Family Dining: Pancake Places Worth Trying in Hong Kong

Stack ’em high!

We’re constantly reminded that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”, so we’re ready to give our morning a little upgrade. From light, airy crêpes, to the thick fluffy Japanese cakes constantly trending on IG, we’ve tasted our way through the best pancakes in Hong Kong. These sweet, buttery concoctions are literally freshly-made cakes that we’re allowed to eat first thing in the morning – what’s not to like? Whether you’re after hotcakes, crepes, galettes or the soufflé variety, these pancake places are worth exploring with your family.

Read more: Our Favourite Family-Friendly Breakfast Spots In Hong Kong

Elephant Grounds

We love this child-friendly cafe and we can’t get enough of its buttermilk pancakes that come with homemade caramel butter, Aunt Jemima’s maple syrup and freshly whipped cream. Yum! Take along your pooch to the branches where dogs are welcome out and have a fun family day out (just make sure to get there early on Sundays and public holidays!).

Elephant Grounds, various locations across Hong Kong, www.elephantgrounds.com

Brunch Club

Take the pancake craving up a notch at the Brunch Club (only at Central, as the Causeway Bay branch doesn’t currently offer pancakes). This place serves pancakes, waffles,  doughnuts or crepes with a variety of topping options. We love taking the kids here and the lovely outdoor patio area makes for the perfect setting for a small party.

Brunch Club, GF, 70 Peel Street, SOHO, Central, Hong Kong, www.brunch-club.org

Oolaa

Always a winner with the kids (and very friendly for babies and nursing mums), Oolaa is perfect for a relaxed Sunday morning breakfast or brunch. The Pancake Stack with three buttermilk pancakes is available at all three of its branches. These are freshly chopped strawberries, strawberry compote and vanilla ice cream. Strawberries and cream – definitely the dream!

 Oolaa Soho, G/F, Centre Stage, Bridges Street, Soho, Sheung Wan Island, Hong Kong, 2803 2083, oolaasoho@oolaagroup.com

Oolaa Petite, Shop 2 Tower 2 Starcrest, 9 Star Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2529 3823, oolaapetite@oolaagroup.com

Oolaa Tung Chung, Unit G30, G/F, Citygate, 18-20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung, Lantau, Hong Kong, 2319 2008, oolaatungchung@oolaagroup.com, www.oolaagroup.com

Read more: Afternoon Tea In Hong Kong: Your Ultimate Guide

La Creperie

La Crêperie offers healthy, gluten-free savoury buckwheat galettes, and a large selection of sweet crêpes. Besides the savoury crepes, we’d always recommend upgrading to get a dessert crepe too – the salted caramel is homemade and heavenly. With a relaxed atmosphere and accommodating staff, this spot is an ideal place for a casual business lunch, a team meeting and of course, the perfect spot to take the kids on a weekend.

La Crêperie, 1/F, 100 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2529 9280, infohk1@lacreperie.com.cn, www.lacreperie.com

The Flying Pan

Looking for a full American diner experience? The Flying Pan is a 24-hour stop for all things breakfast. Think: fluffy and filling traditional American pancakes, topped with a hearty dollop of butter and a generous dose of maple syrup. Bacon, hash browns and eggs are suggested sides! The portions are well-sized, so prepare to share.

The Flying Pan, 1F/L David House, 37-39 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2528 9997, www.the-flying-pan.com

Read more: Kid Friendly Restaurants Hong Kong: Where To Eat With Your Family

Brick Lane

Brick Lane’s pancakes are served at the table in a hot skillet, making sure you have the freshest flavours. Whether you’re after the Smoked Salmon with guacamole and sour cream, or leaning towards the Truffle Mushroom and Chicken – it’s set to satisfy your craving. There are delicious sweet pancakes too that the kids will gobble up in no time!

Brick Lane, various locations across Hong Kong, www.bricklane.com.hk

Ollies

Mid-levels mamas love this restaurant with branches in Central and Sai Ying Pun. Though there is nothing complicated about the dish, we love the homemade pancakes served with maple syrup and vanilla ice cream. Naturally, the kids will want to add on strawberries, blueberries and Nutella!

Ollies, Shop 3, G/F, Hang Sing Mansion, 54 and 56 High Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, 2803 0163, ollies@casteloconcepts.com, www.casteloconcepts.com/our-venues/ollies

Ollies Bar & Grill, G/F & 1/F, 151-155 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2811 8183, ollies.bargrill@casteloconcepts.com, www.casteloconcepts.com/our-venues/ollies-bar-amp-grill

Mr Wolf

This is another kid-friendly restaurant that serves awesome hotcakes. These buttermilk beauties are served with fresh fruits (banana or blueberries), maple syrup and vanilla ice cream.

MrWolf, 5/F, 70 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2526 0838, info@mrwolf.hk, www.mrwolf.hk

Read more: The Best Stroller-Friendly Cafés And Restaurants In Hong Kong

Pan de Pain

This is a Japanese-style pancake speciality cafe, serving sweet and savoury pancakes. The most popular dish is a nod to French cooking (hence the name!) – fluffy soufflé pancakes. These are available from 1pm on weekdays and 12pm on weekends and holidays (not quite breakfast but they are worth the wait!). The cafe has a good range of drinks, from coffee for the parents to delicious shakes for the kids and is a family-favourite for brunch.

Pan de Pain, B111B, Basement 1, K11, 18 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 2576 1968, www.facebook.com/pandepain

The Pantry

This casual all-day dining restaurant serves a variety of dessert-inspired pancakes. With countless decadent options to choose from, this is a spot you’re guaranteed to head back to over and over again. We love the sound of the extravagant Tiramisu on Pancakes and the summery Mango and Coconut Pancakes.

The Pantry, Shop 433, Level, 4, MOKO, 193 Prince Edward Road West, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, thepantryhongkong@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/thepantryhk

A Happy Pancake

Here’s another one for those who love Japanese pancakes. Opt for the soufflé pancakes topped with fruits or homemade granola. These are delicious and sure to get the kids’ approval!

A Happy Pancake, various locations across Hong Kong, www.ahappypancake.hk

Read more: Introduce Your Kids To Sushi At These Hong Kong Restaurants

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in August 2017 by Manishka Daryanani, updated in February 2018, and then with a further update in February 2021.