pin it
Picture biting into golden-brown, crispy French toast that reveals a creamy peanut butter surprise inside. This Hong Kong Style French Toast transforms ordinary bread into an extraordinary breakfast treat, complete with a drizzle of sweet condensed milk and a pat of melting butter. Growing up near a bustling Asian community, I discovered this indulgent dish at a local cha-cha-teng, and it's been my favorite weekend breakfast ever since.
The first time I served this to my children, their eyes lit up at the combination of peanut butter and condensed milk - now it's their most requested weekend breakfast treat.
Selecting Your Ingredients
- Asian-style milk bread: Look for pillowy-soft slices that will create the perfect foundation
- Natural peanut butter: Choose smooth or crunchy based on your preference
- Fresh eggs: These create the golden coating that makes every bite crispy
- Neutral cooking oil: Ensures proper frying temperature without adding competing flavors
- Salted butter: Adds a rich finishing touch that melts beautifully
- Sweetened condensed milk: Creates that signature Hong Kong cafe experience
Creating Your Toast
- Sandwich Assembly:
- Layer your peanut butter generously between bread slices, ensuring it reaches every corner for the perfect stick. Trim those crusts carefully to create a perfectly square masterpiece.
- Egg Bath Preparation:
- Whisk your eggs until completely smooth, ready to coat each sandwich with golden goodness. A light touch here is key - we want crispy, not soggy.
- Perfect Frying Technique:
- Heat your oil to the ideal temperature, watching for that slight shimmer. Lower your sandwich gently, giving each side the attention it deserves until perfectly golden brown.
- Final Presentation:
- Crown your creation with a generous pat of butter and that signature drizzle of condensed milk, watching as they melt together into pure breakfast perfection.
pin it
I'll never forget watching my grandmother make this, carefully monitoring the oil temperature with her hand hovering over the pan - a technique I still use today.
Morning Magic
Pair this indulgent toast with a strong Hong Kong-style milk tea for an authentic cha-cha-teng experience. Add fresh berries on the side for a bright contrast to the rich flavors.
Creative Twists
Experiment with different fillings like Nutella for a chocolate lover's dream, or try almond butter for a nuttier profile. For special occasions, add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the egg mixture.
Fresh Is Best
While leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days, this dish truly shines when served fresh and hot. Reheat gently in a pan to restore that coveted crispiness.
pin it
After mastering countless breakfast recipes over the years, this Hong Kong Style French Toast remains one of my favorites. It's a beautiful example of how culinary traditions can blend together to create something truly magical.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use milk bread?
- Milk bread is softer and fluffier than regular bread, making for a better texture, but any white bread works.
- → Can I use different spreads?
- Yes! Nutella, other nut butters, or even condensed milk can replace the peanut butter.
- → Why stand the sandwiches vertically?
- This helps prevent the egg coating from pooling and making the bread too soggy before frying.
- → Why remove the crusts?
- This creates a neater appearance and ensures even cooking, plus it's traditional for this dish.
- → Can I make this ahead?
- Best served fresh and hot. The texture isn't as good when reheated.