These unconventional pancakes are far from the classic breakfast and brunch dish we have come to know and love. But they are equally delicious too.
Served in a skillet, the Buckwheat Pancakes ($20.50) from this café is a vegetarian option to their equally unusual Spring Pancake and Fried Chicken ($23). The latter is a spring onion and corn pancake topped with fried chicken fillet – unique and comforting, but it is the former that you should go for if you if you want something truly alternative. The incredibly soft buckwheat pancakes features an aromatic nutty aftertaste, and combined with the cornflake crumb, tangy berry fruit compote, passion fruit curd, thyme-infused maple syrup, and edible flowers create a picture pretty dessert that tastes as good as it looks.
146 Neil Road, tel: 6635-8420.
Image: The Populus Coffee and Food
The homemade breads are the mainstay at this quaint cafe next to the One-North MRT, but if you only have stomach for one thing, I highly recommend the Candied Bacon & Grilled Cheese ($12). This breakfast/brunch monstrosity has two thick pancakes that are grilled with mozzarella cheese. Comprising no artificial ingredients, the pancakes are made using wild yeast instead. The texture of the pancakes isn’t light and fluffy – rather, it is full of bite. The stack is then topped off with a sunny side egg and three strips of caramelised bacon before being doused in maple syrup. Trust me when I say it is worth all the calories.
#01-23/24, Galaxis, 1 Fusionopolis Place, tel: 9773-5318.
Image: Bread Yard
There seems to be a rising trend for ondeh ondeh-inspired desserts, and the Ondeh Ondeh Pancakes ($14) at Collective Brewers seem to be no different. But while this creation is nothing new, they do have one of the best one out there. The pandan flavour punches through when you bite into the fluffy (and slightly crispy) buttermilk pancakes, while the gula melaka-infused shredded coconut bits in between add not only texture but a sweet lingering aroma. It also comes with a dollop of vanilla ice cream on the side, for a cold, creamy twist.
301 Changi Rd, tel: 6635-7455.
Image: Collective Brewers
Stirling Highway isn’t your typical café. The no-frills eatery is filled with minimal décor and features a small, simple menu with the usual café grub. But look closer and you’ll notice a few interesting picks, including the Pulled Pork Pancakes ($14). Sandwiched between the soft buttermilk pancakes is the sweet and tangy juicy shredded meat. But the star is the whiskey-infused maple syrup. I recommend drizzling (or drenching!) the syrupy goodness over the pancakes. Whiskey and pork are natural complements, so the alcohol helps to bring out the richness of the meat.
#G1, Ridgewood Condominium, 5 Ridgewood Close, tel: 6464-9607.
Image: Stirling Highway
One of the newest cafes to hit the vibrant café scene in Singapore, Kyushu Pancake offers up a slew of unusual and Insta-worthy café bites that are more than just food gimmicks, because they are delicious too. Most people come for their pancakes, which some tout as “healthy”, because they are made from seven grains that come from different parts of Japan. There is wheat, brown rice, millet, pressed barley, purple rice, red glutinous rice, and non-glutinous rice. The grains add a slightly chewy and dense texture to the pancake, which has just a hint of natural sweetness that tends to get lost amidst the toppings. So go old fashioned and plain if you truly want to taste the pancakes. But if not, order the Eggs Benedict ($18) to see your favourite brunch dish turned into a pancake topper. Have your pancakes soak up the Hollandaise sauce and the runny egg yolk. The bacon strips could be a bit crunchier but the asparagus and salad side gives a refreshing note to the dish.
#01-08, Novena Regency, 275 Thomson Road, tel: 6352-6265.
Image: Kyushu Pancake
Surely you have seen the Academics Pancake Tower ($19) by The Coffee Academics on social media. Comprising layers of thick and fat pancakes, the eye-catching dessert is on a whole league of its own. The toppings aren’t anything fancy – just good ol’ mixed berries and icing sugar, with a side of tart berry sorbet, maple syrup and whipped cream. But the pancakes? Whoah. They are soft, light and fluffy, and buttery, pairing perfectly with the sweet and zesty accompaniments. The portion is large, making for a dessert that can stand as a full meal. Made to order, you will have to wait approximately 20 minutes for the dessert, but it is worth the wait.
#02-01/02, Scotts Square, 6 Scotts Road, tel: 6538-1940.
Image: The Coffee Academics
Strictly Pancakes does pancakes in different forms and they are known for their adventurous takes on this classic breakfast. They have a good range of sweets and savouries, with more unusual flavours such as the Garlic Prawn Pancakes ($14). The dish features pancakes slathered with a thick and delicious cream sauce that is incredibly buttery, garlicky, and perhaps slightly overpowering in taste that you feel that the pancakes are a sideshow. It does get a bit jelak after a while, owing to all the cream, so you might want to order to share.
44A Prinsep Street, tel: 6333 4202.
Image: Strictly Pancakes