If you have ever wandered into a bustling Hong Kong cha chaan teng, chances are you have seen thick golden slabs of Hong Kong-style French toast stacked high and dripping with syrup. Known locally as Sai Do Si, this indulgent breakfast classic takes traditional French toast and turns it into something far more decadent, stuffed with kaya jam, soaked in egg, then fried until crisp on the outside and soft and custardy in the centre.
Unlike the lighter Western version, Hong Kong French toast is richer, sweeter and unapologetically comforting. The bread is generously filled, usually with peanut butter or kaya jam, before being coated in egg and shallow fried to golden perfection. A final drizzle of condensed milk or syrup transforms it into the ultimate brunch or afternoon tea treat.
In this easy step-by-step Sai Do Si recipe, you’ll learn how to recreate authentic Hong Kong-style French toast at home using simple ingredients, including fragrant kaya jam for that signature Southeast Asian flavour. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic café favourite or looking for a new weekend breakfast idea, this version delivers crisp edges, a soft centre and plenty of sweet indulgence.
Hong Kong Style French Toast Recipe by ArCHan Chan
Hong Kong–style French toast is often made with savoury fillings, such as peanut butter, cheese or satay beef (I use kaya jam here, but feel free to use any flavour jam or other filling you might like). The bread is coated in egg, then deep-fried (rather than pan-fried) and served with a generous amount of butter, maple syrup or condensed milk. My recipe here gives instructions for pan-frying, as it’s easier to do at home, but do deep-fry it if you wish. Paired with a cup of hot tea, this French toast is perfect for tea time.
Spread two slices of the bread with the kaya jam. Sandwich with the remaining bread and gently press to seal.
Whisk together the eggs and milk in a shallow bowl. Dip the sandwiches into the mixture to coat evenly.
Heat the oil and butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the coated sandwiches and fry for 1 minute each side or until golden brown, then stand the sandwich up and fry the edges for about 30 seconds each. Serve hot with extra butter and some maple syrup.
Note: Kaya jam is a sweet, spreadable condiment made from coconut milk and sugar. It’s very popular in Singapore and Malaysia and is normally a light yellow–green colour. There is also a caramelised version, which is dark brown.
Practical Serving Tips
Hong Kong-style French toast is rich, sweet and indulgent, so how you serve it can really elevate the experience.
Serve Immediately
Sai Do Si is at its best straight from the pan. The contrast between the crisp, golden exterior and the soft, custardy centre is what makes it special. Letting it sit too long can soften the outside, so plate and serve while it is still warm.
Slice for Sharing
Because this is a thick, stuffed French toast, slicing it diagonally into triangles makes it easier to share and shows off the kaya jam filling inside. It also helps the condensed milk or syrup soak into the layers.
Go Light with Toppings
It is tempting to pour on the condensed milk, but start with a light drizzle. You can always add more. This keeps the texture balanced and prevents the toast from becoming overly sweet.
Balance with Fresh Elements
Since Hong Kong-style French toast is quite rich, serving it with fresh fruit such as berries, mango or citrus segments helps cut through the sweetness and adds contrast.
Warm Your Plates
If you want a café-style finish, warm the plates briefly before serving. It keeps the toast warm for longer and enhances that fresh-from-the-kitchen feel.
Pair It Properly
For an authentic touch, serve alongside a strong Hong Kong milk tea or black coffee. The bitterness of the tea or coffee balances the sweetness beautifully.
Adjust for Dessert or Brunch
For brunch, keep it simple with fruit and tea. For dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of icing sugar for something more indulgent.
Hong Kong
Variations & Serving Ideas
One of the best things about Hong Kong-style French toast is how adaptable it is. While kaya jam gives it that classic Southeast Asian flavour, there are plenty of ways to make Sai Do Si your own.
Classic Peanut Butter Filling
In traditional Hong Kong cafés, peanut butter is one of the most popular fillings. It melts beautifully inside the toast and creates a rich, slightly savoury contrast to the sweet condensed milk drizzle on top.
Double Jam Version
Try combining kaya jam with strawberry or raspberry jam for a layered flavour. The coconut notes from the kaya pair surprisingly well with tart berry preserves.
Chocolate Lovers
Swap the filling for Nutella or dark chocolate spread for a dessert-style twist. Serve with fresh strawberries and a dusting of icing sugar.
Savoury Option
For something different, fill the toast with ham and cheese, skip the condensed milk and serve with a fried egg on top. It keeps the crispy exterior but transforms the dish into a hearty brunch plate.
Extra Crispy Finish
If you prefer a more traditional cha chaan teng texture, fry the toast slightly longer until the edges are deeply golden and crisp. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and custardy centre is what makes authentic Sai Do Si so memorable.
What to Serve with Hong Kong-Style French Toast
To create a full Hong Kong café experience, consider pairing your French toast with:
• A strong cup of Hong Kong milk tea • Fresh tropical fruit such as mango or pineapple • A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert version • Extra condensed milk or maple syrup on the side • A simple fruit salad to balance the richness
Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch or afternoon tea, this Hong Kong-style French toast recipe works beautifully as a centerpiece dish. It is indulgent enough for a weekend treat yet simple enough to make whenever the craving hits.
