Crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside French toast with butter and honey — an indulgent dessert from Yee Shun Milk Company in Hong Kong

Text and photos byShao Sheng

The level of refinement in Hong Kong-style desserts far surpasses that in Taiwan, offering a much wider variety. Many are so unique that even those in Taiwan would struggle to imagine them. The double-skinned steamed milk pudding from Yee Shun Milk Company is also an exceptionally distinctive and delightful treat. Although the price is quite high, you simply can't miss out on this exquisite dessert when visiting Hong Kong.

Yee Shun Milk Company has four branches in Hong Kong. I visited the one located on Pitt Street in Jordan, Kowloon, as it’s the closest to where I was staying in Tsim Sha Tsui — just a ten-minute walk away. The neighboring street is also home to another famous dessert shop — Australia Dairy Company. Friends who want to compare both in one go might want to check out the differences between the two.

Although the streets outside have that authentically old-Hong-Kong vibe reminiscent of Hong Kong movies, stepping into the store reveals a bright, clean, and modern interior. I had expected the place to be bustling with people, but even though I visited around 8 PM, the crowd was actually thinner than I had anticipated.

The menu shows the wide variety of desserts Yee Shun offers. In Hong Kong, cold drinks are generally HK$2 more expensive than hot ones. Just a heads-up: if you’re just accompanying someone and not ordering anything yourself, there’s a HK$10 service charge.

Red Bean Double-Skinned Steamed Milk Pudding (HKD 31): Yee Shun's double-skinned steamed milk pudding comes in both hot and cold options. Since I was alone and didn’t have much capacity, I opted for the cold red bean version after some thought. I’ll definitely try the hot one next time I visit.

The preparation of Yee Shun’s double-skinned steamed milk pudding is incredibly intricate. Coupled with Hong Kong’s soaring real estate prices and rising rents in recent years, the price of the red bean version has climbed to HKD 31. However, upon checking, I found that the price has gone up again this year, now reaching HKD 33. It’s hard to imagine how people in Hong Kong manage with such continuously rising prices...

The quality of the red bean double-skinned steamed milk pudding is truly outstanding. The unique double skin texture of the pudding is incredibly memorable. I love its rich, creamy aroma — sweet without being cloying, and refreshingly smooth. The red beans are excellent too, plump and firm, complementing the pudding perfectly. I actually prefer this version over the one at Australia Dairy Company. But I’ve heard the hot version has an even richer flavor. It’s a pity I didn’t get to try it this time; I’ll definitely have to come back to Hong Kong for it.

French Toast (HKD 24): What is called “French toast” in Hong Kong is essentially what we know as French toast in Taiwan, translated directly from the English “French Toast.” The preparation differs slightly between Taiwan and Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, apart from pan-frying the bread, they top it off with butter and drizzle honey before serving. Some places even stuff the inside with peanut filling. The classic French toast is already quite rich, but the Hong Kong version is an absolute calorie bomb. But that’s precisely what makes this decadent treat so irresistible.

As the golden butter melts and cascades over the French toast, the visual feast is simply captivating. The moment you bite into the crispy exterior and soft interior, the aroma of egg mixes with the rich butter, enhanced by the sweetness of the honey — it’s an addictive combination. I had actually just eaten French toast at Lan Fong Yuen the day before, but it left me completely underwhelmed. Compared to that, Yee Shun’s version is leagues better. If not for the outrageous calorie count, I’d seriously consider ordering a second one.

This time at Yee Shun Milk Company, I only ordered the double-skinned steamed milk pudding and the French toast. Though my order was small, I came away with a very positive impression of their desserts. I’d definitely visit again if I return to Hong Kong. Next time, I’d like to try the more highly recommended hot version of the steamed milk pudding to see how it compares with the cold one.
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Yee Shun Milk Company
Address: 63 Pitt Street, Jordan, Kowloon, Hong Kong (near Jordan MTR Station)
Phone: (+852) 2730 2799
Business Hours: 08:00 – 24:00

Xiao Sheng’s Wandering Journey
Every journey, every trip is a pursuit. Though I’m not entirely sure what I’m searching for, what I ultimately gain always exceeds my expectations. And so, my wandering journey will continue unabated.