If you come to Japan, especially to cafés, you will see that they offer something similar to pancakes, but they are thicker and apparently fluffier. Are Japanese hotcakes so different from classic pancakes?
The Fluffiest Pancakes Ever
Japanese hotcakes are known for their tall, fluffy, and airy texture—more like a sponge cake than a traditional Western pancake. The fluffiness is often achieved by using techniques like separating and whipping the egg whites, using buttermilk, or adding baking powder generously.
Toppings and More Toppings!
Unlike most pancakes, which often rely on toppings for sweetness, Japanese hotcakes have a light sweetness baked into the batter, giving them a more delicate flavor. As for toppings, they are typically served with a pat of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. Sometimes, they are served with fruits, whipped cream, or even ice cream, but always with a neat, balanced aesthetic.
Trendy Areas in Tokyo
You can find hotcakes at numerous cafés serving their own version of hotcakes throughout Tokyo. However, one area that has been popular for many years is Harajuku. Keep in mind that at many of these cafés, you will have to wait 20–30 minutes for your order, as they are carefully slow-cooked.
Like Eating a Marshmallow
When I was a teenager, I used to make pancakes with my friends at home in the summer and smear them with chocolate, so eating pancakes always brings back memories and makes me feel a little nostalgic. However, Japanese hotcakes are completely different from the ones I used to make years ago: they have a very soft texture, similar to marshmallows, and the batter tastes sweeter to me than traditional pancake batter. Therefore, it is not necessary to add many sweet toppings (such as chocolate), as they are already sweet on their own. Although I have tried to recreate this dessert at home, I have not yet been able to achieve that fluffy texture that characterises them. Will I ever succeed?
