Special thanks to Cool Island Bubble Waffle for extending this food review invitation.
Shoppers at Tesco Penang will inevitably encounter Cool Island Bubble Waffle after checking out from the hypermarket. This food kiosk in front of the food court specializes in “bubble waffle” (鸡蛋仔). Although quite popular in Hong Kong, bubble waffle is still relatively new here.
Cool Island Bubble Waffle started as, and is still is, a street food vendor at several local pasar malam (night markets). This kiosk at Tesco Jelutong is its first move into a mall. Taking advantage of this, its food menu has been expanded to include perishable ingredients such as ice cream.
Bubble waffle is made using a waffle iron which has bubble-like compartments in honeycomb arrangement. The batter is generally made from flour and eggs, but may also include more ingredients such as chocolate, caramel or sweet corn.
Next, the waffle iron is closed and turned upside-down to allow the batter to bake. It takes approximately 2 or 3 minutes to cook. Fortunately there are 4 waffle irons to work with, so this helps to cut down waiting time during peak hours. Nevertheless, the stall may occasionally give out number tags when demand is high.
Once cooked, the waffle is removed from the iron and is allowed to cool on an iron frame. Once set, the waffle takes on a convex shape like a hard-shell taco. Despite the waffle’s rigid appearance, the interior of the “bubbles” remains soft and spongy.
For first-time customers, the Honey Waffle (蜂蜜鸡蛋仔, RM9.00) is highly recommended as it most closely resembles Hong Kong’s recipe. Honey is drizzled over the waffle to lend some sweetness. Despite being plain, the waffle itself is quite delectable on its own.
Banana & Chocolate Waffle (香蕉巧克力鸡蛋仔, RM6.00) is the one of the bestsellers among regular customers. Dark chocolate chips provide the first line of sweetness, while banana slices contribute its fruity appeal when chewed. Due to the presence of fresh banana, this waffle is best eaten while it is still warm.
If you are looking for chilling “fun”, the Ice Cream Waffle (冰淇淋鸡蛋仔, RM9.00) is a good bet. Two scoops of vanilla ice cream are served over a plain waffle, while thick chocolate syrup and chocolate chips are sprinkled on top. A popular way to enjoy this waffle is by folding the waffle like a taco, such that ice cream is sandwiched in the middle.
Last but not least, the Cheese Waffle (奶酪鸡蛋仔, RM12.00) is an entirely different snack altogether. Cheese flakes are mixed into the batter, such that the waffle appears darker than usual. This waffle has moderate level of saltiness, which I find quite addictive since I love cheese.
If you are concerned about getting your hands dirty, Cool Island Bubble Waffle provides plastic gloves free of charge. This is actually a common practice in Hong Kong as people are generally more hygiene-conscious.
Name: Cool Island Bubble Waffle
Address: Level 3, Tesco Penang, Lebuh Tengku Kudin 1, 11700 Jelutong, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 016-400-6693
Business hours: 10:00am-10:00pm (Sunday-Thursday), 10:00am-1:00am (Friday-Saturday)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/coolisland
Coordinates: 5.37771 N, 100.31509 E
Directions: Cool Island Bubble Waffle is located at Level 3 of Tesco Penang, just outside the checkout counters of the hypermarket and in front of the food court. Tesco Penang has a large parking garage for customers.
