The McGriddles sandwich has sparked a debate among food enthusiasts in Hong Kong. There are those who adore its sweet-and-salty contrast, while detractors simply cannot stomach the combination. After the initial rush that saw branches of McDonald’s slammed with diners eager to get their hands on the first batches of the sandwich, and food delivery platform Foodpanda splashing big bucks to get J-drama icon Kimura Takuya for its campaign advertising the sandwich, McGriddles fever has dampened. Hongkongers have adopted their usual “been there, done that” attitude and moved on. But that has not stopped the Hong Kong restaurants and bars seeking to cash in on the trend.
One such establishment is Eggslut, which finished serving its hotcake sandwich – made with chicken sausage, fried egg, and cheese – on August 22. However, they will be launching their Fairfax hotcake, made with their signature soft scrambled eggs and cheese, from August 26 to 29. The set is priced at HK$58 (US$7), comes with two truffle hash browns, and a choice of a soft drink. It is available between 10 am and 2 pm, and again from 3 pm to 7 pm. Eggslut is located at Shop 2, G/F, Fashion Walk, 11-19 Great George Street, Causeway Bay.
Central bar The Opposites has also joined the McGriddles craze by adding a Mini Dongbo Griddle to their menu. Priced at HK$45 with a minimum order of two, the small griddle cakes sandwich a filling of braised pork belly and come with a lick of sweet soy caramel for that essential flavor contrast. The Opposites is located at LG/F, Hilltop Plaza, 49 Hollywood Road, Central.
Tai Hing Cake Shop, located at Shop 3, Moon Lok Dai Ha, 50 Hoi Pa Street, Tsuen Wan, has been serving their take on the McGriddles long before McDonald’s brought it to Hong Kong. Their pancake burger features sausage, egg, and cheese between two fluffy hot cakes and is priced at a keen HK$15. The item proved so popular that the shop had to impose a limit of two orders per customer.
Pancake restaurant Pan de Pain has been serving an all-day offering in the form of the pancake burger for a while now. In this version, pancakes replace the traditional burger bun and envelop a beef patty, lettuce, and cheese. Pan de Pain has branches across Hong Kong.
Not to be outdone, famed Filipino fried chicken chain Jollibee also offers a version of the sweet-salty breakfast sandwich. Their breakfast pancake sandwich features a more traditional pancake with a fried egg, bacon, and cheese that is priced at HK$22, or HK$25 with a drink. Jollibee has branches across Hong Kong.
In conclusion, while the initial McGriddles fever may have died down in Hong Kong, there are still plenty of options for those looking to indulge in this unique sweet-salty combination. From Eggslut to Jollibee, these establishments are putting their own twist on the popular sandwich, catering to both fans and skeptics alike. Whether you’re a die-hard McGriddles enthusiast or simply curious to try something new, these restaurants and bars offer a variety of options to satisfy your cravings.