If you’ve ever strolled through the bustling streets of Hong Kong, you’ve likely caught the irresistible aroma of golden, crispy toast sizzling in a pan. Hong Kong-style French toast, or “Sai To Si” (西多士), is a beloved café classic found in nearly every cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style tea restaurant). Unlike traditional French toast, this version is deep-fried, creating a delightfully crispy exterior while remaining soft and fluffy inside. It’s often served with a generous drizzle of condensed milk or syrup and a pat of butter that melts right into the warm bread.
This indulgent treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. Whether you grew up enjoying it at a local café or you’re trying it for the first time, this recipe will bring the authentic taste of Hong Kong right into your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside – Deep-frying gives this French toast its signature texture.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor – You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.
- A taste of Hong Kong at home – No need to travel to enjoy this café favorite.
- Customizable toppings – From condensed milk to peanut butter, you can make it just the way you like.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 slices of thick white bread (milk bread or brioche works best)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (or another filling of choice)
- 1/2 cup cooking oil (for frying)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for serving)
- Condensed milk or maple syrup (for drizzling)
How to Make Hong Kong-Style French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by spreading a generous layer of peanut butter (or your preferred filling) between the two slices of bread. Press them together gently to ensure they stick but don’t squish the bread too much—you want to maintain its fluffiness.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined, creating a smooth mixture that will coat the bread evenly.
Step 3: Coat the Toast
Dip the stuffed bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are thoroughly coated. Let it soak for a few seconds to absorb the mixture, but don’t leave it in too long, or it may become too soggy.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat the cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the soaked bread into the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently flip the toast to prevent splattering.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once the toast is beautifully golden, remove it from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Immediately top with a pat of butter so it melts into the toast.
Step 6: Drizzle and Enjoy
Drizzle with condensed milk or maple syrup, and serve hot. Enjoy with a cup of milk tea for the full Hong Kong café experience!
Helpful Tips
- Use thick bread – Soft, thick-cut bread like milk bread or brioche absorbs the egg mixture well while keeping a fluffy interior.
- Don’t soak too long – A quick dip in the egg mixture is enough to coat the bread without making it soggy.
- Fry at the right temperature – If the oil is too hot, the toast will burn quickly. If it’s too cool, it will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Medium heat is perfect.
- Experiment with fillings – While peanut butter is traditional, you can try custard, Nutella, or even fruit preserves for a unique twist.
- Serve immediately – This toast is best enjoyed fresh and hot for the ultimate crispy texture.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hong Kong
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- Bread Choice Matters – Using thick-cut bread like milk bread, brioche, or Texas toast ensures a fluffy interior while maintaining structure when frying. Avoid thin or pre-sliced sandwich bread, as it may fall apart when soaked.
- Perfect Peanut Butter Spread – For a more even spread, slightly warm your peanut butter before applying it to the bread. This prevents tearing and ensures a smooth, creamy center.
- Oil Temperature is Key – To check if the oil is ready for frying, drop a small piece of bread into the pan—if it sizzles immediately without burning, the oil is at the right temperature. If the bread browns too fast, lower the heat.
- For a Less Greasy Option – After frying, place the toast on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent it from becoming soggy. This allows excess oil to drip off without affecting the crispiness.
- Customize the Filling – While peanut butter is the traditional choice, you can experiment with fillings like Nutella, kaya (coconut jam), sweet red bean paste, or even a fruit jam for a different flavor.
- Make it Extra Crispy – If you love a crunchier texture, try double-dipping the toast in the egg mixture before frying. Let the first layer soak in for a few seconds, then dip again just before placing it in the pan.
- Pair it with a Traditional Drink – Enjoy this toast with a classic Hong Kong-style milk tea, iced lemon tea, or a hot cup of coffee for an authentic café experience.
- Serving Suggestion – While condensed milk and syrup are popular toppings, you can also add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an air fryer instead of deep frying?
