Hong Kong-style French toast is an effortless way to enjoy a tasty hearty breakfast in the comfort of your own home.
By Josephine Chan
This morning, I woke up with a really really strong craving for HK-style French Toast. Thanks to fellow blogger, Saucy Spatula and her delicious looking french toast, I was inspired to make this for breakfast today. Out with McD’s McMuffin breakfast meal, yo.
If you’ve ever been to Hong Kong’s one of the many affordable street cafes known as Cha Chaan Teng, you will be convinced why this is one of the most delicious, sinful, irresistible and tastiest tea snack ever served to mankind. Talk about the guilty pleasures in life. 
French Toast is a fine example of a grand adoption of Western food into our Chinese food culture – with silky peanut butter spread and clasped between 2 slices of thick white bread, then dipped in egg batter, deep fried (or for the healthier version – pan fried), served with thick slab of butter and drizzle of syrup – forget about the messy nature, taste and you are on top of the world, baby!
So, before you go to bed tonight, be inspired, dream and wake up tomorrow with French Toast cravings. Sweet dreams, people.
Print
Tasty Breakfast with HK-style French Toast
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 1
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Sweet and savory French toast with a Hong Kong twist. Peanut butter adds a unique flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 pcs thick white bread
- peanut butter
- butter
- golden syrup
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
Instructions
- Spread butter on one slice of bread and peanut butter on the other. Clasp them together.
- Place a beaten egg in a large bowl. Dip the bread in the beaten egg for approximately 4 seconds on each side (front, bottom, and sides). Do not over-soak, or the bread will become too mushy.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan. Pan-fry the bread until golden brown on one side, then repeat on the other side.
- Remove the bread from the pan and gently dab with paper towels.
- Place a pat of butter on top and drizzle with syrup.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For even cooking, use a non-stick pan and medium-low heat.
- To prevent sogginess, ensure the bread is only briefly dipped in the egg mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in a toaster or pan.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Hong Kong
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 150
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hong Kong-style French toast?
It is a popular Hong Kong cha chaan teng (diner) dish where thick white bread is filled with peanut butter, dipped in egg, pan-fried or deep-fried in butter, and served with golden syrup.
What is golden syrup and what can I use instead?
Golden syrup is a thick, amber-colored sweetener made from refining cane sugar. Honey or maple syrup are the closest substitutes in flavor and consistency.
What kind of bread is best for this recipe?
Thick-cut white sandwich bread or milk bread is traditional. The bread needs to be soft and absorbent so the egg soaks in without falling apart.
How long should I dip the bread in the egg?
About 4 seconds per side as the recipe specifies. Any longer and the bread gets too saturated and soggy; any shorter and the egg coating is thin and uneven.
Great, or use the same technique by replacing the peanut butter with a good melting cheese. Add some pre-cooked bacon along with the cheese to make it even better. This recipe is infinitely variable.