When you see a bubble waffle, it looks like golden bubbles stuck together. Each bite has a sweet, crispy outside and a soft, warm inside. Both kids and adults enjoy egg puffs because they look fun and taste good. People use many names for them. Look at this table to see all the ways people talk about egg puffs:
| Alternate Name | Significance |
| Gai Daan Jai (雞蛋仔) | Original Cantonese name for egg waffles |
| Egg Puff | Common English name, emphasizing the puffed texture |
| Bubble Waffle | Highlights the bubble-like structure of the waffle |
| Eggette | Another English variant, often used interchangeably |
| Pancake Balls | Describes the spherical shape of the waffle |
| Pancake Waffle | Combines the concepts of pancakes and waffles |
| Egglet | A playful name that suggests a smaller version |
| Puffle | A whimsical name, often used in various regions |
| Hong Kong Cakes | Name used in Chinatowns, particularly in America |
No matter what you call them, egg puffs make you want one right away. You might want to find an egg waffle recipe to make your own bubble waffle at home. Bubble waffles and egg puffs can make everyone happy.
Key Takeaways
- Egg waffles are also called bubble waffles. They started in Hong Kong in the 1950s. People love them for their crispy outside and soft inside. The bubble shape of egg waffles looks cool and is fun to eat. They are easy to hold and great for eating while walking. You can put many toppings on egg waffles. Some people use ice cream or fresh fruit. This means you can try many different flavors. It is easy to make egg waffles at home. You just need simple ingredients and a bubble waffle maker. Making them is a fun thing to do with friends or family. Egg waffles are now popular all over the world. Social media helped make them famous. Now, you can find them in many cities as a trendy snack.
Origins
Hong Kong Style Egg Waffle
If you walk down a busy street in Hong Kong, you will probably spot a vendor making the famous hong kong style egg waffle. This snack first appeared in the early 1950s. People in Hong Kong called it gai daan jai, which means “little egg” in Cantonese. The story goes that shop owners wanted to use broken eggs that could not be sold. They mixed these eggs with flour, milk, and sugar to make a batter. Then, they poured the batter into a special mold with round pockets. This mold gave the hong kong style egg waffle its signature bubble shape.
Did you know? The bubble shape is not just for looks. It makes each bite crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. That’s why so many people love it!
You can find the hong kong style egg waffle at almost every street corner in Hong Kong. It became a unique street hawker food that everyone wanted to try. Kids and adults would line up to get a hot, fresh waffle wrapped in paper. The smell alone could make you hungry.
- Here’s why the hong kong style egg waffle stands out:
- Uses simple ingredients like eggs, flour, and sugar
- Has a fun, bubble-like shape
- Tastes sweet and crispy
- Easy to eat on the go
Global Spread
The hong kong style egg waffle did not stay in Hong Kong for long. People from all over the world visited Hong Kong and fell in love with this snack. Soon, you could find the hong kong style egg waffle in places like London, Montreal, and New York. Food stalls and dessert shops started selling them with new flavors and toppings. Some shops even turned the hong kong style egg waffle into a trendy dessert by adding ice cream, fruit, or chocolate.
Now, you can enjoy a hong kong style egg waffle almost anywhere. It has become a symbol of Hong Kong’s food culture and a favorite treat for people everywhere.

Unique Features
Shape and Texture
When you look at an egg waffle, you notice its golden coloured honeycomb shape right away. The waffle has a bunch of round puffs that stick together, almost like bubble wrap. This shape makes it stand out from other waffles, which usually look flat and square. You might find yourself poking each bubble before you take a bite.
The real magic happens when you taste it. You get a crispy shell with inner softness in every bite. The outside crunches, but the inside feels warm and fluffy. This distinct texture comes from the way the batter is made and cooked. The special pan creates the bubbles, and the ingredients work together to give you that perfect mix of crisp and soft.
Here’s a quick look at what goes into the texture:
| Ingredient | Purpose in Texture |
| All-purpose flour | Provides structure |
| Cornstarch | Contributes to crispiness |
| Baking powder | Helps with leavening for lightness |
| Baking soda | Enhances browning |
| Egg (separated) | Whipped whites add airiness |
| Buttermilk | Adds moisture and flavor |
| Vegetable oil | Keeps the waffle tender |
You can see how each ingredient plays a role. The cornstarch and whipped egg whites help create the crispy outside and soft inside. The pan’s shape also helps make the bubbles light and airy.
Egg Waffle vs. Traditional Waffle
You might wonder how an egg waffle compares to a regular waffle. The differences go beyond just looks. Traditional waffles have a flat surface with deep pockets. They taste good, but they don’t have the same bubble-like feel.