Yes! If you want a healthier version, you can air-fry the toast at 375°F (190°C) for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be as crispy as deep-fried, but it will still be delicious.
What’s the best bread to use?
Milk bread, brioche, or thick white bread works best because they soak up the egg mixture well without falling apart.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, you can prepare the stuffed bread ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, dip it in the egg mixture and fry.
What other toppings can I use?
Aside from condensed milk, you can drizzle honey, chocolate syrup, or even sprinkle powdered sugar on top. Some people also add a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the toast soggy.
Related Recipes
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Conclusion
Hong Kong-style French toast is a nostalgic and comforting dish that brings the flavors of a traditional cha chaan teng straight to your home. With its crispy golden crust, creamy peanut butter filling, and sweet toppings, it’s the ultimate indulgence for any time of day. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it to guests, this dish is sure to impress. Try it out, and let the taste of Hong Kong brighten your morning!
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Hong Kong-Style French Toast: A Crispy, Buttery Delight
Description
If you’ve ever strolled through the bustling streets of Hong Kong, you’ve likely caught the irresistible aroma of golden, crispy toast sizzling in a pan. Hong Kong-style French toast, or “Sai To Si” (西多士), is a beloved café classic found in nearly every cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style tea restaurant). Unlike traditional French toast, this version is deep-fried, creating a delightfully crispy exterior while remaining soft and fluffy inside. It’s often served with a generous drizzle of condensed milk or syrup and a pat of butter that melts right into the warm bread.
This indulgent treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. Whether you grew up enjoying it at a local café or you’re trying it for the first time, this recipe will bring the authentic taste of Hong Kong right into your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of thick white bread (milk bread or brioche works best)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (or another filling of choice)
- 1/2 cup cooking oil (for frying)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for serving)
- Condensed milk or maple syrup (for drizzling)
Instructions
Start by spreading a generous layer of peanut butter (or your preferred filling) between the two slices of bread. Press them together gently to ensure they stick but don’t squish the bread too much—you want to maintain its fluffiness.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined, creating a smooth mixture that will coat the bread evenly.
Dip the stuffed bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are thoroughly coated. Let it soak for a few seconds to absorb the mixture, but don’t leave it in too long, or it may become too soggy.
Heat the cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the soaked bread into the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently flip the toast to prevent splattering.
Once the toast is beautifully golden, remove it from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Immediately top with a pat of butter so it melts into the toast.
Drizzle with condensed milk or maple syrup, and serve hot. Enjoy with a cup of milk tea for the full Hong Kong café experience!
Notes
- Bread Choice Matters – Using thick-cut bread like milk bread, brioche, or Texas toast ensures a fluffy interior while maintaining structure when frying. Avoid thin or pre-sliced sandwich bread, as it may fall apart when soaked.
- Perfect Peanut Butter Spread – For a more even spread, slightly warm your peanut butter before applying it to the bread. This prevents tearing and ensures a smooth, creamy center.
- Oil Temperature is Key – To check if the oil is ready for frying, drop a small piece of bread into the pan—if it sizzles immediately without burning, the oil is at the right temperature. If the bread browns too fast, lower the heat.
- For a Less Greasy Option – After frying, place the toast on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent it from becoming soggy. This allows excess oil to drip off without affecting the crispiness.
- Customize the Filling – While peanut butter is the traditional choice, you can experiment with fillings like Nutella, kaya (coconut jam), sweet red bean paste, or even a fruit jam for a different flavor.
- Make it Extra Crispy – If you love a crunchier texture, try double-dipping the toast in the egg mixture before frying. Let the first layer soak in for a few seconds, then dip again just before placing it in the pan.
- Pair it with a Traditional Drink – Enjoy this toast with a classic Hong Kong-style milk tea, iced lemon tea, or a hot cup of coffee for an authentic café experience.
- Serving Suggestion – While condensed milk and syrup are popular toppings, you can also add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.