Pancakes, a beloved breakfast staple enjoyed across cultures, come in various forms, flavours, and textures. From fluffy stacks drizzled with syrup to thin, delicate crepes, pancakes have a universal appeal that transcends borders. In this article, we will take you on a gastronomic journey to explore the top 10 pancakes you must try globally. From Dutch Baby Pancakes to Swedish Pancakes, each pancake offers a unique culinary experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
1. Dutch Baby Pancakes: A Puffy Delight
Dutch Baby Pancakes, also known as German Pancakes, are a cross between a pancake and a popover. These puffy delights are made from a simple batter consisting of flour, eggs, milk, and butter. The batter is poured into a hot skillet and baked until it puffs up and turns golden brown. The result is a pancake with a crispy exterior and a soft, custard-like interior. Dutch Baby Pancakes are often served with powdered sugar, fresh fruits, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
2. Swedish Pancakes: Thin and Delicate
Swedish Pancakes, or Svenska Pannkakor, are thin and delicate pancakes that are similar to crepes. The batter is made from a mixture of flour, milk, eggs, and a pinch of salt. These pancakes are cooked on a hot griddle or frying pan until they turn golden brown. Swedish Pancakes are typically served rolled up and can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings, such as lingonberry jam, whipped cream, or powdered sugar.
3. Japanese Souffle Pancakes: Fluffy and Light
Japanese Souffle Pancakes have gained popularity in recent years for their incredibly fluffy and light texture. The batter is made by separating the egg whites and yolks, whipping the whites until stiff peaks form, and then gently folding them into the rest of the batter. This technique creates a pancake that is airy and souffle-like in texture. Japanese Souffle Pancakes are often served with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh fruits, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
4. American Buttermilk Pancakes: Classic and Comforting
No list of top pancakes would be complete without mentioning American Buttermilk Pancakes. These pancakes are made with buttermilk, which gives them a tangy flavour and a tender, moist texture. The batter is made from a combination of flour, buttermilk, eggs, baking powder, sugar, and melted butter. American Buttermilk Pancakes are cooked on a griddle until they are golden brown on both sides. They are commonly served with butter and maple syrup but can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings like fresh berries or chocolate chips.
5. French Crepes: Versatile and Elegant
French Crepes are thin, delicate pancakes that are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed with both sweet and savoury fillings. The batter is made from a simple mixture of flour, milk, eggs, and a pinch of salt. The batter is then spread thinly on a hot crepe pan or skillet and cooked until golden brown. French Crepes can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as Nutella, fresh fruits, cheese, or ham. They are often folded or rolled and can be topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
6. Dutch Stroopwafels: Chewy and Sweet
Dutch Stroopwafels are unique pancakes that consist of two thin, round waffles sandwiched together with a sticky caramel filling. The batter is made from a mixture of flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and yeast. The dough is pressed onto a hot waffle iron to create thin waffles, which are then sliced in half horizontally and filled with homemade caramel syrup. The result is a chewy, sweet treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.
7. Indian Dosas: Crispy and Savory
Dosas are thin, crispy pancakes that are a staple in South Indian cuisine. The batter is made from fermented rice and lentils, which gives dosas their distinct tangy flavour. The batter is spread thinly on a hot griddle and cooked until crispy and golden brown. Dosas are often served with a variety of chutneys and sambar, a lentil-based vegetable stew. They can be filled with spiced potato filling, making them a satisfying and flavorful meal.
8. Russian Blini: Traditional and Savory
Blini, traditional Russian pancakes, are similar to French Crepes but with a slightly thicker texture. The batter is made from buckwheat flour, yeast, milk, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Blini are traditionally served with savoury toppings such as caviar, sour cream, smoked salmon, or pickled herring. They can also be enjoyed with sweet fillings like jam or honey.
9. Korean Hotteok: Sweet and Filled
Hotteok is a popular street food in Korea, often enjoyed during the winter months. These pancakes are made with a yeast-based dough and filled with a sweet mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. The filled dough is flattened and cooked on a griddle until golden brown and crispy. When served warm, Hotteok offers a delightful combination of crispy exterior and gooey, sweet filling.
10. Malaysian Apam Balik: Thick and Fluffy
Apam Balik, also known as the Malaysian Peanut Pancake, is a thick and fluffy pancake that is a favourite snack in Malaysia. The batter is made from a mixture of flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder, and coconut milk. The pancake is cooked on a griddle until golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. Apam Balik is traditionally filled with a mixture of crushed peanuts, sugar, and sweet corn, creating a delightful blend of textures and flavours.
Pancakes, in their various forms and flavours, offer a delightful culinary experience that can be enjoyed across the globe. From the puffy Dutch Baby Pancakes to the savoury Indian Dosas, each pancake on this list presents a unique combination of taste, texture, and preparation methods. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, fluffy or crispy, there is a pancake out there to satisfy every palate. So, embark on this pancake adventure, try these top 10 pancakes from around the world, and expand your breakfast horizons.