Gai daan jai, or Hong Kong egg waffles, first appeared in the 1950s, as an ingenious way for street vendors to use broken eggs. A simple batter was poured into a waffle iron and cooked over a charcoal flame, creating a snack that was delicious, affordable and easy to eat on the go. These days, “bubble waffles” – as they’re affectionately known – are typically made with electric machines and feature bold new flavours and fillings.
Hong Kong’s classic egg waffle institutions
1. Master Low-Key Food Shop
The shop’s name, which contrasts “low-key” with “high hand” (gou sau, meaning “master” or “expert”), is an appropriate one. While the no-frills Shau Kei Wan spot might not look like much, it draws long queues. Master Low-Key ‘s made-to-order Hong Kong eggettes are crunchy on the outside, soft and pillowy inside, with flavours ranging from classic original to salted egg yolk, chocolate, apple and spicy sausage.
Multiple locations including: shop B3, G/F, 76A Main Street East, Shau Kei Wan
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2. Tai O Wah Kee Charcoal Grilled Egg Waffle
In Tai O fishing village, there’s a rare sight: egg waffles prepared over an old-school charcoal grill. Wah Kee is a one-man stall where each batch is crafted one at a time. As you wait, you can watch the master slowly adjusting the fire with fresh charcoal. Compared to waffles made with electric machines, these have a more complex flavour; the crust’s charred notes are balanced with a subtle sweetness inside.
G/F, 121 Shek Tsai Po Street, Tai O
3. Hung Hom Pancake
This local Michelin Guide egg waffle stall has been run for more than 40 years by Mr Ng and his nephew, and it serves up nostalgic waffles that transport patrons back to childhood. Those who want to try everything will love the multi-flavour egg waffles: original, chocolate and matcha all in one. If you’re visiting with a fruit lover, try their signature refreshing mango and mayo pancake.
Shop 2, G/F, Polly Court, 53 Bulkeley Street, Hung Hom
Credit: Elvis Chung
4. Lee Keung Kee
A celebrity hotspot, Lee Keung Kee ’s acclaim is evident. Yet the North Point stall retains an unassuming façade and has stuck to the basics over the years. The original flavour is still the only one on offer, and the waffles continue to boast a golden, crispy exterior and a moist interior. Lee Keung Kee has expanded to Tsim Sha Tsui and Po Lam, where they also offer other popular street food items, like fishballs, siu mai and cheung fun.
G/F, 492 King's Road, North Point. With branches in Tsim Sha Tsui and Po Lam.
Creative egg waffles and modern flavours
Credit: Elvis Chung
5. Mammy Pancake
Mammy Pancake is arguably Hong Kong’s most iconic egg waffle destination. The chain’s extensive menu features a dizzying selection of flavours and fillings – from chocolate chip to pork floss to brown sugar mochi. During Chinese New Year, seasonal specials like black sesame tong yuen also appear. Today, the franchise has 20 branches across the city, including Mong Kok and Causeway Bay, with international outposts in Taipei, Macao and London.
Shop 7C & 7D, G/F, 7 Fa Yuen Street, Mong Kok; Shop 5, G/F, 36 Jardine's Bazaar, Causeway Bay
6. 629 Egg Waffle
The masters at 629 Egg Waffle are serious about their craft. At their San Po Kong shop, you’ll be greeted with a sign that asks you to please wait patiently, as they’re working hard to prepare speciality egg waffles. Expect a range of distinct flavours, such as oolong tea, black and white sesame, corn, cranberry and candied orange peel. One of the most popular is seaweed with sesame, where savoury notes complement the buttery waffles.
Shop 28J, G/F, Hong King Mall, 28 Hong Keung Street, San Po Kong
Credit: Elvis Chung
7. Ice Puff
Located in Argyle Centre, Ice Puff is ideal for a quick snack between shopping sprees. Sweet options include Ovaltine, Nutella, Earl Grey and 70 per cent dark chocolate. You can even elevate your experience by pairing your waffle with ice cream. If you don’t have a sweet tooth, check out their equally mouthwatering savoury options, including corned beef and onion, black truffle, salted egg yolk and pork floss with seaweed.
Shop F51, 1/F, Argyle Centre Phase I, 688 Nathan Road, Mong Kok
Credit: Elvis Chung
8. Puff Life
The street food haven of Soy Street is where you’ll find Puff Life . Expect fun fusion waffles with international influences, such as the takoyaki egg waffle, bubble tea egg waffle and French lemon cheesecake waffle. Each bubble-shaped pocket bursts with filling, rich in flavour and perfectly balanced between airy and cakey. For added mouthfeel, go for the mochi: original, matcha, milk tea or Earl Grey.
Shop A, G/F, Yue Wong Building, 33 Soy Street, Mong Kok
Egg waffles inspired by Hong Kong flavours
Credit: Elvis Chung
Credit: Elvis Chung
9. Chicken Egg Boy
Chicken Egg Boy is new on the scene, but the Sheung Wan snack shop quickly went viral with its pineapple bun egg waffle. A marriage of two of Hong Kong’s most beloved treats, each egg waffle piece is coated with a crumbly, sugary crust to resemble a mini pineapple bun. They’ve also experimented with other local favourites, like the luncheon meat sandwich and corned beef sandwich.
Shop 02, G/F, Nam Wo Hong Building, 148 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan
10. The Captain’s
The Captain’s , which has spots in Central and Kai Tak, may be a fish-and-chip bar, but the star of the show is its double-layer milk custard egg waffle. Each bite is filled with a layer of silky smooth and creamy double-skin milk pudding. Choose between two egg waffle shell flavours: original and chocolate. You can even combine the double-layer milk custard egg waffle with the Hong Kong-style egg tart egg waffle for a truly indulgent taste.
Shop 02, G/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central; Shop G014, G/F, Airside, 2 Concorde Road, Kai Tak, Kowloon City
First Video Credit: Elvis Chung