Easy Hong Kong Style French Toast

This 10-Min. Easy Hong Kong Style French Toast is a fast and satisfying spin on the beloved street café classic. It’s made with fluffy bread slices filled with peanut butter, dipped in egg, and pan-fried until golden and crispy. Finished with a drizzle of syrup and a slab of butter on top, it’s rich, indulgent, and completely irresistible—ready in just 10 minutes from start to finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe brings the flavors of a traditional Hong Kong cha chaan teng (tea café) right to my kitchen with very little effort. The contrast between the crisp outer layer and the gooey peanut butter center is something I never get tired of. It’s a fantastic breakfast, afternoon snack, or even a dessert when I’m craving something sweet and comforting. Best of all, it only takes 10 minutes to make with ingredients I already have on hand.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• White sandwich bread

• Creamy peanut butter (or other spread like kaya or Nutella)

• Eggs

• Milk (optional, for extra fluffiness)

• Butter (for frying and serving)

• Syrup or sweetened condensed milk (for topping)

directions

1. I start by spreading peanut butter between two slices of bread to make a sandwich.

2. In a shallow bowl, I whisk the eggs (and a splash of milk if I want it extra soft).

3. I dip the entire sandwich into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are well coated.

4. In a non-stick pan, I melt a pat of butter over medium heat.

5. I fry the sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

6. I remove it from the pan and let it rest for a minute.

7. I top it with a slab of butter and a generous drizzle of syrup or condensed milk before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 serving (1 sandwich), which is perfect for a single indulgent breakfast or snack. I can easily double or triple it if I’m cooking for others. It takes just 10 minutes total—about 3 minutes for prep and 7 minutes to cook.

Variations

Sometimes I switch out the peanut butter for other fillings like kaya (coconut jam), Nutella, or even cheese if I want a sweet-savory combo. I’ve also used thicker slices of milk bread or brioche for a more luxurious texture. For extra crispiness, I occasionally coat the sandwich in panko breadcrumbs after dipping it in egg.

storage/reheating

Since it’s so quick to make, I usually prepare it fresh. But if I have leftovers, I wrap them in foil and store in the fridge for up to 1 day. To reheat, I pan-fry it again or use a toaster oven for 3–5 minutes to bring back the crisp edges. I avoid microwaving it, as that softens the texture too much.

FAQs

What kind of bread works best for Hong Kong style French toast?

I prefer using soft white sandwich bread or thick milk bread. They absorb the egg well and fry up with a soft interior and crispy crust.

Can I make this without peanut butter?

Yes, I’ve made it with kaya jam, Nutella, or even nothing at all. The texture is still great, and the toppings provide plenty of flavor.

Is this the same as regular French toast?

Not exactly. Hong Kong style French toast is more like a stuffed sandwich version that’s pan-fried, not grilled on a griddle. It’s also usually topped with a slab of butter and syrup or sweetened condensed milk.

Can I use a different filling?

Absolutely. I’ve tried it with lotus spread, chocolate spread, and even mashed bananas with cinnamon for a more fruity version.

How do I make it extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, I use slightly stale bread and make sure my pan is hot enough before frying. Adding a little panko coating also helps give it more crunch.

Conclusion

This 10-Min. Easy Hong Kong Style French Toast is the perfect quick fix for when I want something warm, rich, and delicious. It’s simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and tastes just like the café favorite without needing to leave home. Whether I’m having it for breakfast or a late-night snack, it never disappoints.