Featured image: The Cheesecake Factory, Cinnamon roll pancakes
Who doesn’t like pancakes? Fluffy and soft, with whipped cream or chocolate, berries, maple syrup or honey–pancakes are a perfect Sunday morning breakfast to share with your loved ones or a mouthwatering dessert to eat by yourself. However, making them is usually time-consuming, so why not head somewhere where chefs have achieved mastery in cooking this sweet treat? If you’re in need of a batch of freshly made, soft and pillowy pancakes while visiting Macau, we think you’ll be satisfied with our must-visit list! Head to one of these spots in Macau and have a delightful stack of pancakes for breakfast or afternoon tea with your friends and family.
The Cheesecake Factory
(See featured image above)
Served for Sunday brunch (every Sunday until 2:00pm), The Cheesecake Factory offers three different kinds of American-style pancakes to make our taste buds rejoice. You can select between the classic buttermilk pancakes, an all-time favorite, served with blueberries and a side of maple syrup, lemon-ricotta pancakes, and cinnamon roll pancakes.
The lemon-ricotta consists of mouthwatering buttermilk pancakes made with ricotta cheese and lemon zest served along with fresh strawberries, while the cinnamon roll pancakes are a delicious combination of buttermilk pancakes swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar.
The Cheesecake Factory Macau Shop 2203D-E, Level 2, Sands Cotai Central, Cotai, +853 2882 3398, www.sandscotaicentral.com
Cha Bei
Soufflé pancakes are light and fluffy pancakes and a must-order when at the charming Cha Bei. They come marked as a favorite on their all-day dining menu and that is not by chance. The creamy, fluffy and silk-like texture makes these pancakes the perfect way to finish a meal, as a morning or midday snack or even just for a sugar boost, even if they’re not that sweet.
You can adapt the level of sweetness according to the amount of honey you pour over them. The pancakes are completed with a generous amount of the freshest berries, whipped vanilla cream and a side of golden honey to pour over the three beautiful round pancakes on the plate. Enjoy!
Cha Bei 1047, 1F, Galaxy Macau, Cotai, +853 8883 2221, www.galaxymacau.com
Café Esplanada at Wynn Macau
Waking up early would not seem like such a miserable idea if it is for a eat some pancakes and delectable breakfast! Café Esplanada is Macau’s well-known and highly recommended spot to start a day with a satisfying meal. Among the tempting choices exclusive for breakfast, fluffy buttermilk pancakes are especially worth the attention. Three golden pancakes are sprinkled with sugar powder and fresh flavorful berries and served with Vermont maple syrup on the side. Buttermilk is what makes the pancakes extra soft and moist inside, as well as airier and fluffier than the ones made with regular milk.
Along with Esplanada’s waffles, pancakes are a popular dish and can run out by the end of breakfast time, so try arriving earlier when they are still available–breakfast is served from 6:30am to 10:30am.
Café Esplanada Wynn Macau, Rua Cidade de Sintra, NAPE, +853 8986 3663, www.wynnmacau.com
Ufufu
This cafe serving up super fluffy pancakes, which originated in Kyushu, Japan, opened a branch in Macau and is tucked away in Rua de Campo (Soi Ham Mei) area. Ufufu means laughter in Japanese (similar to when we say “hehehe”). Laughter, or at least a large smile, is on our faces when we saw over 100 choices of desserts from homemade ice cream, parfaits to molten cakes! This time, we focused on their pancakes selection, which is great.
Try the apple-themed ones and we promise you won’t regret. With the fresh taste of green apple, everything in the dish tastes refreshing, even the ice-cream is apple-flavored! You can also choose mango, red berries, and other flavors. Other than the limitless Japanese desserts, there is also a selection of full meals and treats such as their omurice, burger steak served with their special Kyushu sauce and Japanese style pasta. Our favorite is definitely the croissant ice cream dessert!
Ufufu 9 Beco dos Anjos, Macau, +863 2892 0971, www.facebook.com/ufufumacau
Mr. Lady
Located in busy Horta e Costa avenue, this tiny restaurant has some of Macau’s best pancakes. Be it their soufflé or the normal ones, these are undeniably fresh and fluffy, making it a great lunch dessert or even afternoon snack. Each plate comes with two huge pancakes, plus additional treats such as fresh cream, fruit, honey or chocolate. Although sweet, there’s a saltiness that makes them unique. We had them with cream and caramelized banana, but their take on fruits pancake was also delightful.
Mr. Lady 5G Avenida de Horta e Costa, Macau, +853 2852 6716, www.facebook.com
The Joy of Living Café
At this little cute cafe, there’s everything! From main dishes to desserts and snacks to original drinks, one can choose from an array of things. The star of the menu goes to their lemon soufflé pancakes, which takes 20 minutes to prepare but is so worth it! Great for people who love sweet treats, it goes quite well with their fresh rosella tea (also sweetened). Why not head there if you’re looking to host a big group of family members or friends? Pancakes cost between MOP $60 and $70, depending on your choice.
The Joy of Living Café Chon Va Building, 72-74 Estrada do Repouso, Macau, +853 6361 2723, www.facebook.com
Ichiryu Cafe
Located steps away from Puji Temple, Ichiryu Cafe is a tiny eatery that only serves ramen and Japanese souffle pancakes. Often, the smaller the menu of a cafe, the more chances you have to get a satisfying experience. This is the case with Ichiryu. They have a variety of toppings, from traditional to original such as sweet potato lemon sauce. The ones with caramel and sea salt offer a unique combination of flavors. Try them if you are looking for something rare. Sea salt balances sweet caramel and grapes bring a bit of acidity. Their pancakes are flawlessly delicate and melt in your mouth. Expect to wait around thirty minutes to enjoy your portion. Totally worthy!
Ichiryu Cafe 51 Rua de Pedro Coutinho, Macau, +853 2852 5263, www.facebook.com/ichiryu.cafe
Café 1231
Set close to Kun Iam Temple, Café 1231 is a charming cafe with friendly staff where locals come to take some snaps for the gram and, of course, eat some wholesome pancakes. From the plating to plush chairs and Pinterest-like decor, everything here is destined to look stunning in your feed.
The pancakes selection is extensive. Besides all-time classic option with light whipping cream and honey, there are fresh flavors such as sago with mango, as well as fluffy, fresh soufflé pancakes filled with chocolate. If you love matcha, we recommend Café 1231’s matcha pancakes with matcha powder and matcha cream. If this sounds amazing, just imagine how it must taste like! Head there and try out these delicacies that cost MOP $75.
Café 1231 165 Estrada Coelho do Amaral, Macau, +853 6528 0641, www.facebook.com
Healthy Habits Superfood Cafe
Who says pancakes have to be a guilty pleasure? Thanks to the Healthy Habits concept, you can have this breakfast classic guilt-free. Here, they make pancakes with gluten-free coconut flour, lactose-free coconut yogurt, egg replacer (upon request). A generous pile of nutritious pancakes is sprinkled with chia seeds, poured over with homemade “Nutella” and served with a portion of strawberries and banana. Accompany your healthy pancakes with a cold-pressed juice or a turmeric latte and you will have plenty of energy and good mood for the rest of the day!
Healthy Habits Superfood Cafe R/C A, 203 Avenida Comercial de Macau, Edifício La Bahia, Macau, +853 2859 3386, www.facebook.com/healthyhabitscafe
This article was originally written by Bel Faustino in February 2017 and updated by Macau Lifestyle in March 2020.