• There are different accounts of the origin of kaya. One view is that kaya originated with the Malays, as the word kaya in Malay means “rich”, referring to the luscious texture and colour of the jam. Another view claims that kaya is the localised version of the Portuguese egg jam, with the original ingredients such as milk and vanilla beans replaced by coconut milk and pandan leaves, resulting in a local variation.
• In the mid-20th century, many coffeeshops operated by the Hainanese offered kaya toast (kaya spread on toast) on their menu, which helped to popularise kaya. 

Kaya toast is the classic breakfast item in Nanyang coffeeshops. It has become an indispensable 
experience in modern life, all thanks to the charm of kaya. (Shin Min Daily News, 19/8/2018)