French Toast On a Roll

Wilfredo Reyes

The defining move in Casa Sensei’s Hawaiian Rolls French Toast is the use of butter. Infused with a blend of cinnamon and banana, the butter melts directly into the custard-dipped bread as it cooks, delivering warm, layered flavor in every bite and setting the tone for a brunch item that feels both comforting and distinctive. Served in a pull-apart format, the dish invites sharing, with each piece easy to dip into the accompanying housemade custard.

“The biggest breakthrough in developing the dish was the special butter,” says Wilfredo Reyes, executive chef of the Asian-Latin concept. “That’s what brings everything together. While the base of the French toast is familiar, incorporating the cinnamon and banana into the butter adds a layer of flavor that elevates it beyond a more standard version. It was a small adjustment, but it makes a noticeable difference in how the dish comes across overall. That element helps define the final flavor profile and gives the dish its own identity.” The result is a brunch item that delivers on flavor and format, encouraging guests to gather, share and dip through a memorable twist on a classic.

Read more Best of Flavor 2025