Taipei's Huiyyou Waffle Hits Hong Kong

Founded in 2022 by Roro Yen and Blue Lan, the original Taipei shop, Huinyeou Waffle, was born from Yen's realization that her homemade waffles could bring happiness during difficult times. In just three years, the brand has developed over 100 waffle flavors and can sell as many as 1,500 waffles in a single day. The signature of the brand is its Korean-style waffle, known for a thick, crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. This texture is achieved by using coconut milk powder in the batter, which creates a uniquely crunchy shell. The fillings often feature French whipped cream as a base. OOOO Waffle, which soft-opened on March 3, brings some of Taipei's most popular creations to Hong Kong. Sweet options include the "Chocolate Overload," with dark chocolate cream and crunchy chocolate pearls, and the "Pistachio Courtier," which pairs pistachio with strawberries. The menu isn't limited to sweets. Savory items include "Seoul's Crispy Pork," featuring pork belly and onions with a spicy Korean sauce. The Hong Kong location also boasts an exclusive "Night Market Fried Chicken Basil" waffle, a nod to classic Taiwanese street food. The Gough Street location places OOOO Waffle in a competitive and vibrant food hub. The street is already a destination for foodies, famous for long-standing establishments like Kau Kee, known for its beef brisket noodles, and Sing Heung Yuen, an open-air dai pai dong. Korean-style waffles are a growing trend, often served folded like a taco and filled with whipped cream and other toppings. Their popularity has been fueled by social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where their photogenic appearance attracts significant attention.