In this infographic we share 13 pancake toppings from around the world.

Here’s what makes the list:

  • Korea – Kimchi pancake (kimchi jeon)
  • Malaysia – Coconut-palm sugar pancakes (kueh dadar)
  • Russia – Cottage cheese pancakes with sour cream and caramelised apples (syrniki)
  • Lebanon – Pancakes filled with walnuts and cream (katayef)
  • Canada – Blueberry pancakes with bacon
  • Austria – Pancakes with stewed plums (Kaiserschmarrn)
  • Finland – Stinging nettle pancakes (nokkosletut)
  • Australia – Buckwheat crepes with mango, macadamia and kithul
  • New Zealand – Yoghurt pikelets and kiwifruit jam
  • France – Crepes with chocolate sauce (crêpes sauce chocolat)
  • North Africa – Semolina pancakes with honey butter and honeycomb (baghrir)
  • Japan – Sweet chestnut cream pancakes (dorayaki)
  • Thailand – charcoal & cheese

Check out the infographic for more detail.

 

Pancakes are a universal comfort food loved by people of all ages and cultures. Whether you prefer them thin and delicate like crepes or thick and fluffy like American pancakes, one thing is for certain: pancakes provide the perfect canvas for an endless array of delicious toppings.

While maple syrup and butter might be the classic go-to for many, there’s a whole world of pancake toppings waiting to be explored.

Join us on a culinary journey as we discover 13 pancake toppings from around the globe that will tantalize your taste buds and awaken your sense of adventure.

Korea – Kimchi Pancake (Kimchi Jeon)

Korean cuisine is known for its bold flavors and inventive use of ingredients, and kimchi pancakes are no exception. Kimchi jeon is a savory pancake made with kimchi, the iconic fermented cabbage dish that is a staple of Korean cuisine.

The tangy and spicy kimchi adds a punch of flavor to the pancake batter, creating a crispy and flavorful pancake that is perfect for any meal of the day.

Malaysia – Coconut-Palm Sugar Pancakes (Kueh Dadar)

Kueh dadar, also known as “coconut pancakes” or “green pancakes,” are a popular dessert in Malaysia. These delicate pancakes are filled with a sweet mixture of grated coconut and palm sugar, giving them a rich and caramel-like flavor. The pancakes are then rolled up into neat little parcels, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Russia – Cottage Cheese Pancakes with Sour Cream and Caramelized Apples (Syrniki)

Syrniki are a beloved breakfast dish in Russia, made from a mixture of cottage cheese, flour, eggs, and sugar. The resulting pancakes are light and fluffy on the inside, with a golden-brown crust on the outside. They are often served with a dollop of sour cream and topped with caramelized apples for a sweet and tangy twist.

Lebanon – Pancakes Filled with Walnuts and Cream (Katayef)

Katayef are a type of stuffed pancake commonly enjoyed in Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries during the month of Ramadan. These crescent-shaped pancakes are filled with a mixture of walnuts, sugar, and cream, then folded over and fried until golden brown. They are typically served drizzled with syrup or honey, adding a touch of sweetness to the rich and nutty filling.

Canada – Blueberry Pancakes with Bacon

No list of pancake toppings would be complete without a nod to the classic combination of blueberries and bacon. In Canada, fluffy buttermilk pancakes studded with juicy blueberries are often served alongside crispy strips of bacon for a sweet and savory breakfast treat that never fails to satisfy.

Austria – Pancakes with Stewed Plums (Kaiserschmarrn)

Kaiserschmarrn is a traditional Austrian pancake dish that is as fun to say as it is to eat. This shredded pancake is made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, milk, and sugar, then torn into pieces and pan-fried until golden and crispy. It is typically served with stewed plums or other fruit compotes, adding a burst of tartness to the sweet and fluffy pancake.

Finland – Stinging Nettle Pancakes (Nokkosletut)

In Finland, nettles are not just weeds – they’re also a delicious addition to pancakes. Nokkosletut are savory pancakes made with stinging nettles, which are blanched to remove their sting before being mixed into the batter. The result is a vibrant green pancake with a subtle earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese.

Australia – Buckwheat Crepes with Mango, Macadamia, and Kithul

Australian cuisine is known for its fresh and vibrant flavors, and these buckwheat crepes are no exception. Made with nutty buckwheat flour, these thin and delicate crepes are filled with ripe mango, crunchy macadamia nuts, and sweet kithul syrup for a tropical twist on a classic dish.

New Zealand – Yoghurt Pikelets and Kiwifruit Jam

Pikelets are a type of small, thick pancake that is popular in New Zealand, often served as a snack or a light meal. These fluffy little pancakes are made with yogurt for added tanginess and are traditionally served with a dollop of kiwifruit jam for a sweet and fruity burst of flavor.

France – Crepes with Chocolate Sauce (Crêpes Sauce Chocolat)

When it comes to pancakes, the French know how to do it right. Crepes are a beloved treat in France, where they are often enjoyed with a simple drizzle of chocolate sauce. Made from thin batter and cooked until golden and lacy, these delicate pancakes are the perfect vehicle for rich and indulgent chocolate sauce.

North Africa – Semolina Pancakes with Honey Butter and Honeycomb (Baghrir)

Baghrir, also known as “Moroccan pancakes” or “thousand-hole pancakes,” are a staple of North African cuisine. Made from a batter of semolina flour, yeast, and water, these spongy pancakes are cooked on one side only, leaving the other side porous and full of tiny holes. They are typically served with a dollop of honey butter and a piece of honeycomb for a sweet and sticky treat.

Japan – Sweet Chestnut Cream Pancakes (Dorayaki)

Dorayaki are a popular Japanese snack made from two small pancakes sandwiched together with a sweet filling. While they can be filled with various ingredients, one of the most beloved fillings is sweet chestnut cream, which adds a rich and nutty flavor to the fluffy pancakes.

Thailand – Charcoal & Cheese

Thailand is known for its bold and innovative cuisine, and charcoal and cheese pancakes are no exception. These unique pancakes are made with activated charcoal for a striking black color and are filled with gooey melted cheese for a savory twist on a classic dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pancakes may be a simple and humble dish, but they have the potential to be so much more. From savory kimchi pancakes in Korea to sweet and sticky baghrir in North Africa, the possibilities are endless when it comes to pancake toppings from around the world.

So why not step out of your comfort zone and give one of these international pancake toppings a try? Your taste buds will thank you for it.