Gai Dan Zai or 鷄蛋仔 or eggette is a popular street snack originating from Hong Kong. I eyed Lee Keung Kee Egg Waffles at North Point (利強記北角雞蛋仔) but didn't get to try them so second best was the Lee Keung Kee North Point gai dan zai at Nathan Road.
Confused? Don't be.
The original Lee Keung Kee is located near North Point MRT. The Lee Keung Kee North Point gai dan zai is said to be the pupil of the master and not the 'real thing'. Well, say what you will but you'd never know which is better till you try them both.
What caught my attention first was the queue! There were about 7-8 people ahead of me and within minutes I glanced behind me to find that the queue had stretched into the lorong just around the corner. Yikes.
If the queue doesn't impress you, perhaps the celebrity endorsements will.
The wait lasted us at least 30 minutes as there were only 3 waffle irons running at the same time and each waffle needed about 4-5 minutes of baking time. Not to mention, those in the queue rarely ordered just one waffle so have patience, it will be rewarded greatly.
If you're feeling peckish, they also sell another popular Hong Kong street snack - curry fishballs and an array of other meatballs and sausages.
These are the best gai dan zai I've ever had. The shell of the egg-shaped pockets are crispy, delicate and light while the inside was like an eggy fluffy pancake. Unlike, waffles, pancakes or anything that resembles gai dan zai, this was good on its own without any toppings. Eggy, chewy and crispy, it was a delicious and hot snack in the cold Hong Kong wind. I would gladly queue again for these!
LKK North Point Gai Dan Zai
178 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Mon - Sat, from 11:30 a.m.
Sun, from 12:30 p.m.
Original location: 492 King's Road, North Point, Hong Kong