Egg waffles have a golden coloured honeycomb shape and a distinct texture. You get a crispy shell with inner softness, while regular waffles stay more uniform. The taste of an egg waffle is sweet and light. Traditional waffles can be heavier and sometimes chewy.
Serving styles also set them apart. Take a look at this table:
| Region | Serving Style Description |
| North America | Typically served with syrup, whipped cream, and fresh fruit; also paired with fried chicken in the South. |
| Asia | Features fusion flavors like matcha and red bean; often served as grab-and-go street food. |
| Europe | Can be drizzled with olive oil or paired with cheeses; topped with local jams in Eastern Europe. |
Egg waffles started as street food in Hong Kong. You can eat them plain or add toppings like fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, or ice cream. This turns a simple snack into a gourmet treat.
- Here’s what makes egg waffles special:
- Originated in Hong Kong in the 1950s as a street food.
- Known for their unique bubble shape and texture.
- Often topped with fresh fruits, chocolate sauce, or ice cream, creating a gourmet experience.
You get a snack that’s fun to eat and easy to carry. Traditional waffles usually need a plate and fork. Egg waffles come wrapped in paper, so you can enjoy them while you walk.
If you want a treat that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside, you should try an egg waffle. It’s not just a waffle—it’s a whole new experience.
Egg Waffle Recipe
If you want to make a real Hong Kong-style treat at home, you need a good egg waffle recipe. This recipe gives you the classic taste and texture that everyone loves. You can also add your own twist with fun fillings and toppings.
Ingredients
You do not need fancy ingredients for an authentic egg waffle recipe. Most of these items are probably in your kitchen already. Here is a table to help you get everything ready:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Tapioca starch | 1/2 tbsp |
| Custard powder | 1 tbsp |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Granulated white sugar | 2/3 cup |
| Evaporated milk | 2 tbsp |
| Water | 150 ml |
| Vegetable oil | 1 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
You will also need a little extra vegetable oil for greasing the pan. If you want to try a different version, you can swap in plain flour or use vanilla essence instead of extract.
Tip: Custard powder and tapioca starch help give the egg waffle recipe its signature soft and chewy bubbles.
Curious about nutrition? Here is what you get in a standard serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Fat | 8.3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18.8 g |
| Protein | 2.8 g |
Preparation Steps
You do not need to be a chef to master this egg waffle recipe. Just follow these steps and you will have golden, bubbly waffles in no time.
What you need:
- Bubble waffle maker (sometimes called an egg waffle pan)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Note: The bubble waffle maker is the secret to getting those perfect round puffs. You can find one online or at a kitchen store.
Step-by-step guide:
- Crack the eggs into a bowl. Add sugar and whisk until the mixture looks pale and smooth.
- Pour in the evaporated milk, water, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, tapioca starch, and custard powder.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until you see no lumps.
- Add the vegetable oil and mix again. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes. This helps the bubbles puff up.
- Heat your bubble waffle maker. Brush it with a little oil so the waffle does not stick.
- Pour enough batter to cover the bottom plate. Close the maker and flip it over after 1-2 minutes.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the waffle turns golden brown.
- Use a fork or chopsticks to gently lift the waffle out. Let it cool for a minute before eating.
Tip: If you want extra crispy waffles, cook them a little longer. For a softer bite, take them out sooner.
Classic and Modern Fillings
You can keep your egg waffle recipe simple or get creative. Classic versions taste great on their own, but you can add chocolate chips, custard, or even fruit to the batter before cooking. Want to try something new? Here are some modern fillings and toppings people love:
- Goat cheese
- Avocado
- Hot sauce
- Caramelized onions
- Salsa
- Pepperjack cheese
- Broccoli
- Garlic confit
You can also top your waffle with ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries. The egg waffle recipe works with sweet or savory flavors, so you can make it your own.
Pro tip: Try folding in chocolate chips or a spoonful of custard before cooking. You will get a gooey surprise in every bite!
Making egg waffles at home is fun and easy. Once you master the basic egg waffle recipe, you can experiment with all kinds of flavors. You might even invent a new favorite!
Variations
Flavors
Egg waffles do not have just one flavor. The classic kind tastes sweet and light. It has a little sugar in it. If you want to try something new, use matcha in the batter. This gives a soft herbal taste and a green color. Chocolate chips can melt inside the bubbles. You get gooey chocolate in every bite.
