Egg Waffle vs Bubble Waffle vs Eggette: What's the Difference?

One Snack, Nine Names

If you've ever tried to order this golden, honeycomb-shaped treat, you've probably run into a confusing pile of names: egg waffle, bubble waffle, eggette, egg puff, puffle, pancake waffle, egglet, and the original Cantonese name, gai daan jai (雞蛋仔).

Here's the short answer: they're all the same thing. Every one of these names refers to the same Hong Kong street snack — an eggy, lightly sweet batter cooked in a special mold that creates dozens of connected spherical "bubbles." The different names just reflect where you are and who's doing the naming.

Let's break down where each name comes from.

Egg Waffle

The most common English name, and the most literal translation. "Egg waffle" comes directly from the Cantonese gai daan jai, which means "little chicken egg." It's the name you'll see most often on menus across the US and Canada — and it's the term we use most at Eggloo.

Bubble Waffle

"Bubble waffle" describes the shape rather than the ingredients. The batter puffs up into rows of little spheres — or bubbles — connected in a sheet. This name became especially popular as the snack spread globally and shops wanted a description that instantly told customers what to expect. If you search for a "bubble waffle maker," you'll find the exact same pan used to make egg waffles.

Eggette

"Eggette" is the name that took off in New York City, where egg waffles became a viral street-food sensation. It's a playful, diminutive twist on "egg" — and it's the name that put this snack on the map for a whole generation of American dessert lovers.

Egg Puff, Puffle & the Rest

• Egg puff — another shape-based name, referring to how the batter puffs up as it cooks.
• Puffle — a portmanteau of "puff" + "waffle," popular in the UK.
• Egglet / pancake waffle — regional variations you'll occasionally see.
• Gai daan jai (雞蛋仔) — the original Cantonese name, still used in Hong Kong and by many Cantonese speakers worldwide.

So, Are They Ever Actually Different?

Ingredients and technique can vary slightly from shop to shop — some recipes lean crispier, some softer, some use tapioca or rice flour for extra chew — but the core snack is the same regardless of what it's called. There is no meaningful difference between an "egg waffle" and a "bubble waffle." They come off the same pan, from the same kind of batter, with the same signature honeycomb texture.

The Same Goes for the Pan

You'll also see the tool itself called an egg waffle maker, a bubble waffle maker, or an eggette pan — again, all the same equipment. If you're shopping for one, don't overthink the name; look at the shape of the mold (rows of round cavities) and the build quality.

Make Any of Them at Home

Whatever you call it, you can make it in your own kitchen. Eggloo's dry mixes give you that authentic Hong Kong honeycomb texture — just add eggs, milk, and butter, pour into a preheated egg waffle pan, and cook until golden.

What you'll need:

1. An egg waffle pan (included in our Eggloo at Home Kit)
2. A mixing bowl and whisk
3. Eggloo egg waffle mix
4. Eggs, milk, and butter

Want the full history and step-by-step method? Read our guide, What Are Hong Kong Egg Waffles? — or browse our egg waffle mixes and start making your own bubble waffles today.

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Egg waffle, bubble waffle, eggette — pick your favorite name. The taste is the same, and it's unforgettable.