Known as gai daan jai in Cantonese, the egg waffle (AKA egg puff, AKA eggette, AKA bubble waffle – the English translations are seemingly endless) is an iconic Hong Kong street food whose popularity has skyrocketed around the world in recent years.
With a golden, crispy exterior and soft, spongy centre, this local snack is made with a milky, eggy batter that’s cooked between two electric plates of distinctive honeycomb-shaped cells (plucking off the “bubbles” one by one can become an addiction).
Originally cooked over charcoal flames when it was first introduced in Hong Kong in the 1950s, nowadays the egg waffle comes in a myriad of flavours, from sweet to savoury.
Take a look at our list of the egg waffles we think are worth seeking out in Hong Kong!
Hong Kong’s top egg waffles
Mammy Pancake
Possibly the most well-known purveyor of egg waffles in the city, Mammy Pancake specialises in creating lots of unique flavours, including coffee and Earl Grey. They also only use the freshest of ingredients, without any artificial colourings and flavourings, which they claim is the secret to making the best egg waffles in Hong Kong. Mammy Pancake is super popular and is known as a tourist destination, with new branches regularly popping up throughout the city.
Mammy Pancake, multiple locations across Hong Kong
Master Low-key Food Shop
Unlike its name, this shop is not even close to low-key; Master’s long queues out the door are testament to the fact that it’s easy to become obsessed with this Hong Kong staple snack. The common verdict is that the slightly higher prices are worth it for some of the tastiest egg waffles in town. After over a decade headlining in Shau Kei Wan, earlier this year the brand opened an outpost in Causeway Bay, offering creative flavours like apple and spicy sausage. There’s another branch of Master Low-key in Tseung Kwan O.
Master Low-key Food Shop, multiple locations across Hong Kong
Lee Keung Kee North Point Egg Waffles
Lee Keung Kee’s well-worn waffle irons and autographed celebrity photos are testament to the brand’s enduring popularity, with the shop originating in North Point on Hong Kong Island and then expanding to both Kowloon and New Territories. The OG egg waffle at Lee Keung Lee is the way to go, showcasing a thin, crispy, wafer-like exterior and sponge-cake-like interior.
Lee Keung Kee North Point Egg Waffles, multiple locations across Hong Kong
Modos
Modos is known for its delicious, in-trend, experimental flavours inspired by international cuisines. Eggette flavours like pandan, lava honey, Taiwanese pineapple, and even Russian borscht are on offer, so you’ll never get bored of eating this local delicacy.
Modos, Shop SA27A, 2/F, Phase I, Argyle Centre, 688 Nathan Road, Mong Kok
Hung Kee Top Quality Egg Waffles
Hung Kee’s egg waffles have a varied verdict, typically loved but sometimes criticised for having a crust that’s too thick. When the shop is not too busy, their eggettes are ultra crunchy and extra fluffy in the middle. This tiny stall is known for its secret family recipe, so definitely give Hung Kee a try if you’re in the Sai Wan Ho area.
Hung Kee Top Quality Egg Waffles, Shop A34C, The 2nd Path, G/F, Tai On Building, 57–87 Shau Kei Wan Road, Sai Wan Ho
McQ
McQ serves up lots of traditional Hong Kong snacks, with egg waffles topping the long list. They deliver a wide array of eggette flavours, including an elusive peanut butter and condensed milk version that’s adored by anyone and everyone who tries it. The only downside to this Kwai Chung spot is that it’s out of the way for most of us, but then again, we’d travel miles for quality egg waffles like McQ’s.
McQ, Shop A107B, 1/F, Phase I, Shek Lei Shopping Centre, 6 Wai Kek Street, Kwai Chung, 9168 8893
More Eggettes
Noteworthy for its starry egg waffles made with star-shaped cereal, More Eggettes is an ideal place to stop and take some Instagrammable shots. Seaweed, corn, and pork floss, double cheese, and matcha red bean are just a few of the funky flavours up for grabs.
More Eggettes, Shop B2, G/F, 17 Yu Chau Street, Prince Edward
Hung Hom Pancake
A Hong Kong institution for over four decades, hole-in-the-wall Hung Hom Pancake has even received a coveted Michelin recommendation. If decision-making isn’t your forte, we recommend heading to Hung Hom for their tricolour egg waffle – an all-in-one stunner featuring a trio of original, chocolate, and matcha flavours.
Hung Hom Pancake, Shop 2, G/F, Polly Court, 53 Bulkeley Street, Hung Hom
