See Eu Joe Recipe: Malaysian Coffee Toast

See Eu Joe is a nostalgic Malaysian breakfast and tea-time treat: a thick slice of bread toasted until crisp, spread with a generous layer of butter and sweet coconut jam (kaya), then topped with a soft-boiled egg. It is also known as roti kahwin, meaning “married bread,” because the two slices are joined like a sandwich. The combination of salty butter, rich coconut jam, and runny egg yolk creates a savory-sweet contrast that is deeply satisfying and surprisingly simple to make at home.

Ingredients

4 slices of thick-cut white bread (about 1.5 in / 4 cm thick, or use Texas toast)
4 tbsp (60 g) salted butter, softened
4 tbsp (80 g) kaya (coconut jam), store-bought or homemade
2 large eggs
1 cup (240 ml) water, for boiling eggs
1 tsp (5 ml) soy sauce, for seasoning the eggs (optional)
Freshly ground white pepper, to taste

Instructions

Bring a small pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully lower the eggs in with a spoon. Boil for exactly 6 minutes for a soft, jammy yolk with a fully set white. If you prefer a runnier yolk, boil for 5 minutes; for a firmer yolk, 7 minutes.
While the eggs cook, toast the bread. You can use a toaster, a grill pan, or a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast until golden brown and crisp on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
Spread 1 tablespoon (15 g) of softened butter evenly over each slice of hot toast. The heat of the bread will melt the butter slightly.
Spread 1 tablespoon (20 g) of kaya on top of the butter on two of the slices. The butter acts as a barrier, preventing the bread from getting soggy from the jam.
Place the kaya-topped slices together with the plain buttered slices to form two sandwiches. Cut each sandwich in half diagonally.
When the eggs are done, remove them with a slotted spoon and run them under cold water for 30 seconds to stop the cooking. Gently crack and peel them into a small bowl.
Season the soft-boiled eggs with a few drops of soy sauce and a pinch of white pepper. Stir gently to break the yolks.
Serve the toast sandwiches immediately with the seasoned soft-boiled eggs on the side. Dip the toast into the egg yolk as you eat.

Tips

Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread toasts better and holds its structure when spread with butter and jam. Fresh, very soft bread may tear.
Kaya substitutes: If you cannot find kaya, mix 3 tbsp (45 g) of coconut cream with 2 tbsp (30 g) of sugar and a pinch of salt, then simmer until thick. This will be less rich but similar in flavor. Alternatively, use a good-quality coconut jam from an Asian grocery store.
Perfect soft-boiled eggs: Timing is everything. Use eggs straight from the fridge and start the timer as soon as they hit the boiling water. For a consistent result, use a kitchen timer, not a guess.
Don’t skip the butter: The butter layer is essential—it prevents the kaya from soaking into the bread, keeping the toast crisp. If you use unsalted butter, add a tiny pinch of salt to the top of the toast.

Serving Suggestions

Serve See Eu Joe hot, with the soft-boiled eggs on the side. It is traditionally enjoyed with a cup of kopi (Malaysian coffee with condensed milk) or teh tarik (pulled milk tea). For a more filling meal, add a side of sliced fresh fruit like papaya or pineapple.

Variations

Savory version: Omit the kaya and add a slice of processed cheese (like cheddar) between the buttered toast slices. Grill the sandwich until the cheese melts.
Peanut butter version: Replace the kaya with a thick layer of crunchy peanut butter. This is a common variation in some Malaysian coffee shops.
Whole-grain version: Use whole-wheat or multigrain bread for a nuttier flavor. The toast will be slightly denser but still delicious.

Storage and Reheating

This dish is best eaten immediately, as the toast will lose its crispness and the eggs will overcook if left to sit. If you must store leftovers, keep the toast and eggs separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, toast the bread in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until crisp. Reheat the soft-boiled eggs by placing them in a bowl of hot (not boiling) water for 2 minutes. Do not microwave the eggs, as they may explode.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “See Eu Joe” mean? The name is a phonetic rendering of the Hokkien phrase “si yu jiao,” which means “butter and egg.” It is a colloquial name for this toast-and-egg breakfast combination in Malaysia and Singapore.

Can I use a regular toaster for thick bread? Yes, but you may need to toast it on a higher setting or toast it twice. If your toaster has a “bagel” setting, use it, as it toasts only one side more intensely, which is perfect for thick slices.

Is kaya the same as coconut jam? Yes, kaya is a coconut jam made from coconut milk, eggs, sugar, and sometimes pandan leaf. It is a staple in Southeast Asian breakfasts. It is not the same as Western fruit jam, and the flavor is distinctly coconut-forward.

Can I make the soft-boiled eggs ahead of time? You can boil them up to 2 hours ahead and keep them in the shell at room temperature. Peel them just before serving. Do not refrigerate them after boiling, as they will become rubbery.

What if my eggs crack while boiling? Add a teaspoon of vinegar to the boiling water before adding the eggs. This helps the egg white coagulate quickly, minimizing the mess. The eggs will still be safe to eat as long as they are cooked to your desired doneness.

Can I use a different type of bread? Absolutely. Brioche, challah, or a crusty sourdough all work well. Just keep in mind that sweeter breads like brioche will make the dish richer, while sourdough will add a tangy note.

More recipes to cook

Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes

Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it (corrections policy).