Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Thy Lovely Eggettes in Hong Kong: Lee Keung Kee (LKK) North Point Egg Waffles 利強記北角雞蛋仔


Who doesn't like snacks? When you roam around Hong Kong, it's impossible to ignore these wafting aromas of who knows what. As I explore Hong Kong like never before, one of the things I enjoy doing is letting my nose take me to where I ought to be, and that includes tracing the source of some of the most highly patronized snacks in Hong Kong.


The LKK North Point  Egg Waffles
利強記北角雞蛋仔

Across the HKU Space in North Point, is this wonderful hole-in-the wall store, where people line up for a quick snack fix - Lee Keung Kee (LKK) Egg Waffles 雞蛋仔 (gai dan zai). It's not exactly hidden, but it's a hole-in-the wall store that you won't notice much until you see a queue outside. These waffles have egg-like nuggets that have crunchy exterior and spongy yet custard-like interior. It's always a treat to snap a piece of eggette and pop it into your mouth as you walk amidst Hong Kong's Metropolis. I have walked past it several times and people would usually line up during peak hours (before lunch, after lunch).

Regardless of the time, you will find yourself lining up with the locals for egg waffles. As you wait for your turn, you'll be quietly pondering: "Egg waffles, egg waffles, egg waffles or maybe good old waffles?" The typical waffles are giant waffles, folded in half, sandwiched with peanut sauce and condensed milk. Then you'll shake it out, saying: "Yes, I want egg waffles, egg waffles it is!" 

 The LKK North Point  Egg Waffles
利強記北角雞蛋仔

It's one of those things that makes you question yourself whether you're really hungry or you just wanna have one, but who cares? It makes your day, heaven amidst the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.

The LKK Egg Waffle Review:

Yes, I bought 2, one for me and one for Mr. DQ - because you can never have enough. Queuing didn't really take that long; you see, these waffle ladies are the masters of waffle molds. It's all flippin' and rollin' out sheets and sheets of egg waffles. Though time is relative, I suggest you try it right before peak hours - sounds impossible, I know. I haven't experimented with the time, but I'll say, around 3-4 pm will be safe. No problem when queuing with the locals, very civilized indeed. The funny thing is that ones your turn is up, you don't really have to say what you want because they already know, all they need is the number of egg waffles you want (haha). You are also ensured that you get it fresh from the mold, because they never have the chance to stack up. 

As you can see, mine was almost half when I reached home. I love how it's crunchy outside yet soft and spongy inside, there's almost like a custard filling of itself (sorry for the not-so-well lit picture). It's also not too sweet, it's delightfully warm, eggy and light. Although it didn't last long, I tried to leave some for around 20 mins, it's still tasty and crunchy after, and the custard inside was still preserved.

 The LKK North Point  Egg Waffles
利強記北角雞蛋仔

I've tried other hole-in-the wall shops near Victoria Park, one was not as crunchy on the outside and one didn't really have that custard-filling on the inside. There's also that distinct flavour that you binge for with LKK's egg waffles. I also tried another one in Tin Hau, with half of if in chocolate, not much difference.

For a pancake fanatic, this is another level of pancake pleasure. They sure got it wrong with what they said about Pringles, that "Once you pop, you can't stop." I'm not sure if it's equivalent to U.K.'s fish and chips on newspaper, but it sure is here a mainstay in Hong Kong.

Price: 
- 16 hkd = approx. 105.60 php

Likes:
- Crunchy exterior, custard-like interior.
- Very efficient and telepathic iron waffle mold lady masters haha.
- How it is near my place, also only a few blocks from the North Poing MTR station.
- It's open until 11PM, perfect for a pre-midnight snack bwahaha.

Dislikes:
- It's really sad when you finish one and you regret not getting 2 instead.

Tips: 
- Some queuing might be necessary when it's peak hours, mostly around lunch time and off-work hours, so come by irregular hours like 11-ish, even 3-4pm.

Address: 
492 King's Road, North Point, Hong Kong

Keywords: LKK, egg waffles, egg pancakes, eggettes, egg puffs, Hong Kong, 雞蛋仔, 北角雞蛋仔, 利強記北角雞蛋仔

For more egg waffles information, check out this article for list of other egg waffles in Hong Kong. It's included in my bucket list haha


P.S. RIP to Robin Williams 
(a.k.a. Mrs. Doubtfire), whose character made me cry and laugh at the same time. We'll miss you, you reminded how a father's love could go beyond the imaginable. You made me wanna be a writer after watching Dead Poet's Society,
" Carpe Diem. Sieze the day, boys. Make your lives extra-ordinary."

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