You've seen them all over Instagram. Those golden, bubble-shaped waffles wrapped around scoops of gelato and loaded with toppings. But where did they come from?
The Hong Kong Origins
Bubble waffles - known as "gai daan jai" or egg waffles in Hong Kong - date back to the 1950s. Street vendors would cook them fresh on charcoal stoves, filling the air with an irresistible sweet aroma. They became a beloved street snack, eaten hot and plain, right from the paper bag.
The Bubblewrap Story
In 2015, we set out to reinvent this classic. Starting as a project at Imperial College London, we wanted to create something that honoured tradition while adding a modern twist.
Our recipe took months to perfect. The result? A waffle that's:
- Crispy on the outside
- Soft and chewy on the inside
- Perfect for holding gelato and toppings
From Market Stall to Chinatown
We started at Berwick Street Market in Soho. The queues grew. The videos went viral (33 million views!). In 2017, we opened our flagship store in Chinatown - and the rest is history.
Today, you can visit us at Chinatown or Westfield Stratford.
Can't visit? Order our gelato online
