The Original Pancake House Shinjuku: A Must-Visit for Pancake Lovers! 🍓✨
Why is Everyone Obsessed with The Original Pancake House in Tokyo? 🥞✨
Hello everyone~It’s Hattie💛 If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, you probably have “eat fluffy pancakes” at the very top of your bucket list. But here’s the tea: while there are a million local shops, I found a “Japanese-American hybrid” that absolutely blew my mind.
I’m talking about The Original Pancake House.
Now, if you’re from the States, you know this brand is a total OG, founded way back in 1953. But when it crossed the ocean to Japan? Something magical happened. It’s like the brand went through a “glow-up” fueled by Japanese shokunin (craftsmanship) spirit. I kept seeing Reddit threads from fellow travelers saying the Tokyo version is actually more refined than the original. Obviously, I had to go see for myself! 🎞️
Stepping Into a 1950s Retro Workshop in the Heart of Shinjuku 🕰️
For this brunch adventure, I headed to the branch in Shinjuku Lumine. The vibe is such a mood—it’s this perfect blend of mid-century American industrial cool and cozy Japanese warmth. I died a little over the cute industrial-style mugs with the 1953 logo. It felt like a total time-travel moment! ☕️
Even though the decor is vintage, the service is peak Tokyo efficiency. You just scan a QR code on your phone to order. The menu has super clear, high-res photos, so you won’t have any “lost in translation” moments when trying to decide between five different types of carbs (the struggle is real)
🍓 The Main Event: A Marathon for My Taste Buds
Pro-tip: Bring friends. You’re going to want to order everything on the menu, and the portions are surprisingly generous!
The Strawberry Pancakes 🥞
As a self-proclaimed strawberry fanatic, this was a non-negotiable. The strawberries were massive, ruby-red, and actually tasted like fruit (you know what I mean?). But the real MVP? The whipped cream. ☁️
In the US, heavy cream can sometimes feel like a lead weight in your stomach. But here? It was light as a cloud and barely sweet. The pancake itself was dense yet tender, and—get this—there was a custard filling hidden inside! I’m not saying I could eat the whole plate by myself, but… okay, I’m saying I totally could.
Prosciutto & Camembert Cheese Galette 🫓
This was actually my friend’s pick (shoutout to her for the elite taste!). It was my first time trying a savory galette in Japan. The buckwheat crust was so fragrant and had this satisfying crunch that you just don’t get with a regular crepe.
It was topped with fresh greens, shimmering savory jelly, and melt-in-your-mouth prosciutto. Plus, that creamy Camembert Cheese 🧀… I was half-expecting a glass of French cider to appear. If you need a break from the sugar, this is the one.
The Waikiki Hamburger 🍔
Wait, a burger at a pancake house? Remember, she’s still an American brand at heart! 🇺🇸 This isn’t one of those “scary big” US burgers that requires a jaw transplant to eat, but it’s definitely filling.
As an avocado lover, the second I saw those slices, I was sold 🥑. It’s a Japanese take on a Hawaiian classic—juicy, fresh, and not greasy at all. The bun was toasted to perfection. If you’re traveling with someone who “isn’t a pancake person” (do those people exist?), point them toward this burger.
The Classic Pancake Plate 🍳
You can’t visit a retro diner vibe without getting a classic breakfast plate. Even though the US version might be “messier,” the Japanese execution is literal art.
Like, how do they fry eggs like that? 🍳 The whites were pristine—no crispy brown edges, no imperfections. Just pure, silky perfection. The pancakes were the perfect thickness, and even the waffle fries were fried to a consistent golden glow. I’m convinced the chef has a “perfect oil” obsession, and I am here for it.
🍫 The Limited Edition Star: Tiramisu Fluffy Mascarpone
I saved the best for last. If you see the Tiramisu Mascarpone Soufflé on the menu, do not walk—RUN. 🏃♀️
A lot of places do “Tiramisu” style desserts that are just cocoa powder and sadness. But this? They used actual, high-quality Mascarpone. The soufflé had this tiny bit of char on the edges, but the center? It literally evaporated on my tongue. The bitterness of the cocoa powder perfectly cut through the rich cream. It felt like being hugged by a cloud made of coffee and cheese. Pure bliss! ✨
🇯🇵 Why the Japanese Pancake House Just Hits Different
So, what makes the Japan locations so special?
1. The Balance: You get that American “wow” factor in portions, but with Japanese ingredient quality.
2. The Seasonal Hype: They are the kings of “Limited Time Only” flavors. One month it’s Tiramisu, the next it’s premium Japanese peaches! 🍑
3. The Precision: Every single fried egg and potato wedge looks like it was styled for a photoshoot.
📍 Logistics & Pro-Tips for Your Visit
👉 Location: I highly recommend the Shinjuku Lumine or Kichijoji branches. We hit up the Shinjuku one early so we could go gear-shopping at the nearby sports stores afterward! 👟
👉 The Queue Strategy: Shinjuku Lumine opens at 10:30 AM. Go straight there and grab a ticket from the machine! Once you have your number, you can wander around the mall and look at clothes for 30 minutes. The restaurant itself starts serving at 11:00 AM. If you show up exactly at 11:00, you’ll be staring at a massive line. Don’t say I didn’t warn you🥲
🌟 Hattie’s Final Thoughts
If you’re doing a Tokyo DIY trip, you need to carve out a morning for this. It’s the perfect mix of nostalgic comfort food and high-end Japanese execution.
Bookmark this post for your next Shinjuku shopping spree! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. 💛🥞
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