YY Kafei Dian on Beach Road is honestly one of those places I’ll trek across Singapore for. It’s my absolute chicken rice lifesaver whenever I’m wandering around Bugis with a rumbling tummy.
I’ve been hitting up this spot for a couple of years now, and let me tell you – it’s proper old-school Singapore that’s getting harder to find these days. While everyone’s chasing the newest Instagrammable cafe, I’m perfectly happy squeezing between tables at this bustling kopitiam with my tray of chicken rice and kaya buns.
What’s So Special About This Place?
YY Kafei Dian is smack in the middle of Beach Road, super accessible if you’re shopping around Bugis or doing the tourist thing. It’s one of the few authentic kopitiams still thriving in this increasingly gentrified area.
But here’s the thing – don’t expect fancy interiors or smiley service. YY Kafei Dian is packed most days. Office workers, tourists, locals – everyone’s elbowing for space. It’s hot, it’s noisy, and sometimes the staff can be… let’s just say efficient rather than warm.
The ordering system might confuse first-timers – everything happens at one counter whether you’re after chicken rice, zi char dishes, snacks or drinks. For certain items like chicken rice and kaya buns, you’ll receive separate buzzers for collection from different stations.
The Chicken Rice That Keeps Me Coming Back
The star of the show has got to be their Hainanese chicken rice (available from 11.00am onwards). I usually order half a white chicken ($19) between my husband and me, and it’s always spot on.
What makes their white chicken exceptional? That chicken skin has this perfect silky texture without that layer of fat that makes you feel guilty. Instead, you get this amazing gelatinous layer that literally melts in your mouth. It’s definitely all about that ice bath technique after poaching.
And the breast meat! How do they keep it so moist? I’ve had way too many disappointingly dry chicken breasts at other places, but YY Kafei Dian somehow nails it every time.
The rice can be a bit hit-or-miss, if I’m being totally honest. Some days it’s perfectly loose and fluffy, other days slightly stodgy. But the fragrance is consistently good. Not overly oily too.
The chilli sauce offers decent heat but isn’t particularly memorable.
Incredible Kaya Buns!
At $1.70 each, these kaya buns deserve individual orders – they’re simply too good to share. Unlike Ya Kun’s thin, crispy kaya toast, YY Kafei Dian serves thick, pillowy buns toasted to perfection on the outside while maintaining a soft interior.
The combination of salted butter and sweet kaya creates an irresistible sweet-savoury balance. For the ultimate experience, order half-boiled eggs ($1.70 for two) and dip your bun into the runny yolk mixture – absolute heaven!
Impressive Range of Snacks and Pastries
Beyond the main attractions, YY Kafei Dian offers an impressive array of traditional snacks:
- Swiss rolls (particularly excellent – soft, moist and not overly sweet)
- Colourful kueh lapis
- Cassava/tapioca kueh varieties
- Kueh kosui
- Sugar doughnuts
- Curry puffs
- Egg tarts
- & more
Pro tip: Grab whatever catches your eye from the display counter when placing your main order. This saves you queuing again just for snacks. The Swiss rolls deserve special mention – consider purchasing the variety box with three different flavours.
Zi Char Options
While I haven’t personally sampled the zi char dishes, the menu prices appear pretty reasonable – comparable to zi char stalls in residential areas rather than inflated for the central location.
Beverage Selections
Like any proper Singapore kopitiam, YY Kafei Dian serves traditional kopi and teh beverages. My regular order, Teh C Kosong, tastes standard – neither exceptional nor disappointing, just a reliable kopitiam-style tea.
Value for Money
One of YY Kafei Dian’s strongest selling points is its affordability, especially considering its central location. While many Bugis eateries charge premium prices, YY Kafei Dian maintains wallet-friendly rates across its menu. This explains its popularity among office workers seeking quality lunch options without breaking the bank.
Service Expectations
A word of caution – service levels can vary, particularly during peak hours. You might encounter some brisk, no-nonsense service from busy staff. However, given the absence of service charges, this hardly seems problematic. YY Kafei Dian emphasises substance over style – it’s about excellent food in a fuss-free environment.
The Full YY Kafei Dian Experience
What keeps me returning to YY Kafei Dian? It successfully combines several elements:
- Authentic, consistently good food
- Reasonable prices in an expensive district
- Genuine old-school kopitiam atmosphere
- Versatile menu catering to different meal needs
The ability to enjoy both kaya buns and excellent chicken rice under one roof creates a uniquely satisfying dining experience. Whether you’re craving a hearty lunch or just stopping by for kopi and snacks, YY Kafei Dian delivers.
When Should You Go?
I’ve tried all sorts of timings, and here’s my advice: mid-morning (around 10am) or mid-afternoon (2:30-4pm) are your best bets for a less frantic experience. Avoid 12-2pm on weekdays unless you enjoy watching the office lunch rush in full swing!
Weekends are busy all day, but slightly less intense than weekday lunchtimes.
Final Verdict
YY Kafei Dian is my definition of a true Singapore gem – unpretentious, slightly rough around the edges, but serving up food that keeps locals coming back again and again.
No fancy plating or Instagram bait here – just honest, delicious food that represents Singapore’s culinary soul. In a rapidly changing food scene where gimmicks often overshadow substance, YY Kafei Dian reminds me why I fell in love with Singapore’s food culture in the first place.
So next time you’re wandering around Bugis with hunger pangs, bypass those familiar chain restaurants and join the queue at YY Kafei Dian. Order that chicken rice, treat yourself to a kaya bun, and experience a slice of authentic Singapore that’s become increasingly precious in our ever-changing city.
8:00am to 7:00pm Sat-Sun