The trend of four thick fluffy pancakes is taking off in sync with Japan, igniting your sweet tooth soul

By MOOK Scenic Spots Wu Pin-xuan, compiled and reported
 
Soft and fluffy, they bring a burst of happiness with every bite. In recent years, Japan has seen a surge in the popularity of thick fluffy pancakes. Compared to regular pancakes, thick ones require a longer baking time, and the careful, prolonged cooking allows the flavors to be more concentrated~ Here are four popular thick pancake shops — you don’t have to go to Japan, as there are plenty of delicious options all over Taipei, central, and southern Taiwan!

1. UZNA OMOM Apricot Peach Pancake Shop
 
The popular brand ‘Apricot Peach Pancake Shop’ from Tokyo’s Omotesando “Ura-Harajuku Cat Street” has many branches in Taiwan. It presents authentic Tokyo ingredients and tableware, fully conveying the characteristics of the original store in Harajuku, Tokyo. What makes Apricot Peach Pancake Shop unique is its use of specialty ingredients such as Hokkaido wheat flour, NAKAZAWA fresh cream from Hokkaido, and local Miaoli eggs to cook pancakes up to 4 cm thick — claimed to be the thickest in all of Taiwan — called the “Soufflé Thick Pancake.”

[Info]
Zhongxiao Branch
Address: No. 16, Lane 19, Alley 216, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Rd., Da’an District, Taipei City
Phone: 02 2771 2977

Zhongli Dajiang Branch
Address: 4F, No. 501, Section 2, Zhongyuan Rd., Zhongli District, Taoyuan City (4F, Dajiang International Shopping Center)
Phone: 03-468-0333
 
Uni-President Times Square Branch
Address: 1F, No. 8, Section 5, Zhongxiao East Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei City (1F, Uni-President Times Square)
Phone: 02-2722-0179
 
Taipei Nangang Branch
Address: 2F, No. 369, Section 7, Zhongxiao East Rd., Nangang District, Taipei City (2F, Building A, CITYLINK Nangang Station)
Phone: 02-2652-9220
 
SOGO Fuxing Branch
Address: 5F, No. 300, Section 3, Zhongxiao East Rd., Da’an District, Taipei City (5F, SOGO Fuxing Department Store)
Phone: 02-8772-3030
 
 
2. Yukinoshita Taipei
 
Awarded the best dessert two years in a row by Japan’s largest food website Tabelog, “Yukinoshita” is known for its 4 cm-thick freshly baked pancakes and shaved ice made with fresh fruit. Its Taipei location is its first overseas branch, using over 90% of the same ingredients as its Japanese counterpart. Yukinoshita’s chocolate-flavored thick pancake uses VAN HOUTEN cocoa powder — its highlight is the rich, deep chocolate flavor that comes through in the pancake itself.

[Info]
Address: 1F, No. 3, Lane 16, Alley 553, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Rd., Taipei City
Phone: 02-27468119
Closed on Wednesdays
 
 
3. Autumn Soufflé Hot · Pancake
 
“Autumn Soufflé Hot · Pancake” is a super-popular IG-worthy dessert in Tainan for afternoon tea. Made to order with no baking powder or pancake mix, these naturally healthy, thick soufflé pancakes are made with wholesome ingredients and have a chewy, soft, and smooth texture. There are limited seats for dine-in, so be sure to make a reservation in advance. The interior features a Japanese-style grocery aesthetic that creates a cozy and comforting atmosphere.

[Info]
Address: No. 117, Section 2, Yongfu Road, West Central District, Tainan City
Phone: 06 223 6586
Closed on Mondays
 
 
4. Jamling café
 
The owner of Jamling Café is a native Japanese, and the café’s specialty is freshly made Japanese-style thick pancakes with a wide variety of both sweet and savory flavors. The pancakes at Jamling Café melt in your mouth — an amazing taste experience. They contain no cream and are made with high-quality eggs, dairy products, and imported Japanese wheat flour. Definitely worth a try.