Unlike Western pancakes which are chewy and thin, Japanese pancakes are taller and fluffier, like soufflés. In Japanese, pancakes are called pankeiki or hottokeiki, borrowing from the English, "pancake" and "hotcake," but Japanese chefs have reinvented pancakes into something totally their own. If you are interested in trying the taste of Japanese pancakes, here are 5 cafes with the fluffiest Japanese pancakes in Tokyo!
5 Cafes with the Fluffiest Japanese Pancakes in Tokyo
Here are some recommended cafes to visit for the most jiggly, fluffy Japanese pancakes in Tokyo!
- Flipper’s
- Shiawase no Pancake
- Cafe Gram
- Cafe Accueil
- Mimoza
1. Flipper’s
Flipper’s is famous for fluffy soufflé-like Japanese pancakes. The secret to their airy and soft texture lies in the eggs. To make the Japanese soufflé pancake, egg whites and egg yolks are separated. The egg white is beaten until it is foamy, then sugar is added. When the meringue becomes stiff, but not over-beaten, vegetable oil is incorporated. Finally, the batter can go on the hot pan and when both sides of the pancake are golden-brown, the fluffy Japanese pancake is done!
There are many options to choose when it comes to toppings for Flipper’s Japanese pancakes, including fresh fruits and ice cream. Have a bite of your jiggly, melt-in-the-mouth pancake with a side of refreshing fruits and creamy ice cream, and you'll feel quite satisfied. Flipper’s has locations in Jiyugaoka, Kichijoji, Harajuku, Ebisunishi, Shimokitazawa, and Shinjuku.
2. Shiawase no Pancake
The buttery smell of pancake pervades the air of this next Japanese pancake shop in Tokyo. Shiawase no Pancake (literally "Happy Pancake") has locations in Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and Ginza. The restaurant is particular about using fresh ingredients. Their milk is transported from Hokkaido and high-concentrated manuka honey syrup is used, taking the fuwafuwa (fluffy) pancake to the next level, flavor-wise. The restaurant also uses an entirely new method of making Japanese pancakes. Baking powder (the ingredient that makes baked goods rise) is not used at all and the pancakes are cooked naturally, without any additives, for more than 20 minutes.
“Shiawase no pancake” is their best-selling item. A mouth-watering stack of three pancakes is served with a giant pile of whipped cream. Try the pancake without syrup first to taste the pure simplicity of the high-quality ingredients.
3. Cafe Gram
Cafe Gram makes three-tiered stacks of spongy Japanese pancakes. Unlike the pancakes mentioned above, this premium Japanese pancake is not as jiggly, but it is still creamy and extremely soft. It doesn’t appear fancy, but it’s the must-order item at Cafe Gram as the rich taste contrasts with the simple appearance. And you can try this pancake three different ways. Eat the premium pancake on its own, try it with a dollop of whipped cream, or drizzle it with syrup!
Be aware that Gram only makes limited servings of their premium Japanese pancakes each day to ensure the pancakes are perfectly cooked. 20 servings of premium pancakes are served at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. You may need to go to Cafe Gram early, but the exquisite pancakes are definitely worth waiting for.
Cafe Gram has locations in Kudanminami (Update - March 19, 2020 - This location is now closed) and Koshigaya-shi in Saitama.
4. Cafe Accueil
If you want to try one of the most popular Japanese pancake shops in Tokyo, go to Cafe Accueil. It came first in a ranking of Japanese pancake shops in 2015 and provides a wide range of savory pancakes as well. Cafe Accueil offers specific pancakes with all those fancy toppings and garnishes you crave. These decorative pancakes are truly Instagram-worthy! You can find many flavors at Cafe Accueil, including fruit flavors such as banana, strawberry, mango, and lemon; classic options such as chocolate; and special limited edition flavors such as mint chocolate.
During holiday seasons, you can also order unique pancakes from Cafe Accueil. Around Christmas, they have Christmas Tree Pancakes. It is the biggest pancake in the restaurant! You can share the pancakes with others and enjoy the holiday atmosphere with delectable Japanese pancakes.
5. Mimoza
The big hotcakes from Mimoza are always featured by food magazines. These photogenic five-layered pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, served drizzled with maple syrup and with butter on top. And this whopping stack of pancakes only costs ¥720! Visit Mimoza and take on the food challenge, or go together with your friends to share the giant tower.
Have a sweet tooth? Check out our YouTube channel for tempting Japanese delights!
