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Who doesn’t like pancakes for breakfast? Quintessential yet eclectic, pancakes bring a flavour of both heritage and modern food. Soft, fluffy and delicious, they are loved by kids and grown-ups alike. Often prepared using unleavened dough, which is poured on a hot pan and flipped until crispy and ready to be served, the origin of pancakes can be traced back to the 5th Century when the Greeks called them ‘Tagenítes’. Today, a wide variety of pancakes are served around the globe - each unique in terms of shape, size, texture and taste. Almost every country has its own kind of pancake, while they are also named differently. In India, we often called them cheela. Let’s take a trip down the culinary lanes of the world to explore more about this favourite breakfast item. We bring you five mouth-watering pancakes to begin with:
1. Crepes - France
Crepe is a type of pancake that originated in western France during the 13th Century. Modern crepes are enjoyed all around the world, and can be both sweet and salty. This French word is derived from a feminine version of the Latin word ‘crispus’, meaning curled or wrinkled. Crepes are usually thin and can be folded in any manner, giving it a curly look.
2. Buchimgae - Korea
Buchimgae are Korean pancakes. The batter used for this is made with eggs and an assortment of sweet or savoury ingredients.
3. Blini - Russia
Blini is a kind of Russian pancake, which is made from buckwheat flour and served with a flavoursome topping. Being one of the popular Salvic dishes, it is deeply embedded in Russian culture. These are thin, round and soft. The simple method of making these pancakes and the basic ingredients used in it are said to have led to the popularity of these pancakes.
4. Cachapa - South America
Cachapa originates from Venezuela. Unlike many popular varieties of pancakes, cachapa is made from maize flour, which is wrapped in dry corn leaves and then boiled instead of frying. They are crispy on the outside and tender inside. These pancakes are served folded in halves with lots of butter and desired fillings.
5. Okonomiyaki - Japan
Okonomiyaki is a savoury Japanese pancake prepared using cabbage, meat and seafood. The name is derived from two words - ‘okonomi’, meaning ‘how you like’, and ‘yaki’, meaning ‘cooked’. The name itself tells us that we can make it with anything we like.