People everywhere like to try new flavors. Here are some you might see:
- Matcha (green tea) gives a fresh, earthy taste
- Chocolate chips or cocoa powder make it rich and sweet
- Taro or purple yam add a special color and flavor
- Black sesame brings a nutty, deep taste
- Mochi waffles in Japan have a chewy texture
- Caramelized sugar bits, like in Liege waffles
Some egg waffles are like Belgian waffles. These are light and fluffy. Others are like Liege waffles. They have caramelized sugar inside. Each country makes its own version of this treat.
Toppings and Pairings
Toppings make egg waffles even better. You can add fruit like strawberries or bananas. Ice cream on top is cold and creamy. It goes well with the warm, crispy waffle. For more crunch, use nuts or coconut flakes. Caramel or chocolate sauce makes it sweeter.
Here are some favorite toppings and pairings:
- Whipped cream or sweetened cream
- Berry compote for a burst of flavor
- Cookie crumbs or sprinkles for fun texture
- Honey or maple syrup for classic sweetness
- Blueberry almond butter for a nutty, fruity combo
- Savory choices like goat cheese, herbs, or smoked salmon
Some people eat egg waffles with fried chicken or scrambled eggs. This mix of sweet and savory is popular in many places. You can also try avocado, bacon, or fruit salad on the side. Every topping changes the taste and feel. You get a new treat each time.
Tip: Try different toppings together. You might find your favorite egg waffle!
Why So Popular
Cultural Appeal
You might wonder why people love egg waffles so much. The answer starts with their deep roots in Hong Kong’s culture. When you visit a local festival, you can smell egg waffles cooking before you even see them. These treats show up at big events and bring people together. Here are some ways you’ll find them featured:
- At the Hong Kong Fair, the sweet aroma of egg waffles draws crowds to food booths.
- The Dragon Boat Festival has a special street food corner where you can grab an egg waffle along with other local favorites.
- Community events often serve egg waffles, making them a symbol of celebration and tradition.
Egg waffles remind many people of childhood memories and family gatherings. They connect generations and help keep Cantonese street food culture alive.

Social Media and Trends
You probably see food photos and videos every day on your phone. Egg waffles have become a star on social media. Their bubble shape and fun toppings make them perfect for sharing online. Here’s how social media helps them go viral:
- Food bloggers on Instagram and TikTok love posting colorful egg waffle creations.
- More shops now sell egg waffles because people want to try what they see online.
- The demand for egg waffle makers has grown as more people want to make them at home.
- Cities like London, Melbourne, and Toronto now have dessert shops serving egg waffles, thanks to their online fame.
When you post a picture of your egg waffle, you join a global trend that keeps growing.
Versatility
Egg waffles fit almost any taste or diet. You can enjoy them sweet or savory, plain or loaded with toppings. Many shops now offer options for everyone:
- Gluten-free egg waffles use special flours but keep the same crispy texture.
- Reduced sugar versions swap in fruit compotes or sugar-free sauces.
- Plant-based egg waffles use coconut or almond milk instead of dairy.
Take a look at how egg waffles became a trendy dessert around the world:
| Evidence | Description |
| Origin | Egg waffles started in Hong Kong in the 1950s, using cracked eggs and flour. |
| Cultural Significance | They are a big part of Hong Kong’s food culture and family traditions. |
| Global Appeal | Their unique bubble design makes them easy to eat and popular everywhere. |
You can always find a way to enjoy an egg waffle, no matter your preferences or where you live.
Egg waffles stand out for their crispy shell and fluffy inside. You get a treat that started in Hong Kong in the 1950s and now pops up everywhere. Check out what makes them special:
- Simple ingredients like eggs, milk, and flour
- Bubble shape with a fun texture
- Endless ways to customize with toppings
Why not try making your own egg waffles? You might discover a new favorite snack!
FAQ
What makes egg waffles different from regular waffles?
You see bubbles instead of squares. Egg waffles have a crispy shell and soft inside. Regular waffles look flat and taste heavier. You eat egg waffles with your hands, while you need a fork for regular waffles.
Can you make egg waffles without a special pan?
You need a bubble waffle pan for the classic shape. If you use a regular waffle maker, you lose the bubbles. You still get a tasty treat, but it will not look or feel the same.
Are egg waffles gluten-free?
Most recipes use wheat flour. You can swap in gluten-free flour. The texture changes a little, but you still get crispy bubbles. Always check your ingredients if you have allergies.
What toppings taste best with egg waffles?
Try ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh fruit. Chocolate sauce and nuts add crunch. You can mix sweet and savory flavors. You get a new taste every time you change the toppings.
How do you store leftover egg waffles?
Let them cool first. Put them in an airtight container. You can reheat them in the oven for a crispy shell. Avoid the microwave, or you get a soggy waffle.
