Sunny-side up your day with these egg-ceptional delights – here’s where to find the best egg waffles in Hong Kong.
Eggettes, egg puffs, gai dan zai, egg waffles – who knew so many names could stand for something so delicious and simple? Although food trends in Hong Kong have been rising and falling for as long as we can remember, the trusty gai dan zai is a quintessential staple for traditional comfort food. Found on nearly every street corner in Hong Kong, the simple batter (flour, baking powder, custard powder, eggs, evaporated milk, and a pinch of sugar, plus whatever secret ingredient the vendor decides to use), is poured into a heated dimpled iron, creating balls of doughy heaven. Although it sounds simple enough, making these eggy treats at home is surprisingly difficult; so, we’re saving you the trouble with this list of the best places to buy egg waffles in Hong Kong…
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Mammy Pancake (媽咪雞蛋仔)
Mammy Pancake creates egg waffles that will bring back childhood memories of growing up in Hong Kong – and yet, it also manages to incorporate the city’s latest food trends into the menu! Its egg waffles are deliciously crispy on the outside, with a smooth mochi-like softness on the inside.
Mammy Pancake, various locations across Hong Kong, 2887 8212, [email protected], www.mammypancake.com.hk
Tai O Wah Kee Charcoal Grilled Egg Waffle (大澳華記香脆雞旦仔 )
If you’re looking to take your egg waffle game up a notch, you’ve got to try the famous charcoal grilled egg waffles at Tai O. Known for having some of the best street food in Hong Kong (marinated squid and cheesy oysters anyone?), Tai O is a perfect weekend getaway for foodies. Each batch of egg waffles takes around four minutes to make, and come complete with a crunchy exterior and pillowy interior with a touch of smokiness. Before you head over, remember to grab a fan and some water because you’ll be queueing for a while.
Tai O Wah Kee Charcoal Grilled Egg Waffle, G/F, 121 Shek Tsai Po Street, Tai O, Hong Kong
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Hung Kee Top Quality Egg Waffles (鴻記極品雞蛋仔)
Using a family recipe, this local-favourite will leave you wondering what its secret ingredient is. Upon the first bite, you’ll immediately taste the crispy outer layer followed by its spongy insides. Our favourite part? The extra batter that clusters to form delicious biscuit-like waffles.
Hung Kee Top Quality Egg Waffles, Shop A34C, The 2nd Path, Tai On Lau, 57-87 Sau Kei Wan Road, Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong
Master Low-Key Food Shop (低調高手大街小食)
Head on over to this celebrity-approved vendor for egg waffles that never disappoint! While its low-key shopfront makes it a bit difficult to find, you can always spot the long queue from far away. Since it’s so popular, expect to queue (we promise it’s worth the wait!).
Master Low-Key Food Shop, Shop B3, G / F, 76A Shau Kei Wan Main Street East, Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong, 5592 4100, masterlowkey.business.site
BB Egg Waffle (BB雞蛋仔)
From toffee to caramel chocolate, BB Egg Waffle is here to offer us some not-so-typical egg waffles. Don’t forget to check out its signature waffle, which features a huge scoop of ice cream that comes with an affordable price tag! Given its popularity, we’re not surprised to hear that the waiting time can go up to 20 minutes.
BB Egg Waffle, Shop C, G/F, Lee Kee Commercial Building, 221-227A Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Hong Kong Street Eats
This is not a drill: frozen egg waffles are real! Hong Kong Street Eats’ waffles are great for those wanting to recreate that fresh crispiness at home in just a few minutes. With its pre-made waffle, simply pop one in the toaster and voila! From matcha to peanut butter-flavoured waffles, the possibilities are endless. There are even gluten-free egg options to boot!
Hong Kong Street Eats, Unit 627, 6/F, Golden Industrial Building, Block 1, 16-26 Kwai Tak Street, Kwai Chung, New Territories, Hong Kong, 9738 4398, [email protected], www.hongkongstreeteats.com
Lee Keung Kee North Point Egg Ball (利強記北角雞蛋仔)
Definitely a standard for good egg waffles, Lee Keung Kee has mastered the perfect texture of puffy and crispy. This Michelin-recommended egg waffle shop is a must-try for visitors and locals alike. With nothing gimmicky, you’ll be able to enjoy egg waffles as they’re meant to be – feather-light with a satisfyingly chewy middle. It has a number of outlets across the city (just look for the famous LKK sign), though what used to be its main one in North Point seems to be closed for renovation (we’ll keep an eye out for when it opens again). While the TST branch remains our favourite, you’ll also find its other branches around Wan Chai and TKO!
Lee Keung Kee North Point Egg Ball, various locations across Hong Kong
McQ
Founded by three best friends, McQ is all about finding that perfect egg waffle recipe. From its signature lava cheese egg waffles to seasonal mocha flavour, there is definitely something to satisfy every taste. On top of that, McQ also offers other street foods, so be sure to also try out its famous beef shumai and rice rolls!
McQ Bubble Waffles, Shop 6, Keybond Commercial Building, 38 Ferry Street, Jordan, Hong Kong, 9602 7150, www.facebook.com/mcqbubblewaffle
Streets Worth Mentioning:
Take a stroll around Metro City at Tseung Kwan O, Lo Tak Circuit in Tsuen Wan or along Jordan Road! You’ll have your pick of eggettes in the many vendors that set up shop in the area.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published by Heidy Choi in July 2017, and was most recently updated by Lydia Ching in December, 2020.
Featured image courtesy of Getty, image 1 courtesy of Mammy Pancake, image 2 courtesy of Lydia Ching, image 3 courtesy of mayuinhk via Instagram, image 4 courtesy of Hong Kong Street Eats via Facebook, image 5 courtesy of nerdshenanigans via Instagram.