For most dessert lovers, pancakes draw the image of spongy American-style flapjacks with lots of butter and a sprinkle of maple syrup. However, there are several types of pancakes from all parts of the world that you can relish. The best part is that you can now search for “pancake near me” and order online to enjoy them from the comfort of your home.
Considering different forms from all parts of the world, right from delicious French crepes to flavourful Indian dosas, pancakes are available in different versions in different countries. Believed to be one of the oldest food preparations in the world, pancakes & flatbreads have been around for millennia. Easy to prepare and irresistibly scrumptious, these breakfast staples are predominant in almost every culture.
While pancakes and flatbreads have changed slightly in the modern era, you can still come across a type that caters to your taste buds and preferences. Let us unveil them all!
List of Popular Pancakes from Across the Globe
Irrespective of the region or nation you grew up in, you must have a special type of pancake in your recipe list. There is something undeniably delicious and simple about preparing a pancake batter and cooking it in different shapes.
Here are some of the most common types of pancakes you must try in your life:
1. Classic American Pancakes
In a typical American colony, pancakes were prepared with either cornmeal or buckwheat. Nowadays, you will come across versions that are made out of all-purpose flour. Still, there are popular variations like oatmeal pancakes as well.
Loaded with the goodness of eggs and milk (in some cases oil also), a typical American pancake achieves its rise from the use of baking powder. All the ingredients of the recipe are blended to form a viscous batter, usually featuring fresh berries or even dark chocolate chips. The batter is then dolloped on a greasy pan and cooked to perfection on both sides.
Eventually, these golden brown goodies are served in layers with a block of butter and a drip of maple syrup to enhance the flavours. These fluffy cakes are enjoyed across the world as popular breakfast options.
2. Crepes
Translucent, easy-to-bend crepes originated in France. However, now they are enjoyed across all parts of the world. To top it all, they are known by different names, like Italian crespelle and Hungarian palacsinta. The classic version is prepared with a moist blend of eggs, some salt, and milk, along with some wheat flour.
It is prepared as a loose batter that can be spread easily across the hot pan. As you spread the thin batter on the pan, it creates a thin, paper-like crust featuring golden, icy patterns throughout. Almost every French household prepares crepes as a breakfast must-have.
Like with most other pancakes, there are both sweet and savoury options available with crepes. Dessert and breakfast crepes typically feature the richness of whipped cream, fruits, chocolates, or syrup. On the other hand, the savoury versions are popular dinner recipes and are stuffed with heavier ingredients like meat, cooked vegetables, eggs, or cheeses.
3. Dosas
Dosas are quite a popular meal option across India, especially in its southern provinces. It is available as a savoury, crepe-like pancake prepared out of a fermented batter. The batter features soaked rice paste and a type of lentil known as “urad dal.”
This pancake version unfolds a tangy, fermented taste. Dosas are available as thin, paper-like, crispy pancakes that are more lacquered and fried. You can come across multiple variations of dosas as well, ranging from plain dosas to stuffed ones featuring onions, potatoes, cottage cheese, and so on.
4. Injera
In Ethiopia and neighbouring regions, injera serves as the foundation of almost all meals. It is available as a spongy pancake prepared with nutty-sweet Teff flour. This pancake variety derives its savoury profile from the fermentation process for several days.
Traditionally, this pancake is cooked on an earthen clay plate over an open fire. Therefore, the dish features smoothness and elasticity on the sides and is pitted & porous on the core. Injera is available as a brown, chewy flatbread that is served on a delicious platter featuring wat—either spiced meat or vegetables.
5. Farinata
This is another delicious savoury pancake from Italy. It is quite a simple dish and features the goodness of various ingredients, including chickpea flour, water, greasy oil, and water. All the ingredients are mixed and baked in a traditional copper pan.
As a result, you get a delicious flatbread featuring crispy outer layers and a moist, smooth inner layer. In different parts of the world, like North Africa, Farinata is spiced with the richness of cumins to achieve a custard-like flavour.
6. Potato Pancakes
Potato pancakes are widespread across different parts of the world, especially in Europe and the Middle East. They are known by different names, right from Hungarian tocsni to Jewish latkes. During the preparation stage, some prefer the use of grated potatoes, while others also use a puree that is combined with eggs and flour to form the batter.
The batter is enriched with the flavours of aromatic spices and ingredients like onions. In Eastern Europe, people prefer topping them with either sweet applesauce or tangy sour cream. Some prefer having them super thin or slightly thick and meaty. However, in almost all cases, these fritter-like pancakes are fried on both sides using a generous amount of oil to result in a golden, crispy layer of rich flavours.
Conclusion
Pancakes, a beloved breakfast and brunch staple, have evolved into a diverse and delicious culinary delight around the world. From fluffy American pancakes to savoury Indian dosas and crispy French crêpes, there’s a pancake variety to satisfy every taste bud.
Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or an adventurous eater seeking new culinary experiences, exploring the world of pancakes is sure to be a delightful journey. The best part is that you can search for “pancake near me to get these delicacies delivered to your doorstep.