The bubble waffle is one of the most admired street snacks in Hong Kong, made traditionally from a batter of eggs, custard powder, tapioca flour, and evaporated milk. It is eaten by tearing each bubble apart. No powdered sugar nor dipping sauce is needed; it is delicious on its own. Since its taste is pretty much standardized, it is difficult to please Hong Kongers if it is not done right. The ideal waffle should be warm, eggy with a slightly crispy exterior, and a sponge cake-like interior. In Cantonese, it’s called gai daan jai, however in English, it comes in various interpretations – egg puff, eggette, or egg waffle, to name a few.
Very recently in North America, the bubble waffle is used as a vessel to create insane Instagram-worthy sundaes. Now that Montreal is picking up on this latest food craze, here are the sweetest spots where you can enjoy them.
Dragon Beard Candy
Dragon Beard Candy is a Chinatown landmark, famous for its threaded candy wrapped around a peanut-coconut mixture. Very few people know that they have been selling the original flavoured bubble waffle for over a decade.
52B, rue de la Gauchetière O., Montreal, QC
(514) 916-6252
La Cabane de Danny
La Cabane de Danny is the newest spot in Chinatown that specializes in jian bing (Chinese breakfast crêpes) and bubble waffle ice cream. Currently, there are 2 choices of waffle flavours (original and matcha-red bean), four ice cream flavours (vanilla, mango, matcha, and black sesame), and many choices of syrups and various toppings such as Pocky sticks, lemon candy, oreos, etc…
52A, rue de la Gauchetière O., Montreal, QC
Chatime
Chatime (at the avenue du Parc location only) is well-known for its wide selection of bubble tea. What is not advertised is that the du Parc location sells bubble waffle ice cream following the same recipe as La Cabane de Danny. Here, there are four available waffle flavours (original, matcha, chocolate, or seaweed) with four choices of ice cream.
Seaweed might sound strange to Westerners, but it’s a popular childhood snack amongst Asians. It gives a complimentary saltiness and smokiness to the waffles.
3428 avenue du Parc, Montreal, QC
(514) 282-2288
Zoe Dessert
Zoe Dessert is the newest Asian dessert spot that took over the former Nos Thés location. Here you can find mille-crêpes, mousse cakes, tiramisu flower pot, sago coconut soup, and bubble tea. You only need to pick two ice cream flavours (mango, red bean, matcha, black sesame, vanilla, and/or chocolate) to go with the original waffle. It is topped with Pocky sticks, chocolate syrup, and sprinkles.
2160 rue St-Mathieu, Montreal, QC
(514) 379-6606
C’Chocolat
C’Chocolat is a chocolate lounge specializing in indulgent chocolate concoctions. Recently, four bubble waffle creations have been added to their menu:
Black Jack is an all-chocolate dessert – gooey brownie, chocolate gelato, strawberry, chocolate pearls, and chocolate drizzle.
Pistache Pizzazz is a Hong Kong-meets-Lebanon dessert – ghazel el banet (Lebanese candy floss), pistachio gelato, dried cranberries, and white chocolate drizzle.
King Kong is a sweet nutty concoction gone bananas – vanilla gelato, slices of banana, salted caramel, crumble, and pecans.
Pretty in Pink is a combination of childhood treats – Strawberry gelato, M&M, Oreos, Rice Krispies, and chocolate drizzle.
1255 rue Bishop, Montreal, QC
(514) 392-7777
Yeh Yogurt
Your favourite frozen yogurt shop is now serving bubble waffles! Instead of ice cream, fill your bubble waffles with frozen yogurt and one of their numerous toppings. Not all locations are offering the new tasty treat, so call in advance before making the trek.
Photos by Victor Yu (@randomcuisine), @encoreunehistoire, and @carlcubm.
