Easy Hong Kong French Toast
There is something special about Hong Kong style French toast. Golden, crispy, and just the right amount of over the top, it is a cha chaan teng (茶餐廳 aka Hong Kong cafe) staple that instantly brings back memories of cozy cafe brunches and the smell of milk tea in the air. Usually stuffed with peanut butter and topped with a melting pat of butter, it is certainly a sweet treat! It is the kind of comfort food that feels nostalgic and a little indulgent, yet surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients like bread, eggs, and peanut butter, you can recreate the same cozy cafe experience right in your own kitchen. Try other Hong Kong cafe classics such as Baked Seafood rice!
What is Hong Kong French toast?
Hong Kong French toast traces its roots back to the city’s colonial days when British influence shaped much of its food culture. Local cafes known as cha chaan tengs began creating their own versions of Western dishes using simple and affordable ingredients. What started as a take on classic French toast became something uniquely Hong Kong, deep fried, golden, and filled with peanut butter or jam! Don’t forget the butter on top and drizzle on syrup or condensed milk!
How is this different from regular French toast?
Hong Kong French toast is a beloved cafe dish that takes the familiar idea of French toast and turns it up several notches. Instead of lightly pan frying bread dipped in egg like the classic version, this one is deep fried until golden and crisp on the outside, while soft and custardy inside. It is usually sandwiched with peanut butter or kaya (a rich coconut jam from South East Asia), then topped with a square of butter and a generous drizzle of syrup or condensed milk. The result is rich, sweet, and slightly savory all at once. It is far more decadent than your usual breakfast toast, and a perfect example of the East meets West creativity found in Hong Kong cafes.
Can I deep-fry this?
Traditionally, Hong Kong French toast is deep fried to achieve a golden and crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and custardy. The deep frying gives it a rich texture and indulgent feel, which is part of what makes it so iconic in cha chaan tengs. At home, however, you can make an easier and lighter version by pan frying. Pan frying still creates a beautifully golden toast with a tender center, while using less oil and making it more approachable for a quick homemade treat.
Tips for the Perfect French Toast at Home
Pan fry for a lighter version: Pan frying is healthier and quicker than deep frying while still giving you a golden and tender toast.
Use Asian milk bread: Thick, soft milk bread works best for a fluffy and custardy interior. Regular white bread can work but will be less pillowy.
Don’t overfill: If using peanut butter or jam, keep the filling moderate so it heats through evenly without spilling.
Beat the eggs and milk well: This ensures an even coating and a smooth, custardy texture inside.
Serve immediately: For the best texture, enjoy while warm, with a pat of butter
- Drizzle on condensed milk or syrup: Condensed milk adds a rich, creamy sweetness while syrup gives a lighter, more classic sweetness. Either works depending on your preference!
Ingredients
3 slices of thick Asian milk bread
2 Eggs
1 tbsp Milk
1/4 tsp salt
Knob of butter
Syrup or condensed milk for serving
Step by step instructions
Prep the bread
Cut the crusts off the slices of bread so the edges are soft.Spread the peanut butter
Spread peanut butter on one side of each slice and stack the 3 slices of bread together.Cut into pieces (optional)
If you like, cut the stack into mini bites for easy snacking, or leave whole for a more traditional experience.Mix the egg coating
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth.Coat the bread
Dip each piece of bread into the egg mixture, making sure it is fully coated on all sides.Pan-fry the toast
Heat a pan with a little oil over medium heat. Pan-fry each piece for about 30 seconds on each side, or until golden brown.Add the finishing touches
Serve immediately with a knob of butter on top.Drizzle and enjoy
Drizzle with syrup or condensed milk and enjoy while warm.
Easy Hong Kong French Toast
Ingredients
- 3 slices thick Asian milk bread
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tbsp Milk
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- Knob of butter
- Syrup or Condensed Milk for serving
Instructions
- Prep the bread: Cut the crusts off the slices of bread so the edges are soft.
- Spread the peanut butter: Spread peanut butter on one side of each slice and stack the 3 slices of bread together.
- Cut into pieces (optional): If you like, cut the stack into mini bites for easy snacking, or leave whole for a more traditional experience.
- Mix the egg coating: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Coat the bread: Dip each piece of bread into the egg mixture, making sure it is fully coated on all sides.
- Pan-fry the toast: Heat a pan with a little oil over medium heat. Pan-fry each piece for about 30 seconds on each side, or until golden brown.
- Add the finishing touches: Serve immediately with a knob of butter on top.
- Drizzle and enjoy: Drizzle with syrup or condensed milk and enjoy while warm.