King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, Kaya (Coconut Jam)
I don’t think I’m tasting paradise when I’m eating King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (some chocolate would probably be involved for that to happen), but they are delicious. They’re light and subtly sweet, and great eaten on their own.
They can also be used in many different recipes (a warning before you click on that recipes link: If you’re as easily seduced by photos of tasty-looking food as I am, you’re about to fall into a trance staring at a photo of Strawberry French Toast) including Cinnamon Rolls, Kobe Beef Sliders, and S’mores. But I’m a simple girl so I’ll usually eat these rolls plain or topped with Kaya (Coconut Jam).
Sweet and creamy, and with just the right balance of coconut flavor, this Indonesian jam is a wonderful complement to King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls.
By the way, although I bought these rolls from an Asian supermarket, I’ve also seen them sold at American ones.
That is my favorite jam in the whole world! I really think it should have its own fan club.
I grew up eating King’s Hawaiian breads. I like using the rolls to make fried Spam sandwiches. The coconut jam looks good too, I’ve never heard of it before.
Theresa: I can see why it’s your favorite jam; I love how creamy it is.
Martin: Fried Spam sandwiches sound good. I didn’t realize how versatile the rolls and other breads are until I visited the company’s Web site.
- Cindy
King’s Hawaiian Bread is very popular at places like Walmart. I don’t really care for it because it is too soft. For a much superior flavor, texture, and crumb, you can make Hawaiian Bread at home by following a recipe for Portuguese Bread. It is actually Portuguese Bread, made commercially in Hawaii.
Tigerlille: You sound like a skilled baker, which I most definitely am not. I admire people who can bake (and cook) well.
I don’t find these rolls too soft, as I like all kinds of bread with different flavors and textures.
- Cindy
hi! I loooove kaya! Do you know where can I buy kaya in the US? I live in Philadelphia, any idea? I’ll go as far as new york to hunt for it . Perhaps any online retailers? any suggestions most appreciated. thanks!
Jolin: Hi there. Unfortunately, I don’t know where you can buy kaya in Philadelphia or New York, as I’m not anywhere near those areas. (If any readers know places near Jolin that sell kaya, please chime in.)
I found this online retailer based in California. I’ve never ordered from them, but their list price for kaya is very comparable to what I pay.
- Cindy
Mmm…kaya and slices of butter in between thickly sliced toast…
I get my Yeo’s Kaya (Coconut Jam) from this online store http://www.SingaporeMalaysiaStore.com. Although the Yeo’s Kaya comes in a tin, but I love it as it is creamy and tasty without the overly-sweet flavor or the really artificial food colorings that you find in other brands of Kaya. This particular brand of Kaya is truly 100% authentic & taste just like those that I have in Singapore’s kopitiam!! I know that this online store ships internationally too.
My sister & brother-in-law LOVE these rolls with Nutella on them. They eat it weekly I think…I like the combo mainly because I prefer sweet breads in dessert-y settings.
Rachael L: Ah, Nutella! I will have to try it with this bread (I keeping spreading it only on toast). Thanks for the suggestion!
I live in Fresno, CA and it’s hard to find it here too, even if there are many Asian stores available. I know for sure in Texas and Wisconsin, you’ll be able to find them and I’m sure other parts too.
The reason that I believe why some of the Asian stores don’t carry the Coconut Jam (Yeo or Dragonfly brand) is because most of their costumers don’t buy it.
Just last week, I looked high and low for coconut jam which is the key ingredients in the sesame balls I was making…and none of the entire asian stores in town carried it, except for one…sadly, I checked yesterday and they don’t carry it anymore!
Yeo’s brand is better than Dragonfly brand. =))
Mainou: I haven’t seen the Yeo’s brand at the store where I normally purchase it in several months. When I asked the person who does the store’s ordering when the jam would be in-stock again, she gave a vague answer about it no longer being available to order. (I’ll keep searching for it in other stores, though. And I’ve never seen the Dragonfly brand, only Yeo’s.)
The woman also told me that when they had the jam, few people bought it, which supports your theory. She said their inventory was mostly sold to a Hong Kong-style cafe that spread it on toast.
I have one can left that, besides my toaster, I’m treating like my most-prized kitchen possession. Good luck finding it!
I make good quality singapore style homemade kaya from authentic ingredients. Send me an email with your address at pinkball@gmail.com if you would like me to mail you a bottle.
Melanie
I bought this kaya or coconut jam from ebay! http://cgi.ebay.com/Malaysian-treat-Traditional-Kaya-Coconut-Jam-8oz-/180634598157?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a0ea93b0d#ht_613wt_1139
My goodness! It tastes really good!!! The best I like about it is the ingredients are organic and it uses 100% coconut milk!! You guys got to try it if you love kaya!
Alicia: Hmmm…I’m very curious how this homemade Kaya Coconut Jam tastes…thanks for the reccomendation and link.