Four novel takes on the humble kaya

Ujong Gourmet Saffron Kaya

The most luxurious of the three varieties in this new range of artisanal Peranakan coconut jam, this interpretation is possibly the first and only kaya made using saffron, specifically the prized dried stigmas of the purple saffron crocus from Spain. Wild honey is used to accentuate the unique sweetness of kaya and the creaminess of its main ingredient.

Available at S$9.50 from Isetan Scotts Supermarket, Emporium Shukohin, NTUC Finest, Mediya Supermarket and Gryphon Tea Pantry (http://www.gryphontea.com/store/pantry.html). The other two variants are priced at S$8.95 each.

Queen’s Kaya from Antoinette

Created last year as part of its SG50 promotion, this lighter yet no less indulgent take on the kaya is based on classic French pastry cream. Here, naturally extracted and unprocessed coconut cream and pandan juice 
are used to produce the delicate 
mixture that is not too sweet. While 
it is currently not available for dine-in, customers can pre-order (three days in advance) at S$8 for a 200g jar with 
a minimum order of 10 bottles. Yes, that is quite a lot of it to go through, but you can split the jars with friends or use it as fillings for choux pastries, or dessert toppings.

Orders can be made at Antoinette (30 Penhas Road) or by calling 6293 3121.

Kayamila Sea Salt Caramel

While the Kayamila Original is marketed as the new face of Fong Yit’s popular XO Kaya, and the Vanilla Pandan features an infusion of freshly squeezed pandan juice and vanilla extract, the sea salt-caramel option takes inspiration from old-fashioned kaya that used to contain table salt as one of the 
key ingredients. This updated 
version combines bittersweet caramel, sea-salt and kaya for a rich and buttery indulgence.

Available at S$3.50 a bottle at Fairprice, Sheng Siong and 
Prime supermarkets.

Bud Of Joy Organic Kaya

As these freshly-made, preservative-free options only last two weeks in the fridge, they are not available off the shelf. Each jar is made to order and features only four ingredients: Eggs, coconut milk, freshly extracted pandan juice and raw sugar. This also means that customisation is possible, should you prefer organic coconut palm sugar, which has a lower glycemic index and is nutrient dense, instead of raw sugar, or if you simply want less sugar. Priced at S$11 for a 180g jar (S$9 for members), custom orders require a minimum purchase of four bottles, while no minimum order is required for the standard jar.

Orders can be made online (https://budofjoy.com/productOrganicKaya.htm) or by calling 6748 7687.