Indulge in the irresistible crunch of Hong Kong's beloved street snack with this authentic Gai Daan Jai recipe. These golden, egg-shaped waffles are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a hint of sweetness in every bite. Perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack, this recipe brings the bustling streets of Hong Kong right to your kitchen.

Here's a recipe for Hong Kong Egg Waffles (Gai Daan Jai):

Ingredients:

  - 2 cups all-purpose flour

  - 2 tablespoons custard powder (optional, for added flavor)

  - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

  - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

  - 1/2 cup sugar

  - 2 large eggs

  - 1/2 cup evaporated milk

  - 1/2 cup water

  - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  - Cooking spray or additional melted butter, for greasing the waffle iron

Instructions:

1- Preheat the Waffle Iron: Preheat your egg waffle maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.

2- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, custard powder (if using), baking powder, baking soda, and sugar.

3- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs. Add the evaporated milk, water, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix well.

4- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.

5- Cook the Waffles: Lightly grease the preheated waffle iron with cooking spray or melted butter. Pour enough batter to fill the molds (about 2/3 full). Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden and crispy.

6- Serve: Carefully remove the waffles from the iron and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them on their own or with your favorite toppings, such as ice cream, whipped cream, fruits, or chocolate syrup.

7- Storage: Store any leftover waffles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster or oven to restore crispiness.

Note: Gai Daan Jai are best enjoyed freshly made, but you can also freeze them for later. Simply wrap the cooled waffles individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. Reheat in a toaster or oven until heated through.

Enjoy the crispy, eggy goodness of Hong Kong Egg Waffles!

Nutritional Values:

here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Hong Kong Egg Waffle (Gai Daan Jai) recipe per serving:

For the Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour:

 - Calories: Approximately 910 kcal

 - Fat: 2g

 - Carbohydrates: 190g

 - Protein: 12g

 - Benefits: Provides essential carbohydrates and protein for energy.

2 tablespoons custard powder (optional, for added flavor):

 - Calories: Approximately 60 kcal

 - Fat: 1g

 - Carbohydrates: 15g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Benefits: Adds a vanilla flavor; may contain additional nutrients depending on the brand.

1/2 teaspoon baking powder:

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Benefits: Helps the batter rise and become fluffy.

1/4 teaspoon baking soda:

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Benefits: Assists in leavening the batter and contributes to a lighter texture.

1/2 cup sugar:

 - Calories: Approximately 400 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrate : 100g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Benefits: Adds sweetness; use in moderation to manage calorie and sugar intake.

2 large eggs:

 - Calories: Approximately 140 kcal

 - Fat: 10g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 12g

 - Benefits: Provides high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

1/2 cup evaporated milk:

 - Calories: Approximately 340 kcal

 - Fat: 17g

 - Carbohydrates: 27g

 - Protein: 15g

 - Benefits: Adds creaminess and richness; good source of calcium and protein.

1/2 cup water:

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Benefits: Hydrates the batter and helps achieve the desired consistency.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract:

 - Calories: Approximately 12 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Benefits: Adds a pleasant vanilla flavor; contains trace amounts of antioxidants.

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted:

 - Calories: Approximately 400 kcal

 - Fat: 44g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Benefits: Adds richness and flavor; provides fat that contributes to texture.

Cooking spray or additional melted butter, for greasing the waffle iron:

 - Calories: Varies depending on amount used

 - Fat: Varies

 - Carbohydrates: Varies

 - Benefits: Prevents sticking and helps achieve a crispy exterior.

These ingredients create a rich and flavorful waffle batter, with a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The optional custard powder adds extra flavor, while the evaporated milk and melted butter contribute to a creamy and rich texture.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as brand, specific ingredients used, and serving size.