Easy 10-min Hong Kong Style French Toast
Easy 10-Minute Hong Kong-Style French Toast: A Crispy, Buttery Delight
If you’ve ever been to Hong Kong, chances are you’ve seen or tasted Hong Kong-style French toast—a crispy, golden, buttery indulgence that’s a staple in local cha chaan tengs (Hong Kong-style cafes). Unlike the classic French toast you may be familiar with, this version is deep-fried to golden perfection, stacked thick, and often filled with peanut butter or sweetened condensed milk, then topped with a luxurious drizzle of condensed milk, honey, or syrup.
The best part? You can make this crispy, decadent treat at home in just 10 minutes! Whether you’re craving an afternoon snack, a weekend brunch treat, or a quick and satisfying dessert, this recipe delivers that perfect crunch, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and nostalgic Hong Kong flavors.
Let’s dive into why this beloved street food classic is so popular, how to make it incredibly easy at home, and some pro tips to make it extra delicious.
Why Everyone Loves Hong Kong-Style French Toast
This famous dish is a favorite across Hong Kong for a few simple reasons:
✅ Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside – Unlike regular French toast, this version is deep-fried for an ultra-crispy crust, while staying soft and fluffy inside.
✅ Rich and Indulgent – With butter, peanut butter, and sweet drizzles, every bite is rich, creamy, and satisfying.
✅ Fast and Easy to Make – Just dip, fry, drizzle, and enjoy—you’ll have a café-quality treat in just 10 minutes.
✅ Perfect for Breakfast, Snack, or Dessert – Enjoy it with coffee in the morning, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or as a sweet treat after dinner.
✅ Completely Customizable – Keep it classic with peanut butter, or add flavors like Nutella, jam, or even cheese for a fun twist.
With these unbeatable textures and flavors, it’s no wonder this dish is a must-try for food lovers everywhere.
How to Make Hong Kong-Style French Toast in Just 10 Minutes
This recipe keeps things simple, crispy, and delicious. You’ll need just a few ingredients and a small pan of oil for frying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 slices thick white bread (milk bread or brioche work best)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (or Nutella, condensed milk, or jam)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (for deep frying)
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, honey, or syrup (for drizzling)
- Powdered sugar & chopped nuts for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Assemble the Toast
- Spread peanut butter (or your preferred filling) evenly on one slice of bread.
- Place the second slice of bread on top, making a sandwich.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Coat the Toast
- Dip the entire sandwich into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated on all sides.
4. Fry Until Golden & Crispy
- Heat vegetable oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Once hot, carefully place the coated sandwich into the pan and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crispy.
- Use tongs or a spatula to flip, making sure all sides are evenly fried.
5. Drain & Serve
- Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Cut into thick slices or leave whole for that classic stacked look.
6. Drizzle & Enjoy!
- Generously drizzle with sweetened condensed milk, honey, or syrup.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar or crushed nuts for extra crunch.
- Serve hot and crispy, and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Hong Kong-Style French Toast
🔥 Use thick-cut bread – Soft milk bread or brioche gives you the fluffiest, best texture.
🥜 Don’t skip the peanut butter – The traditional filling is peanut butter, but Nutella, jam, or condensed milk are fun twists!
🌿 For extra fragrance, add vanilla extract or cinnamon – This gives the toast a warm, aromatic flavor.
🍯 Use real butter for extra richness – Butter adds amazing flavor when frying.
🛑 Don’t rush the frying process – Cooking over medium heat ensures an evenly crispy crust without burning.
🥛 Pair with milk tea or coffee – Hong Kong-style French toast is best served with a hot cup of tea or coffee for an authentic experience.
With these simple tricks, you’ll have the most crispy, buttery, and delicious Hong Kong-style French toast every time.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion
This quick, indulgent treat isn’t just for breakfast—it’s great for so many moments:
- Brunch with Friends – Impress everyone with this fun and unique twist on French toast.
- Afternoon Snack – Pair it with milk tea or coffee for the ultimate cha chaan teng experience.
- Dessert Fix – The crispy outside and sweet drizzles make it a perfect post-dinner treat.
- Quick Comfort Food – If you’re craving something warm and indulgent, this is fast, easy, and satisfying.
No matter when you make it, this Hong Kong-style French toast is always a hit.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the ultimate crispy, buttery, and indulgent French toast, this 10-minute Hong Kong-style version is a must-try. With its golden crust, melty peanut butter filling, and sweet drizzle, this dish delivers big flavors with minimal effort.
It’s easy to make at home, and every bite feels like a trip to a bustling Hong Kong café. Try it once, and you’ll see why this beloved street food has fans all over the world.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your bread, heat up the pan, and start flipping the best French toast you’ve ever had!
Happy cooking!
PrintEasy 10-min Hong Kong Style French Toast
This recipe keeps things simple, crispy, and delicious. You’ll need just a few ingredients and a small pan of oil for frying.
Ingredients
- 2 slices thick white bread (milk bread or brioche work best)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (or Nutella, condensed milk, or jam)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (for deep frying)
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, honey, or syrup (for drizzling)
- Powdered sugar & chopped nuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Assemble the Toast
- Spread peanut butter (or your preferred filling) evenly on one slice of bread.
- Place the second slice of bread on top, making a sandwich.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Coat the Toast
- Dip the entire sandwich into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated on all sides.
4. Fry Until Golden & Crispy
- Heat vegetable oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Once hot, carefully place the coated sandwich into the pan and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crispy.
- Use tongs or a spatula to flip, making sure all sides are evenly fried.
5. Drain & Serve
- Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Cut into thick slices or leave whole for that classic stacked look.
6. Drizzle & Enjoy!
- Generously drizzle with sweetened condensed milk, honey, or syrup.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar or crushed nuts for extra crunch.
- Serve hot and crispy, and enjoy!
Notes
Pro Tips for the Perfect Hong Kong-Style French Toast
🔥 Use thick-cut bread – Soft milk bread or brioche gives you the fluffiest, best texture.
🥜 Don’t skip the peanut butter – The traditional filling is peanut butter, but Nutella, jam, or condensed milk are fun twists!
🌿 For extra fragrance, add vanilla extract or cinnamon – This gives the toast a warm, aromatic flavor.
🍯 Use real butter for extra richness – Butter adds amazing flavor when frying.
🛑 Don’t rush the frying process – Cooking over medium heat ensures an evenly crispy crust without burning.
🥛 Pair with milk tea or coffee – Hong Kong-style French toast is best served with a hot cup of tea or coffee for an authentic experience.
With these simple tricks, you’ll have the most crispy, buttery, and delicious Hong Kong-style French toast every time.