobby Goh