Hong Kong-Style Peanut Butter French Toast

4 slices seeded bread
4 tablespoons peanut butter
2 eggs
1 tablespoon avocado oil

The Syrup

50g gula melaka syrup (from above)
50ml oat milk

PREPARATION

1. Spread the peanut butter generously over two slices of bread and sandwich with the remaining slices. 
2. Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl until smooth. 
3. Dip the sandwiches into the egg, coating all sides evenly. 

COOKING

1. Heat the avocado oil in a frying pan over medium heat. 
2. Add the sandwiches and cook gently until golden brown on the first side. 
3. Carefully turn over and cook the second side until crisp and evenly coloured. 
4. Combine the gula melaka syrup and oat milk in a small pan. 
5. Simmer gently until slightly thickened and smooth. 
6. Remove the French toast from the pan and allow it to rest briefly. 
7. Cut each sandwich diagonally into triangles. 
8. Arrange on serving plates and drizzle generously with the warm syrup. 
9. Serve immediately while crisp on the outside and soft in the centre. 

School of Wok Tips

• Use thick-cut seeded or milk bread for the best texture and structure. 
• Be generous with the peanut butter filling so it stays rich and creamy after cooking. 
• Cook over medium heat to achieve a golden crust without burning the bread. 
• Mixing oat milk into the gula melaka syrup creates a smoother, creamier sauce. 
• Allow the French toast to rest for a minute before slicing to prevent the filling from spilling out. 

FAQs

What is Hong Kong-style French toast?
Hong Kong-style French toast is a popular café (cha chaan teng) snack made by sandwiching bread with a sweet filling, coating it in egg and frying until golden before serving with syrup or condensed milk.

Can I use a different filling?
Yes. Kaya, chocolate spread, red bean paste or even condensed milk all work well as alternatives to peanut butter.

What can I use instead of gula melaka?
Dark brown sugar, palm sugar or maple syrup can be used, although gula melaka provides the most authentic caramel flavour.