Hot on the heels of the soufflé pancake craze comes the opening of Yukinoshita – a hugely popular Tokyo dessert store that specialises in thick-fried pancakes. Unlike their delicately, fluffy, cloudlike counterparts, these atsuyaki pancakes are dense and tight-crumbed, with a texture that’s more cake-like than your regular breakfast stack. There are currently five flavours to choose from, all of which are made with Japanese eggs and measure at an impressive 4cm in height. We recommend the classic mandarin honey ($68) with a pat of Miyazaki butter, as well as the unabashedly decadent dark chocolate pancake ($78) made with 72 percent Swiss chocolate.
If pancakes aren’t your jam, Yukinoshita also serves shaved ice desserts flavoured with seasonal farm-fresh fruits from Japan. There are also a handful of savoury options on the menu, but we definitely recommend indulging your sweet tooth while you’re here.