It seems that no matter where you go in the world, there will always be a type of pancake for you to try. Whether savory or sweet, these pancakes each bring a unique flavor and texture that matches their country of origin.
Hotteok
Hotteok is a Korean sweet pancake. It is made from a wheat-based dough that is risen like bread.
It is stuffed with sweet, sticky fillings like honey, syrup, or caramel, before being cooked flat. Sometimes nuts and spices are also added to the center.
It is a popular street food that is great on colder nights.
Farinata
Farinata is an Italian savory pancake that is made from chickpea flour. It is baked in a pan and then sliced.
Raggmunk
Raggmunk is Swedish potato pancakes, similar to latkes. They involve grated potato that is mixed with eggs and butter to bind them together before being fried.
These pancakes are popular in the winter season and are typically served with pork and lingonberries.
Buttermilk Pancakes
Buttermilk pancakes are a classic American breakfast. They are quite thick and fluffy so are relatively filling.
They are commonly served in stacks with butter and syrup.
Kaiserschmarrn
Kaiserschmarrn is an Australian pancake. It is a fluffy caramelized pancake that is turned with a fork while it cooks so it looks like it is torn into pieces. It is then served with fruit.
Pannukakku
Pannukakku is a Finnish baked pancake. It is almost custardy in flavor and is sliced into squares and served with powdered sugar.
Fluffy Pancakes
Fluffy pancakes are a viral sensation in Japan. They are made from whipped eggs so they are super fluffy and thick.
They are served with syrup and can be large or small.
Cong You Bing
More commonly known as scallion pancakes, Cong You Bing is a very technically difficult Chinese pancake.
They are almost flatbread-like, being made from dough instead of batter and stuffed with scallions. They are tricky to make as they are folded many times in order to create flakiness similar to croissants.
Cong You Bing is fried in toasted sesame oil which gives them a mildly sweet and nutty flavor.
Msemen
Msemen is a Moroccan pancake that is thin and buttery. It is made from semolina and can be baked instead of fired like other pancakes.
Due to their baked nature, msemen can be square instead of round which makes them quite easy to stuff. They are a typical part of a Moroccan breakfast.
Dosa
Dosa is a thin Indian pancake that is made from lentil and rice flour. They are served rolled and can be stuffed with pretty much anything. Dosa is usually accompanied by a variety of chutneys.
Breton Galette
Breton Galette is a savory type of French pancake. It is made from buckwheat flour so it has a slightly nutty flavor to it.
They are typically filled with an egg being cracked on top part way through cooking so it cooks on top of the Breton galette. It can be served with a variety of toppings but the most common ones are ham and cheese.
Thin Pancakes
These English pancakes are very similar to crepes in their thinness.
They are made by spreading a thin layer of batter in a frying pan which is then flipped to be cooked on the other side. Thin pancakes are typically served with lemon juice and sugar.
Thin pancakes are typically eaten on Shrove Tuesday, more colloquially known as Pancake Day.
Dutch Baby
Dutch Baby is a very large puffy German pancake. It is sweet and baked in a cast iron pan.
As it cooks, the inside collapses into itself so it creates an almost bowl-like shape. This makes it really easy to fill with a variety of sweet toppings.
Blini
Blini is a Russian pancake. They are quite small which makes them difficult to master. They are made from wheat or buckwheat flour.
Blini are typically served savory with sour cream, smoked salmon, and dill.
Injera
Injera is an integral part of Ethiopian cuisine. They are made from teff flour which is fermented. This gives them a slightly tangy taste and a uniquely spongy texture.
Stews, curries, and sauces are served on injera. Pieces are ripped off it in order to eat the food on top making the injera a plate and an eating utensil.
Final Thoughts
The type of pancake in each of these countries says a lot about their eating habits and what ingredients are native there.
