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Photo: Flipper'sFluffy pancakes at Flipper's

Best fluffy pancakes in Tokyo

Fluffy or soufflé pancakes: whatever you call them, these light, airy and cloud-like pancakes have become an iconic Tokyo dessert

Kaila Imada
Written by
Time Out Tokyo Editors
&
Kaila Imada
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Pancakes are a hit in Tokyo, and there are generally two camps of pancake fans: those in favour of the classic style, and those who drool over stacks of pancakes that look very much like soufflé. The latter pancake style has been increasing in popularity, thanks to its soft, light and fluffly mouthful.

Soufflé pancakes are characterised by their liberal use of eggs and whipped egg whites in the batter to create the signature fluffly, cloud-like texture. They are then topped with cream, caramel, nuts and fruits such as banana and strawberries. These pancakes are more time-consuming to make, so be prepared to wait. But trust us, it’s worth it.

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Stacks on stacks

  • Restaurants
  • Cafés
  • Harajuku

There's no shortage of pancake cafés around Harajuku, but this mainstay is trying to surprise the competition with its extra-thick, extra-fluffy pancakes that are made with ricotta cheese. Each plate is served simply with mildly sweetened whipped cream and maple syrup. Micasadeco also offers creative combinations like mochi pancakes served with kinako (roasted soybean powder) and a simple lunch menu composed of pasta, risotto and eggs benedict.

  • Restaurants
  • Cafés
  • Shimokitazawa

This Shimokitazawa joint is looking to charm sweets fiends with their light-as-air pancakes topped with fruit or the shop's original maple butter cream. Its super-fluffy, airy, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes are made with ricotta, buttermilk or meringue, giving them that texture that's the talk of town. Look out for long queues as it’s a popular spot; in other words, don’t expect to just walk in – especially on weekends. But if you have the patience, getting in line for some of Tokyo’s most Instagrammable desserts will be well worth it.

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  • Restaurants
  • Cafés
  • Shibuya

The name alone will get you smiling, but luckily the flavours are good enough for you to continue grinning at this Shibuya outpost of the Osaka-born chain. They're very firm in their commitment to a no-additive, no-baking powder philosophy, which means they steam their pancakes and do all kinds of other inventive things for a surprisingly soft yet scrumptious finish.

  • Restaurants
  • Vegan
  • Shinjuku-Sanchome

Sweet tooth but still like to feel healthy? Allow us to introduce you to your new best friend. Vegan restaurant Ain Soph. Journey serves the fattest, fluffiest pancakes as a main meal set, accompanied by vegan cheese, jam, cream, ice cream, nuts and fruit. It comes with a chunky fresh salad, presented in a tall glass with walnut and olive oil dressing, and a thick tomato soup, as well as your choice of tea served in a delicate silver Moroccan teapot.

More treats this way

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