The Fluffiest Japanese Pancakes in London – Hefaure vs Fuwa Fuwa
The Fluffiest Japanese Pancakes in London – Hefaure vs Fuwa Fuwa
Go to Hefaure in Chinatown and Fuwa Fuwa in Bloomsbury for the best Japanese Pancakes in London
I first knew I wanted to try Fluffy Japanese pancakes in London when I saw them pop up on Instagram. Before I knew it, my feed was full of the thickest pancakes you’ve ever seen. They were from two different cafes – Hefaure in Chinatown, and Fuwa Fuwa in London.
Those fluffy pancakes looked so damn wobbly. And bouncy. I knew I had to have them. You could say I’d been influenced.
And that rush of need happened just before the covid lockdown, in March 2020. Then everything shutdown and boom, all my plans were thwarted. Suddenly, there were no more fluffy Japanese pancakes in London.
Now we’re back open and I won’t let those squidgy pancakes evade me anymore.
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Cool story bro. So, what are Japanese pancakes?
Japanese pancakes are also known as souffle pancakes, because they’re as airy and fluffy as a souffle. They’re the lightest kind of pancake I’ve ever had, but at the same time they’re puffy and voluminous. Eating them is a treat.
When I visited Hefaure and Fuwa Fuwa, I got to sneak a little peak into how Japanese pancakes are made.
They’re made in much the same way as a souffle, with egg white that are beaten to form a meringue. It’s this airy mass that gives the pancakes their rise and fluffiness.
The meringue mixture is gently folded into the pancake batter, and then scooped into large hillocks onto a pan. The pan has a lid, so the souffle pancakes get low-level heat from the surface of the pan but they’re also steamed. It’s important to get this heating part right if you wanna achieve the lightness and delicacy of traditional Japanese pancakes.
What do Japanese souffle pancakes taste like?
Japanese souffle pancakes are the lightest kind of pancake I’ve ever had, but at the same time they’re puffy and voluminous.
And they can be served with pretty much anything, from strawberries and cream to crushed biscoff and caramel. The latter is especially popular in London.
So, now you know what they are – here’s where you can eat fluffy Japanese pancakes in London.
Japanese pancakes at Hefaure, Chinatown
Hefaure is located on the end of Shaftesbury Avenue closest to Chinatown. It’s a tiny place, and oyu can’t even go in – you stand on the street and order at the booth. It’s so small that you might miss it. Except, on most days, there’s a line of people queuing up to eat Japanese souffle pancakes.
And I can understand the popularity. If you search for #japanesepancakeinLondon on Instagram you’ll soon find a trail that leads back to Hefaure.
In fact, I’ve seen so many pictures of their puffy pancakes that I knew I had to come to Hefaure for my first bite.
So here’s what happened. After waiting 10 minutes in the queue at Hefaure, then ordering, and then waiting another 10 minutes for my order (phew), I got my hands on the most sought-after Japanese pancakes in London.
Hefaure give you two Japanese souffle pancakes, with toppings of your choice. I asked for mine with matcha cream, chopped pistachio and strawberries.
The toppings are lovely, but it’s the pancakes I’ve come for.
And at Hefaure, they’re delicious! Fluffy? Check. Bouncy? Double check. And their softness is best with another delicate texture – so the matcha cream goes well with them.
There are obviously no tables at Hefaure because the place is so small, so I took my pancakes and ate them while walking through Chinatown.
Japanese pancakes at Fuwa Fuwa, Bloomsbury
In contrast to Hefaure, Fuwa Fuwa has a massive café space. Which is nice if you want to linger, because there are loads of tables.
I also got to Fuwa Fuwa right when they opened at noon, so I didn’t need to queue. But when I left, it was packed with people munching on Japanese pancakes.
And also like Hefaure, Fuwa Fuwa give you two pancakes in a portion, with toppings of your choice. This time round I picked strawberries, cream and Nutella.
But we digress. You’re here because you want to know about the pancakes themselves, so I’ll tell you. They’re delicious, light and dangerously moreish. It should be illegal ;)
Hefaure vs Fuwa Fuwa
If we’re going to compare Hefaure and Fuwa Fuwa, it can’t be on their pancakes, because both are excellent.
You could probably rate them on size and location. I guess in terms of location Hefaure wins because right in Chinatown, and easier for most people to get to.
But in terms of size and comfort, Fuwa Fuwa would win because of their much larger premises. They’ve got plenty of tables and you can sit and enjoy your Japanese pancakes.
Overall thoughts on our fluffy Japanese pancakes in London
It’s been a pleasure eating at both Hefaure and Fuwa Fuwa, and I’ve enjoyed trying their Japanese pancakes. I can understand their popularity on Instagram, and I’d go back to both places again in a heartbeat.
Is the food at Hefaure or Fuwa Fuwa Halal?
Hefaure and Fuwa Fuwa don’t serve any meat – either halal or non-halal. They’re both pancake cafes, so you’ll be able to eat at both of them.
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Have you eaten Japanese souffle pancakes at Hefaure or Fuwa Fuwa? Let us know your thoughts on our Instagram.
The Details
Hefaure
Address – 108 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 5EH
Website – Hefaure, Chinatown
Nearest Tube – Leicester Square
Fuwa Fuwa
Address – Unit 8, Brunswick Centre, London WC1N 1AE
Website – Fuwa Fuwa, Bloomsbury
Nearest Tube – Russel Square
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Disclaimer – the halal food status notes for Hefaure and Fuwa Fuwa are true at the time of writing. Please phone or email the restaurant before you make a booking to double check the halal food status and anything around cross contamination.
