Hong Kong Custard French Toast

This Hong Kong French toast showcases my favorite weekend indulgence - a crispy golden exterior with a luscious custard center that creates the perfect sweet bite. The traditional Hong Kong diner classic gets an upgrade with a rich duck egg custard filling that elevates it from ordinary breakfast to extraordinary treat.

I first encountered this decadent version in a tiny Hong Kong café where the server proudly explained how the duck egg yolks create that signature golden custard. After multiple test batches in my kitchen the reaction from friends convinced me this deserves a permanent spot in my recipe collection.

Ingredients

• Salted duck egg yolks: Provide that signature rich flavor and golden color traditional to authentic Hong Kong cuisine
• Milk powder: Intensifies the creamy taste while helping thicken the filling
• Cornstarch: Stabilizes the custard preventing it from becoming too runny during cooking
• Softened salted butter: Adds richness and helps create that melt in your mouth texture
• Powdered sugar: Dissolves seamlessly into the filling without adding grittiness
• Vanilla extract: Balances the savory notes from the duck eggs
• Turmeric: Offers that vibrant golden color making your filling visually stunning
• Thick milk bread slices: Work best as they hold up to soaking without falling apart
• Whole milk: Creates a richer batter than regular milk would provide
• Eggs: Bind everything together while creating that classic French toast exterior
• Sweetened condensed milk: Serves double duty as both 'glue' and finishing sauce

How To Make Hong Kong French Toast

Prepare The Filling:

Mash the salted duck egg yolks thoroughly in a small bowl until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. This step requires patience but creates the silky texture needed. Add the milk powder and cornstarch continuing to mash until everything combines into a uniform mixture without dry spots.

Create The Custard Base:

Incorporate butter powdered sugar vanilla and optional turmeric into the egg yolk mixture. Continue mashing and mixing with determination until absolutely smooth resembling a thick custard. The mixture should be creamy yet hold its shape when spread. If too firm allow it to sit at room temperature briefly.

Make The Soaking Batter:

Thoroughly whisk eggs in a large shallow bowl ensuring no clear whites remain. Pour in milk salt and vanilla continuing to whisk until completely combined. The batter should be a consistent pale yellow without streaks which ensures even coating on your bread.

Prepare The Bread:

Cut thick bread slices partially through horizontally creating a pocket while keeping one edge intact. Press down on the interior of the bottom piece creating a depression for filling. Spread a thin layer of condensed milk around the inner edges which acts as an edible glue when sealed.

Fill And Seal:

Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of prepared custard filling into the center of each bread pocket. Place the top piece over the filling pressing edges gently but firmly to seal completely. Handle carefully to maintain the seal which prevents leakage during cooking.

Cook To Golden Perfection:

Heat butter in a nonstick pan until hot and bubbling. Quickly dip assembled toast into batter allowing approximately 20 seconds per side for thorough soaking. Transfer to hot pan cooking about 2 minutes per side until deeply golden brown adjusting heat as needed to prevent burning while ensuring the center warms through.

Serve Immediately:

Transfer hot toast to serving plates while still crisp. Top with a pat of butter which will melt luxuriously into the toast. Finish with a generous drizzle of sweetened condensed milk just before eating creating that signature Hong Kong café experience.

Pin it

My obsession with this recipe started after watching Hong Kong street food videos where I became fascinated with how the vendors would skillfully flip these golden treasures in giant woks. The duck egg yolks truly make this dish special turning an ordinary French toast into something magnificent that transports me straight to a cozy Hong Kong diner.

Storage Tips

These French toasts are best enjoyed immediately while hot and crispy with that perfect contrast between exterior and filling. However if you have leftovers store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet with a bit of butter to restore some crispness. Avoid microwave reheating which will make the toast soggy. For make ahead convenience prepare the custard filling up to 3 days in advance and keep refrigerated until ready to use bringing to room temperature before assembling.

Pin it

Ingredient Substitutions

While traditional recipes call for salted duck eggs regular chicken egg yolks can work in a pinch though you will miss some of the distinctive flavor and color. Add a pinch more salt to compensate. If milk bread is unavailable brioche challah or even texas toast make excellent alternatives with enough structure to hold the filling. For those avoiding dairy coconut cream can replace butter and condensed coconut milk works beautifully as a drizzle. Vegans might experiment with silken tofu based custard and plant milks though the texture will differ from the original. The turmeric is purely for color and can be omitted without affecting flavor.

Cultural Context

Hong Kong style French toast or 西多士 is a beloved staple in cha chaan tengs casual diners that blend Western and Eastern culinary influences dating back to Hong Kong's colonial era. Unlike Western versions Hong Kong French toast traditionally uses multiple slices of bread stacked with peanut butter or jam then deep fried. This custard filled variation takes inspiration from Liu Sha Bao custard buns creating a hybrid that honors both traditions. In Hong Kong these would typically be enjoyed as an afternoon tea treat rather than breakfast alongside milk tea or yuanyang a coffee tea mix. The liberal use of butter and condensed milk reflects the unique Hong Kong café culture that emerged in the 1950s.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes the filling rich and flavorful?

The filling combines salted duck egg yolks, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, creating a creamy, savory-sweet custard with a hint of richness.

→ Can I substitute regular eggs for salted duck eggs?

While the unique flavor comes from salted duck eggs, you can use regular egg yolks with a pinch of added salt for a milder taste.

→ What type of bread works best?

Milk bread is ideal for its soft and fluffy texture, but slightly stale bread or standard sliced bread without crusts also works well.

→ How do I prevent the toast from falling apart while cooking?

Seal the edges with a thin layer of condensed milk and press gently to ensure the custard filling stays intact during frying.

→ How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?

You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the custard filling and drizzle less condensed milk when serving for a less sweet version.