I was surprised by how the humble waffle has subtly weaved its way into becoming a strong part of our city’s history and culture since its invention in the 1950s. How was the first bubble waffle invented?Ī few years after my one-year stint as a bubble waffle vendor, I was back in Hong Kong and ready to learn more about the history and stories of the Hong Kong snack to which we’ve grown so accustomed. The rise of bubble tea, one of Taiwan's most beloved beverages “Hong Kong bubble waffle?” the Korean traveler asked. Nine months later, I opened for business in London. It was a soft pancake disguised as a bubble waffle.įrom that moment, I decided I’d introduce my own version of gai daan jai to London.īack in Hong Kong, I took a crash course from a retired waffle street vendor. I took a bite and instantly felt cheated. The “new” bubble waffle was rolled up into a cone, which was stuffed with colorful ice cream and toppings. It was a response to a bad gai daan jai experience a year earlier, when I tried a reinvented egg waffle in another London street food market. I used to hold similar views, until 2016, when I quit my full-time job and moved to London where, one cold winter, I opened a street market stall selling Hong Kong bubble waffles under an undersized tarp that barely kept out the relentless rainwater. The waffle is curled into a cone and filled with ice cream or whipped cream. What’s so special about Hong Kong egg waffles? “Are you sure you want to write about bubble waffles? Why not char siu (barbecue roasted pork) or something more remarkable?” “I’ve looked everywhere but couldn’t find anything about Hong Kong bubble waffle irons in my father’s old sketches and notes,” says Leung Wing Cheung, the third-generation owner of the century-old kitchenware store/factory. Choy Tung Shing is one the oldest remaining blacksmiths in Hong Kong – most famous for its handmade ovens used for Cantonese roasted pork and goose.īut there, too, the owner struggled with my request. “Choy Tung Shing may be your best chance.” “We all import our waffle irons from China these days,” said one shopkeeper. Filled with kitchenware shops, it’s a popular destination for those buying bubble waffle irons. I kicked off my quest with a visit to Shanghai Street in Kowloon. Called “gai daan jai” in Cantonese, their texture can be described as a cookie and sponge cake hybrid. The best waffle maker: Wirecutter tested 70 models to recommend the four best options.When I decided to write a story about the origins of Hong Kong bubble waffles – also known as “egg waffles” – I thought it would be easy.Ī seemingly unexceptional cheap street food found throughout the city, these snacks are crispy on the outside, while each “bubble” is fluffy on the inside. What to Serve With Waffles: Aside from the beloved maple syrup and butter combination, you can top them with blueberry syrup and whipped cream or serve them with fried chicken. You can pop them in the toaster to reheat (use a light setting) and they come out nearly as well as freshly made, maybe even slightly crunchier. How to Freeze Waffles: Fully cooked waffles can be frozen in resealable airtight plastic bags for up to 3 months. You can also substitute brown sugar for the granulated. How to Make Whole-Grain Waffles: Use 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour and ⅔ cups whole-wheat flour for the proportions below. Beat the whites until stiff, then fold into the batter. How to Make Lighter Waffles: For a fluffier waffle, separate the eggs and proceed with step 2 using the egg yolks. When ready to cook, mix together the wet ingredients (eggs, milk and yogurt) and fold into the dry mix. The waffle mix can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month. How to Make Waffles: Start with a dry waffle mix of flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. For gluten-free waffles, make these buckwheat blueberry waffles. These make the best classic waffles, but if you’re craving different flavors, try chocolate waffles, or savory scallion waffles. These airy, delicate and crisp-edged waffles are so fabulous, yet so simple to throw together, they're destined to become part of your weekend breakfast routine.
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