French toast: Regional Variations
Though the origin of the French toasts has remained unknown but its popularity has spread across the world. The recipe is prepared by soaking the bread slices into the mixture of milk and beaten eggs. Then they are fried in a pan till they become brown and crisp from both the sides. It makes a good use of the stale bread as day old bread is recommended to prepare French toast. Different regions modify the preparation by adding regional herbs or ingredients to it. Let us checkout different versions of French toasts round the world.
English style French toast
In United States of America French toast is prepared from ethnic bread or their regional bread. In certain restaurants special bread is prepared from sour dough for the French toast recipe. Jewish Americans use challah for their Friday night dinners. When we travel to Canada the difference comes with the use of golden bread topped with maple syrup.
United Kingdom calls it an egg dip or gypsy toast which is more of to a sweet side. They are available in households only and very rarely make a menu in the cafes. It is a favourite breakfast for the Scotland. There it is served very basic served with warm porridge. Australia and New Zealand take it as a brunch dish done by pan frying. It is served with bananas and fried bacon.
Asia
Western toast is the name given to it in Hong Kong which is available all the day around. It is a popular snack served with afternoon tea. Served with honey and topped with golden syrup it serves an excellent savoy dish as well. French toast is called ‘Meetha toast’ in Pakistan. While Burma calls it ‘Bombay Toast’. Indians prefer the saltier version of the French toast rather sweet dessert.