With Singapore’s reputation of being a nation of foodies, it’s not surprising that the little red dot is a magnet for global cult favourites like Eggslut, which recently opened at Scotts Square. But this isn’t a new phenomenon. We journey through time and discover that Singapore has been a hotbed for revolutionary international and homegrown food franchises throughout its history. Learn more about them and which ones offer special discounts to SAFRA members too!
Ya Kun Kaya Toast
In 1926, Loi Ah Koon sailed from Hainan Island to Singapore. The 15-year-old began his career working at a hawker stall selling Hainanese coffee. By 1944, he was his own boss. From its original location in Telok Ayer Basin, the eponymous Ya Kun Coffeestall moved to the historic Lau Pa Sat, before finally settling down at Far East Square in 1998. Today, Ya Kun Kaya Toast Coffeestall is a household name with franchised outlets from here (such as in SAFRA Toa Payoh) to Japan!
Generations of Singaporeans have grown up enjoying Ya Kun’s kaya toast, lashings of fragrant coconut jam and slabs of butter sandwiched between thin slices of crisp brown toast. Served alongside perfectly soft-boiled eggs and comforting cups of hot coffee and tea, of course. While these traditional favourites are still a mainstay, the menu today also extends to treats that appeal to younger generations, such as Cheese Balls, Rendang Chicken Toastwich, and Ice Blended Frostyz.
SAFRA Members and Affiliated Members enjoy 10% off.
More info at safra.sg/amenities-offerings/ya-kun-kaya-toast; yakun.com
Jack’s Place
It was a similar story for another early Hainanese settler. Say Lip Hai began life in Singapore as a cookboy with the British troops in Sembawang. Impressed by his culinary skills, British housewife Mrs Jack Hunt suggested he start a catering service at her husband’s pub, Jack’s Place, which had opened at Killiney Road in 1966. While the Hunts later sold their share of the business, its reputation continued to thrive under ‘Jack the Chef’, becoming the place Singaporean families choose for sizzling steaks and birthday parties.
No matter which Jack’s Place restaurant you step into today – among them the outlets at SAFRA Jurong and SAFRA Punggol – rest assured you’ll find the same premium tender steaks, pastas and seafood combos. The value-for-money daily set lunches are eternally popular, as are the smattering of Hainanese-style dishes such as Beef Oxtail, an ode to Mr Say’s heritage.
SAFRA Members and Affiliated Members enjoy 10% off.
More info at safra.sg/amenities-offerings/jack’s-place; jacksplace.com.sg
Pizza Hut
Kids growing up in the 80s will probably never forget the dial tones that went with “235-35-35”, thanks to the classic TV commercial jingle. But did you know that Pizza Hut originated in Kansas, USA in 1958, long before it launched with much fanfare at Jalan Jelita in 1981? It didn’t stop there, of course. Pizza Hut now operates in more than 100 countries and territories worldwide and stands as the biggest pizza restaurant chain in Singapore with 77 outlets, with one of them at SAFRA Punggol.
From the Original Pan Pizza to the revolutionary Cheesy Stuffed Crust, Pizza Hut defined what pizza meant for many a generation. For a taste of nostalgia, you can’t go wrong with good ol’ Hawaiian accompanied by Garlic Bread and Sweet ‘N’ Spicy Drumlets. Add in Curry Zazzle baked rice for a heartier meal. Such all-time favourites are matched by modern classics such as Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Cookie and Honey Roasted Wings.
SAFRA Members and Affiliated Members enjoy 10% off the total bill (only applicable for dine-in at SAFRA Punggol with a minimum of $15 spent).
More info at safra.sg/amenities-offerings/pizza-hut; pizzahut.com.sg
Sushiro
Young by comparison to many other pedigree food franchises, Sushiro was founded in Osaka, Japan, only in 1984. Yet it is already Japan’s number one kaiten (fast-food style) sushi chain, with almost 600 outlets domestically, and over 50 across Asia to date. It rolled into Singapore, its first Southeast Asian outpost, just two years ago, and already boasts eight dine-in restaurants. Its latest ribbon-cutting was for Sushiro Petit, a takeaway-only concept at Great World City.
Its success lies in blending consistency with innovation, quality with affordability, and automation with service – seemingly opposing ingredients that taste perfect when served up on a conveyor belt. Just like its wide range of sushi, from the usual suspects of tuna and salmon belly to more unusual must-tries such as Salmon with Basil Cheese and the seemingly innocuous but oh-so-tasty Tamago (Japanese omelette) sushi.
More info at akindo-sushiro.biz/en
Five Guys
At 11am on December 16, 2019, the first Five Guys outlet in Singapore opened at Plaza Singapura to about 100 eager diners already waiting in line. By 7pm, it had sold over 1,000 burgers and 500 milkshakes. Despite a challenging 2020, a second outlet opened at Nex early this year, with a third at ION Orchard set to welcome fans very soon. And that’s out of over 1,700 locations spread across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, starting from its birthplace in Virginia, USA back in 1986.
The same principles that launched the first family-run (by five Murrell brothers) burger joint on its world conquest are adhered to religiously everywhere. With no freezers or microwaves, everything is freshly made by hand on site every day. The concept is simple. You pay for the basics (burger, hot dog or sandwich), then pick from 15 toppings – absolutely free! Add on fries and those legendary milkshakes – they’re worth every extra calorie.
More info at fiveguys.sg
Eggslut
When news broke that the very first Eggslut in Southeast Asia was opening right here in Singapore, fans of the Los Angeles cult favourite perked up. With little chance of flying to California or even its outposts in London, Seoul or Tokyo at that time, this seemed like the best thing to happen to travel-starved Singaporeans this year. So unsurprisingly, a queue formed three hours before opening time on September 9.
For those not in the know, Eggslut is a chef-driven gourmet food concept that celebrates eggs. It epitomises the hashtag #eggporn and is an Instagrammer’s dream. The menu features six core sandwiches showcasing the breakfast staple in all its fluffy glory on warm brioche buns, with all-time favourites being the Fairfax and wagyu steak-filled Gaucho. No meal at Eggslut is complete without the naughtily named Slut – house-made potato puree topped with a coddled egg served in a glass jar with slices of crispy baguette.
More info at eggslutsg.com
Which is your favourite food franchise brand? Share with us at magnsman@sph.com.sg!
