Bombay Toast
A popular Indian street-food breakfast, this savory French toast is a quick and delicious way to start your day. Bread slices are dipped in a spiced egg batter with onions and tomatoes, then pan-fried to golden perfection.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Batter
- b.In a wide, shallow bowl large enough to fit a slice of bread, crack the 4 eggs.
- c.Add 60ml of milk and whisk vigorously until the yolks and whites are fully combined and slightly frothy. This should take about 1 minute.
- d.Add the finely chopped red onion, deseeded tomato, green chilies, and coriander leaves to the egg mixture.
- e.Stir in 0.25 tsp turmeric powder, 0.5 tsp red chili powder, and 0.75 tsp salt. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed in the batter.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Coat the Bread
- b.Take one slice of bread and place it in the batter.
- c.Allow it to soak for about 10-15 seconds on each side. Ensure the bread is well-coated but not overly saturated to the point of breaking apart.
- d.As you lift the bread, use a spoon to scoop some of the chopped vegetables from the batter and spread them evenly on top of the slice.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shallow-Fry the Toast
- b.Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a non-stick skillet or tawa over medium heat.
- c.Once the ghee is hot, carefully place the coated bread slice onto the pan.
- d.Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until the egg is set and the bottom is a deep golden brown.
- e.Flip the toast gently with a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until it's also golden brown and cooked through.
- f.Press down lightly with the spatula during cooking to ensure even browning.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook Remaining Slices and Serve
- b.Remove the cooked Bombay Toast from the pan and place it on a serving plate.
- c.Wipe the pan if needed and add more ghee for the next slice. Repeat the coating and frying process for all remaining bread slices.
- d.Serve immediately while hot, with a side of tomato ketchup, mint-coriander chutney, or on its own.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use day-old bread. It's drier and absorbs the egg mixture perfectly without becoming soggy.
- 2Chop your vegetables as finely as possible. This helps them stick to the bread and cook evenly.
- 3Maintain a consistent medium heat. If the pan is too hot, the outside will burn before the egg in the center is cooked.
- 4Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook one or two slices at a time for the best results and easiest flipping.
- 5For a richer flavor, use full-fat milk and ghee for frying.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheesy Bombay Toast
After flipping the toast, place a slice of cheese (like Amul or cheddar) on top and let it melt while the other side cooks.
Vegan Bombay ToastVegan Bombay Toast
Replace eggs with a batter made from gram flour (besan), water or plant-based milk, and a pinch of black salt (kala namak) for an 'eggy' flavor. Proceed with the same vegetables and spices.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1/4 teaspoon of garam masala to the egg batter for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
Vegetable LoadedVegetable-Loaded
Add finely chopped capsicum (bell pepper) or grated carrots to the batter for extra nutrition and crunch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The eggs in Bombay Toast provide high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied throughout the morning.
Energy Boosting Breakfast
Combining carbohydrates from the bread with protein and fats from the eggs and ghee provides a balanced source of sustained energy to kickstart your day.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
This dish contains a variety of micronutrients. Eggs are a good source of Vitamin D and B12, while onions, tomatoes, and coriander provide Vitamin C, antioxidants, and other essential minerals.
Frequently asked questions
Bombay Toast can be a balanced breakfast. It's a good source of protein from eggs and contains vegetables. To make it healthier, use whole wheat bread, limit the amount of ghee or oil used for frying, and serve it with a side of fresh salad instead of ketchup.