What better place to sample delicious French toast than at a cha chaan teng renowned for offering consistently well-executed Hong Kong dishes? Just like their famous items spanning everything from pig liver noodles and beef noodles, to corned beef and egg sandwich, Wai Kee’s French toast is always fresh and of premium quality. Their toast is simple in essence, featuring slices of custard-dipped bread slathered generously with butter and kaya jam to impress your taste buds. While you’re there, don’t forget to wash them down with a cup of signature milk tea, too.

Many people would visit Stanley for its picturesque beach, waterside restaurants and vibrant street market, but only a few know that this beautiful seaside town is also home to a rustic dai pai dong, Si Yik, where one of the best French toast in town can be found.

Though their recipe is kept as a secret, we are told that those tempting slices of toast are prepared with an egg mixture featuring hand-whisked egg whites before being fried to ensure a fluffier texture and richer aroma. Instead of the usual peanut butter, you’ll find a thick slab of kaya jam in the middle, which delivers just the right amount of sweetness. And if you’re still craving more (we don’t blame you), their pork chop bun, corned beef and egg sandwich are must-tries. 

Located in Kowloon City, Lok Yuen is popular with hungry diners who have a penchant for local comfort food, having made a name for itself with excellent cha chaan teng classics including fried chicken wings, braised vermicelli with preserved vegetables and shredded pork, and of course, French toast. For the hungry, you can opt for the classic flavour featuring butter, syrup and condensed milk; or get experimental with innovative options, including red bean paste, Ovaltine and pork floss. Whatever you fancy, be sure to try their house special satay beef toast—the savoury beef and the melting layer of butter in between slices of bread drizzled with condensed milk, is a surprisingly perfect match.  

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It wouldn’t be right to talk about the iconic snack in town without mentioning Sang Heung Yuen in Sham Shui Po. Always bustling, this restaurant is frequented by those yearning for authentic Hong Kong-style French toasts. Here, thick slices of bread are soaked with lots of egg and stuffed with a soft layer of butter in the middle before deep-frying. The result is an incredibly crispy, yet fluffy toast that is cooked to golden brown perfection, dripping with condensed milk and melted butter to make for a truly indulgent treat. Long queues are expected during lunchtime at Sang Heung Yeun, but the taste factor will make up for it.

If you’re a dim sum lover, chances are you’ve heard of—or already been to—Chau Kee, one of the city’s most popular restaurants that serves up an extensive selection of delicious dim sum. This local eatery is a trusty spot for classic steamed Chinese delicacies such as siu mai, cheong fun and shrimp dumplings, but their French toast offerings don’t disappoint either. Unlike many classic varieties with butter slathered generously in between slices of bread, Chau Kee’s take on French toast is refined and indulgent. Their soft toast is packed with luscious, overflowing lava filling, which comes in a range of unique choices like custard, taro and chocolate—offering rich flavours in every bite.

Chau Kee, Shop H1, G/F, Tung Lee Mansion, Water Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong; +852 2559 2389

See also: 6 heritage venues to enjoy dim sum in Hong Kong