Breakfast for champions

Growing up in India in the '90s or earlier, you would have probably read about pancakes in an Enid Blyton book. Many believe they were invented in 1st century Rome, using milk, flour, eggs, and spices. Today, you can find a wide variety of them in the city. And ahead of World Pancake Day, we pick our top eight versions.

Sunday special

A brunch go-to at this SoBo eatery, the dish comes with mascarpone bavarois, coffee meringue, cocoa, and coffee-amaretto syrup, turning it into a tiramisu version. "We wanted to elevate the traditional pancake with butter and honey/maple syrup. We were then inspired by our signature tiramisu," says Louis Gomes, head chef.

At The Table, Apollo Bunder Marg, Colaba.
Timing 11.30 am to 3.30 pm; 7 pm to 11.30 pm
Call 22825000
Cost Rs 750

Fluffy feast

When pancakes reached Japan, they came up with a fluffy, pillowy version that is soft and airy like cotton candy. And this Bandra eatery has introduced those that tastes like a dream. "They are like custardy clouds on a plate, and quite popular due to their texture. It's tricky to make soufflé pancakes, but totally worth it. They make a fizzy, bubbly sound when you cut them," says chef Mohini Jadeja.

At Kale and Quinoa, 15 A, Union Park, Off Carter's Road, Bandra West.
Timing 10 am to 12 am
Call 7304871441
Cost Rs 245

Cinnamon calling

This eatery has taken a favourite snack - cinnamon roll - and turned it into a pancake. Just like the good ol' gooey rolls you heat up in the microwave to get the right texture, their cinnamon roll pancake with butter glaze also melts in your mouth in seconds.

At Dirty Buns, 9A, Trade View Building, Kamala Mills Compound, Gate No 4, Lower Parel.
Timing 12.30 pm to 4 pm; 6.30 pm to 1 am
Call 8433988838
Cost Rs 500

Vegan treat

Light, fluffy vegan pancakes are perfect if you don't want to cheat on your diet. This eatery is serving high-fibre oatmeal pancakes with a savoury touch - they come with tomato-garlic chutney. "As guests are focusing on healthy eating and staying fit with foods that can provide them with high energy, we wanted to serve a wholesome and yummy dish. Our oatmeal pancake is vegan, too. And the tomato-garlic chutney it's served with is a great source of vitamins and improves cholesterol levels," says executive chef Nitin Kulkarni.

At Indigo Deli, New Link Road, Malad West. (All outlets)
Timing 12 pm to 10.45 pm
Call 28716666
Cost Rs 400

Mithai musings

This eatery has turned the malpua, a desi pancake made with rice flour in ghee and sugar, into something else. "We've made fluffy malpuas and added a scoop of motichoor-flavored ice cream. The malpua has a tinge of cinnamon, which helps combine the two traditional Indian desserts," says chef Santosh Parulekar.

At Khao Piyo Jiyo, Dimple Arcade, Thakur Complex, Kandivali East.
Timing 12 pm to 12.45 am
Call 7738370515
Cost Rs 345

Sweet nostalgia

Take a walk down memory lane with this sweet potato and sugarcane kackwee pancake. "We make it like a rösti, so it doesn't need a binding agent. It's crisp and crunchy with a soft, tender filling inside. Growing up, my grandmother used to add sweet potato to different preparations," says executive head chef Shailendra Kekade.

At Sante Spa Cuisine, Unit 6, 1st International Financial Centre, G Block, BKC.
Timing 11 am to 12 am
Call 9136962944
Cost Rs 330

Guilt and gluten-free

This gluten-free option is for those who have been missing out on this sweet treat. "We make the batter with almond, oatmeal and coconut flour. It's additive-free and gluten-free as we use vanilla-infused honey from a farm in Kashmir, and a housemade berry and chia compote for sweetness," founder Vanika Choudhary explains.

At Sequel, Dr VB Gandhi Marg, Fort.
Timing 8 am to 10.30 pm
Call 22659000
Cost Rs 450

Stuffed with seafood

If you love Korean cuisine, try the seafood pancake, a gluten-free option with calamari and prawns. "This is a play on a Korean scallion pancake I used to eat while growing up. But the fried shrimp and calamari would be on the side. I would roll it up in the pancake. Here, we have stuffed it in the pancake," says chef Boo Kim.

At Bastian, Bandra West.
Timing 12 pm to 3 pm; 7 pm to 1 am
Call 7045083714
Cost Rs 650

Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and also a complete guide on Mumbai from food to things to do and events across the city here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates