Pancakes from around the World

Making Grandma’s flannel cakes recipe last week, made me wonder about pancakes. Since a lot of you had no idea what flannel cakes were, it made me think about how varying regions and countries have similar foods made in different ways.

This popular yet super simple food is one of the tastiest and most loved treats across the world. Pancakes offer a versatile snack, dessert or breakfast dish with cultures creating their own delicious versions of this foodie favorite. Some countries have traditions and days where this food is celebrated such as Britain’s Shrove Tuesday. Here in the US, we had National Pancake Day March 7. This occasion is historically known as the day where all perishable ingredients are eaten before the period of fasting before lent. Today it’s more of a commercial holiday, and thousands are eaten across households all over the US and the UK.

Pancake recipes come in many forms with cultures creating their own versions of this scrumptious food. They may carry different names, but the basics are the same. They’re much loved across the world. The French enjoy a delicious variation known as the crêpe. We American’s love light and fluffy versions made with baking powder. China opts for a tasty savory pancake made with dough and not batter. Whatever variation you choose to enjoy, there are so many ways in which pancakes create the perfect meal, snack or dessert. Take a look at some of the most popular pancake examples from across the world and delve into the scrumptious world of pancakes.

UK – Pancakes

Traditionally English pancakes are made with flour, eggs and milk and formed into a thin, flat style pancake. They are enjoyed with lemon juice and sugar, and sometimes for the sweet tooth, golden or maple syrup. It’s also the perfect time to perfect those flipping skills too since you want each side to be a light golden brown. More often than not, pancake flipping makes for great entertainment as inevitably you may end up with some massive pancake flops. If you haven’t seen Christmas in Connecticut with Barbara Stanwyck flipping pancakes, you’ve got to! 

America – Buttermilk pancakes

The thought of American style pancakes may already be making your mouth water. This smaller, light and fluffy example is generally made with baking powder to give them that signature thickness. Topping these pancakes with butter, syrup and crispy bacon certainly get your taste buds tingling, making it the ideal breakfast treat too.

China – Scallion pancakes

Chinese pancakes have a savory taste and work perfectly with a range of dishes. They are created with dough rather that batter. This gives the pancake a chewy and flaky taste compared to its sweet counterpart. Seasoning or light vegetables are also often mixed into the dough and can be served with a delicious soy sauce for the perfect complement.

France – Crêpes

This style of pancake is popular across the globe. Crêpes are large and very thin and often folded with a plentiful selection of fillings dependent on your tastes. This pancake takes on both sweet and savory varieties. A favorite is putting chocolate or hazelnut fillings inside or perhaps for a savory treat, try cheeses and vegetables for a delightful alternative.

Japan – Okonomiyaki

The Japanese style pancake also has a savory taste and a slightly thicker texture. Traditionally they are made from flour, egg, cabbage and whatever ingredients you’d like to add in. They are perfect for accompanying many different meals or just eating as savory snacks.

Netherlands – Pannenkoeken

This spectacular pancake is generally larger than other country’s creations. The pancake is often baked in a large pan and takes on a sweet souffléd texture and taste. It is then topped with delicious fruits and sugar and offers a yummy dessert or sweet treat.

Sweden – Raggmunk

Swedish pancakes offer another savory variety to the mix. Also known as potato pancakes, you’ve guessed it they are made with potatoes. They have a slightly thicker consistency yet if cooked perfectly, they make a light and tasty complement to your meal. I love potato pancakes! We’ve had them different ways, so I’m going to have to try this Swedish version for sure.

Venezuela and Columbia – Cachapas

This is the perfect pancake variety for all of you cheese lovers out there. This spectacular creation is made from corn kernels that help to give this pancake its sweet overtones. After they are formed, they are then folded in half and filled with shredded soft cheese and cooked further. This leaves you with a warm gooey pancake with a sensational sweet and savory taste.

India – Uttapam

This tasty pancake offers a great way to fill up on healthy and flavorful foods. Indian pancakes are created with fermented rice, black lentils, chopped onions and seasoning to taste. You can also add a range of vegetables to the mix for a range of flavors. These pancakes have a crispy texture on the edge while the middle is spongy. When accompanied by chutney or Sāmbhar, it offers the perfect dish from breakfast to evening meals.

Have you tried these pancakes?

Have you tried any of these different types of pancakes? I would love to hear which ones are your favorites. If you have tried them, did you try them while traveling, or did you get adventurous and make them on your own? Happy eating!