Cult-favorite Taiwanese snack brand Huinyeou Waffle has officially landed in Hong Kong, marking its first international expansion with the soft opening of OOOO Waffle on March 3. Located on the historic Gough Street in Central, the boutique shop brings the brand’s celebrated Korean-style waffles to local foodies, promising the same artisan quality and diverse flavor profiles that fueled its meteoric rise in Taipei.
Founded in 2022 by Roro Yen and Blue Lan, the brand originated from Yen’s desire to create “comfort food” that provided emotional warmth during challenging times. This philosophy resonated deeply with the public; in just three years, the shop has developed over 100 unique recipes and achieved daily sales peaks of 1,500 waffles in Taiwan. While the Hong Kong outpost adopts a different moniker—OOOO Waffle—it retains the signature fox-themed aesthetic and technical precision that made its predecessor a Taipei staple.
The Science of the Perfect Crunch
What distinguishes these waffles from traditional Belgian or American varieties is a specialized batter infused with coconut milk powder, which creates a distinctively crisp outer shell while maintaining a light, airy interior. To balance the texture, the shop utilizes premium French whipped cream as the foundation for its sweet fillings.
The Hong Kong menu features a curated selection of Taipei’s greatest hits, including:
- Chocolate Overload: A rich, velvety option for cocoa enthusiasts.
- Pistachio Courtier: A nut-forward creation catering to sophisticated palates.
- Seoul’s Crispy Pork Belly: A savory fusion pairing Taiwanese pork belly with Korean spicy sauce and onions.
Local Exclusives and Secret Menus
To celebrate the Gough Street opening, OOOO Waffle has introduced several items exclusive to the Hong Kong market. Chief among these is a “secret menu” featuring the brand’s first-ever Mochi Waffle, where chewy rice cake is integrated directly into the batter.
Another local highlight is the Night Market Fried Chicken Basil, a savory innovation that reimagines the waffle as a street-style snack. The dish incorporates bite-sized waffle pieces tossed with Taiwanese chicken, fish cakes, and aromatic basil sauce, mimicking the sensory experience of a Taipei night market. For those on the move, the O Waffle—miniature bites served on a popsicle stick—is available in five tea- and alcohol-inspired flavors.
A New Anchor on Gough Street
The physical space on Gough Street reflects the brand’s “warmth” philosophy through a retro-inspired interior. Although the cozy shop offers limited seating for approximately twelve guests at a time, its takeaway-friendly format, including newly introduced Icy Sandos (frozen waffle sandwiches), is designed for the bustling Central crowd.
As international dessert brands increasingly view Hong Kong as a vital testing ground for global expansion, the arrival of OOOO Waffle underscores the city’s enduring appetite for high-quality, regional Asian crossovers. Given the brand’s existing cult following, visitors should expect queues to form along Gough Street as the soft opening phase continues.
Plan Your Visit:
- Location: Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong
- Specialty: Korean-style thick waffles and Mochi-infused batter
- Must-Try: Night Market Fried Chicken Basil (HK Exclusive)
