The fluffy Japanese-style soufflé pancake craze is taking the world by storm. Here are the places flipping Asia’s best fluffy pancakes.
Originating from Japan, fluffy soufflé pancakes have made a splash in the international foodie scene. Distinctive for their perfectly round shape, they’re different from your standard, flat pancake fare, thanks to the whipped egg whites that form a key part of their ingredients – and produce the bouncy, jiggly form these fluffed-up orbs are known for. One simple Instagram scroll is all you need to discover endless plates of these cloud-like discs of sugary batter sparking joy for individuals of all ages. See what the hype is all about with our guide to some of the best soufflé pancakes being served up across Asia.
Hong Kong: I Love You Dessert Bar
Michelin 2018 and 2019 ‘The Plate’ recipient, I Love You Dessert Bar is a Hong Kong-born establishment that sells a variety of sweet delights, but it’s their soufflé pancakes that have truly landed them in the spotlight. Known for their unbelievably affordable treats, this humble store sells up to 1000 of their fluffy pancakes on busier days. Although their menu changes every now and then, options like apple cinnamon served with sweet, juicy cubes of caramelised apples and a scoop of vanilla gelato or their distinctively Asian offering of red beans, black sesame cream and bean curd gelato are always firm favourites.
Insider’s Tip: Expect to have your order to-go – the venue has very limited seating.
Address: Shop 3A, GF, Ngai Hing Mansion, 24 Pak Po Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Open From: Mon-Thu: 3pm-11pm; Fri: 3pm-11:30pm; Sat: 1pm-11:30pm; Sun: 1pm-11pm
Japan (Tokyo): A Happy Pancake
Committed to a no-additives, no-baking powder philosophy, A Happy Pancake serves kneaded-to-order, freshly steamed pancakes that have cultivated a loyal fanbase in Tokyo and beyond. Although sweet flavours dominate the menu here (think fresh bananas coated in lusciously rich chocolate sauce and refreshing strawberries and cream), they also offer mini soufflé pancakes that are served with various savoury sides like smoked salmon and avocado, cream cheese or bacon and scrambled eggs.
Insider’s Tip: Menu options vary slightly across different stores here. So call ahead if you’re keen to try something in particular.
Address: 1-18-8 Dogenzaka | Dougenzaka Plaza Nishinaya Bldg. 3F, Shibuya 150-0043, Tokyo Prefecture (check their website for more locations!)
Open From: Mon-Fri: 10:30am-8:30pm (last order 7:40pm); Sat-Sun & Public Holidays: 10am-8:30pm (last order 7:40pm)
IG: @halimpartana
IG: @ahappypancake
Singapore: Fluff Stack
A cosy cafe space in Singapore, Fluff Stack is daintily decorated in pink and white with hanging lights that set a fairytale-like atmosphere. From a classic, not-too-sweet honey butter pancake stacked with chantilly cream and thick maple syrup to tangy mango passion fruit with coconut sago and crunchy passion fruit seeds, this place makes your wildest fluffy pancake dreams come true. There is even an oolong boba (tapioca pearl) flavour with rich, milk tea flavoured cream and gummy-like pearls. Made to order, each stack of wonderfully soft, wobbly pancakes here takes around 15 minutes to prepare.
Insider’s Tip: Conveniently located in Suntec city’s basement-level F&B section, head to Fluff Stack for delicious desserts after grabbing a meal at one of the many eateries nearby.
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #B1-K4, Suntec City Mall Temasek Boulevard West Atrium, Singapore 038983
Open From: Mon-Fri: 11am-10pm; Sat-Sun: 10am-10pm
Taiwan (Taipei): Woosa
A beautiful cafe with wooden furniture and pops of bright blue, Woosa’s biggest draw is their delectable pancake options. With a menu available in Chinese, Japanese and English, customers here get to choose from six dressings to top their cloud-like, folded-over pancakes, including creamy honey vanilla ice cream with thick ribbons of maple syrup as well as refreshing wild berries with strawberry ice cream.
Insider’s Tip: Although Woosa usually attracts long queues, you can leave your number at the hostess stand and stroll around Q-Square mall while you wait for your turn.
Address: 2F, No. 1, Section 1, Chengde Road, Datong District, Taipei 103, Taiwan (click here for more locations!)
Open From: Mon-Thu, Sun: 11am-9:30pm; Fri-Sat: 11am-10pm
You might also like Taipei’s Top 5 Boba Snacks
IG: @fluffstack
FB: @woosa.pancake
Thailand (Bangkok): Souffle&Souffle
Souffle&Souffle is a hidden gem in Thong Lor brimming with green plants, atmospheric lighting, wood accents and feel-good, homely decor. And then you’ve got their pancakes. Whether it’s the fruity option with an assortment of fresh and carefully cut strawberries, kiwis and oranges, or their thick chocolate-infused pancakes with velvety rich chocolate sauce drizzled atop, these melt-in-your-mouth clouds of happiness are guaranteed to make you come back for more. For those who prefer more savoury options, soufflé pancakes with creamy scrambled eggs, homemade tomato sauce and flavourful Canadian-style bacon are also up for grabs.
Insider’s Tip: Souffle&Souffle may be a little difficult to locate for first-timers as they are located above street level. Keep your eyes peeled and looking up for a small, brown sign with Japanese characters.
Address: 56/8, Soi Sukhumvit 55, Khlong Tan Nuea, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Open From: Mon-Sun: 8am-10pm
Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh): The Other Place
Fusion restaurant The Other Place is a cosy, moodily lit bistro and bar filled to the brim with pink decor and enchanting fairy-lights. Nestled in the heart of Saigon, this spot serves up all types of innovatively unique dishes, but a much-loved highlight is their jaw-droppingly soft and airy soufflé pancakes. Snagging a spot on the must-try list of many customers, these delicious stacks come with the heavenly balanced flavours of thick burnt white chocolate mousse, miso butter and mulberry sauce.
Insider’s Tip: Offering 50% off all cocktails by the glass, The Other Place has Happy Hour every Tuesday to Saturday.
Address: 93 Ton That Dam, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
Open From: Tue-Fri: 5pm-10pm; Sat-Sun: 10am-3pm, 5pm-10pm
IG: @aroii
IG: @hygge.notes
Australia (Melbourne): Infuse (Greensborough branch)
Serving up decadent Japanese soufflé buttermilk pancakes, the golden-brown, fluffy delights at Infuse glisten with a sweet maple syrup coating. And then you’ve got a scoop of authentically-flavoured vanilla bean ice cream sitting atop crunchy oat crumbs, shaved white chocolate chunks and vibrant fresh raspberries to contend with. With delicately-dusted powdered sugar as a finishing touch, your eye-opening culinary experience here is topped with friendly and quick service.
Insider’s Tip: Keep in mind that these Japanese-style fluffy pancakes are only available in this cafe’s Greensborough location!
Address: 91 Grimshaw St, Greensborough, Banyule, Victoria 3088, Australia
Open From: Mon-Thu: 10am-3pm, 4:30-10pm; Fri 10am-3pm, 4:30-11pm; Sat: 8am-11pm; Sun: 8am-9:30pm
IG: @infusegreensborough
Banner Photo Credits: FB: @fluffstack.cafe
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