If you’re anything like us, you’re eagerly anticipating the fast-approaching Shrove Tuesday; or maybe you know it as ‘pancake day’! Whilst we each have our favourite toppings, (maybe the more traditional lemon and sugar or even a drizzling of chocolate). we have noticed one thing in particular on our travels: Pancakes are eaten completely differently across the world!

From thin, silky, French crepes to the sweet caramelized Kaiserschmarrn of Austria, you’ll never be fully satisfied with your pancake tasting experiences until you’ve explored the wide varieties found across the globe.

Pancakes in their various forms really are the perfect wholesome treat, enjoyed worldwide. Whether you’re looking for a tasty treat, or a savoury snack, they are suitable for every occasion.

French Crepes

Crepes are large, thin pancakes usually made with wheat flour, created by swirling the batter in an oiled pan. Served with a variety of different toppings, they serve their purpose as a delicious dessert but can also be enjoyed with savoury fillings. Traditional French dessert dishes may include a fruit filling of syrup, mixed berries, fresh fruit or lemon cream. Savoury options may include cheese, ham, eggs, mushrooms, spinach or a variety of other ingredients.

American Pancakes

If you enjoy your pancakes light and fluffy, then America has what you’re looking for. Over in the USA pancakes tend to be smaller, but are served as a stack, with sweet toppings and fruit fillings. These are enjoyed as a dessert, but can often be seen accompanying a traditional American breakfast with crispy bacon and maple syrup!

Korean Pancakes

Not got much of a sweet tooth? The delicious savoury treats found in Korea could be the answer for you. Created using a variety of delicious finely sliced vegetables,shredded meat or even fried seafood, these pancakes are eaten across the country as a starter or a light snack, and are usually served with a dipping sauce.

Australian Pikelets

What more persuasion could you need to take a trip over to Australia, filled with it’s sun, sea and sand? Well, their pancakes are another good reason for the long journey. Known as ‘pikelets’, these are a popular snack often served with afternoon tea. These can be purchased readymade in stores, or are simple to make. Whether you eat them hot or cold, they go perfectly with a topping of sweet jam and some whipped cream.

Greek Tiganites

This Greek variety of traditional pancakes are light and crispy, usually found served with honey or petimezi. They can also be topped with syrup and preserves and are a favourite during The Great Lent as they do not contain eggs or dairy products.

German Pancakes

German pancakes are an absolutely mouthwatering addition to your Pancake Day traditions. They’re bowl shaped popovers, made when pancake batter is poured into a cast iron pan over the stove, then baked in an oven until it puffs up almost like a yorkshire pudding. Finished with a sweet filling such as apple, they are a delicious variation worth trying.

 

Scottish Pancakes

Scotch pancakes are similar in size and shape to American pancakes, but are most typically spread with butter and jam – much like toast! They make a delicious tea time treat.

 

Italian Crespelle

The Italian’s take on a crepe is a crespelle, often made using chestnut flour instead of just wheat. They can be rolled and stuffed with a variety of savoury fillings, such as cured meats, cheese and vegetables.

 

Indian Dosa

The Dosa, a traditional dish in South India, is a thin, savoury delicacy made up from fermented rice and lentil batter. When they’re stuffed with a spicy potato curry they become a masala Dosa.

 

Austrian Kaiserschmarrn

Last but certainly not least, we have the Austrian Kaiserschmarrn, named after the Kaiser Franz Joseph I of Austria. The name is certainly a mouthful, but the dish is absolutely delicious. As opposed to the more traditional large round pancake, it consists of fluffy pieces of caramelized pancake which can be eaten with a selection of raisins, apples, nuts or any other sweet ingredients.

 

Try Something New

Now you have had a little taste of what the world of pancakes has to offer, why not take a look at some of our mouth-watering coach holidays abroad, view our day excursions or request one of our brochures to see where you could go explore next!