If you have ever wandered into a bustling Hong Kong cha chaan teng, chances are you have seen thick golden slabs of Hong Kong-style French toast stacked high and dripping with syrup. Known locally as Sai Do Si, this indulgent breakfast classic takes traditional French toast and turns it into something far more decadent, stuffed with kaya jam, soaked in egg, then fried until crisp on the outside and soft and custardy in the centre.
Unlike the lighter Western version, Hong Kong French toast is richer, sweeter and unapologetically comforting. The bread is generously filled, usually with peanut butter or kaya jam, before being coated in egg and shallow fried to golden perfection. A final drizzle of condensed milk or syrup transforms it into the ultimate brunch or afternoon tea treat.
In this easy step-by-step Sai Do Si recipe, you’ll learn how to recreate authentic Hong Kong-style French toast at home using simple ingredients, including fragrant kaya jam for that signature Southeast Asian flavour. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic café favourite or looking for a new weekend breakfast idea, this version delivers crisp edges, a soft centre and plenty of sweet indulgence.
Hong Kong Style French Toast Recipe by ArCHan Chan
Hong Kong–style French toast is often made with savoury fillings, such as peanut butter, cheese or satay beef (I use kaya jam here, but feel free to use any flavour jam or other filling you might like). The bread is coated in egg, then deep-fried (rather than pan-fried) and served with a generous amount of butter, maple syrup or condensed milk. My recipe here gives instructions for pan-frying, as it’s easier to do at home, but do deep-fry it if you wish. Paired with a cup of hot tea, this French toast is perfect for tea time.
This recipe is from new cookbook A Day in Hong Kong by ArChan Chan. All photography © Alana Dimou.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
4 slices soft white bread, crusts removed
1 tablespoon kaya jam (see note)
2 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
20 g (¾ oz) butter, plus extra to serve
maple syrup, to serve
Method
Note: Kaya jam is a sweet, spreadable condiment made from coconut milk and sugar. It’s very popular in Singapore and Malaysia and is normally a light yellow–green colour. There is also a caramelised version, which is dark brown.
Practical Serving Tips
Hong Kong-style French toast is rich, sweet and indulgent, so how you serve it can really elevate the experience.
Serve Immediately
Sai Do Si is at its best straight from the pan. The contrast between the crisp, golden exterior and the soft, custardy centre is what makes it special. Letting it sit too long can soften the outside, so plate and serve while it is still warm.
Slice for Sharing
Because this is a thick, stuffed French toast, slicing it diagonally into triangles makes it easier to share and shows off the kaya jam filling inside. It also helps the condensed milk or syrup soak into the layers.
Go Light with Toppings
It is tempting to pour on the condensed milk, but start with a light drizzle. You can always add more. This keeps the texture balanced and prevents the toast from becoming overly sweet.
Balance with Fresh Elements
Since Hong Kong-style French toast is quite rich, serving it with fresh fruit such as berries, mango or citrus segments helps cut through the sweetness and adds contrast.
Warm Your Plates
If you want a café-style finish, warm the plates briefly before serving. It keeps the toast warm for longer and enhances that fresh-from-the-kitchen feel.
Pair It Properly
For an authentic touch, serve alongside a strong Hong Kong milk tea or black coffee. The bitterness of the tea or coffee balances the sweetness beautifully.
Adjust for Dessert or Brunch
For brunch, keep it simple with fruit and tea. For dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of icing sugar for something more indulgent.
Variations & Serving Ideas
One of the best things about Hong Kong-style French toast is how adaptable it is. While kaya jam gives it that classic Southeast Asian flavour, there are plenty of ways to make Sai Do Si your own.
Classic Peanut Butter Filling
In traditional Hong Kong cafés, peanut butter is one of the most popular fillings. It melts beautifully inside the toast and creates a rich, slightly savoury contrast to the sweet condensed milk drizzle on top.
Double Jam Version
Try combining kaya jam with strawberry or raspberry jam for a layered flavour. The coconut notes from the kaya pair surprisingly well with tart berry preserves.
Chocolate Lovers
Swap the filling for Nutella or dark chocolate spread for a dessert-style twist. Serve with fresh strawberries and a dusting of icing sugar.
Savoury Option
For something different, fill the toast with ham and cheese, skip the condensed milk and serve with a fried egg on top. It keeps the crispy exterior but transforms the dish into a hearty brunch plate.
Extra Crispy Finish
If you prefer a more traditional cha chaan teng texture, fry the toast slightly longer until the edges are deeply golden and crisp. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and custardy centre is what makes authentic Sai Do Si so memorable.
What to Serve with Hong Kong-Style French Toast
To create a full Hong Kong café experience, consider pairing your French toast with:
• A strong cup of Hong Kong milk tea
• Fresh tropical fruit such as mango or pineapple
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert version
• Extra condensed milk or maple syrup on the side
• A simple fruit salad to balance the richness
Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch or afternoon tea, this Hong Kong-style French toast recipe works beautifully as a centerpiece dish. It is indulgent enough for a weekend treat yet simple enough to make whenever the craving hits.
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