Marco and Nina
‘An amazing find! It was my first time trying soufflé pancakes and they were to die for.’ – Natalie White
When they booked a trip to Japan in 2017, Marco and Nina Molone just expected to enjoy a relaxing holiday. In fact, they fell in love with Tokyo café culture – in particular, its unique soufflé pancakes – and came home to Chiswick inspired to launch the UK’s first Japanese Pancake restaurant. ‘They were so delicious,’ recalls Nina. ‘And there was nowhere in London offering anything similar.
‘I am a chef and I spent hours in the kitchen practising and refining the recipes to make them 100% dairy and gluten-free as standard. We opened our first branch in Victoria in 2019 and then a second earlier this year on the High Road. As an independent family business, we wanted to be based in our local community.’
Japanese soufflé pancakes have a fluffy texture, achieved by whipping egg whites, and they come with a variety of toppings (all are vegan and gluten-free) such as syrup, fruit and whipped cream. The pancakes are served in stacks in either sweet (Raspberries and Cream, Ultimate Crème Brûlée, Miso-kissed Caramel) or savoury options (Soufflé Royale with smoked salmon, avocado and a poached egg or Egg and Bacon Bliss). All the ice creams accompanying the pancakes are homemade with vegan cream.
The menu also features superb Asian-inspired brunch dishes such as Tonjiru Miso Winter Soup and Umami Teriyaki Sando, a pan-crisped chicken thigh in a teriyaki glaze, as well as bagels and Korean butter croissants. Asked for their favourites, Nina chooses Osaka Jiggly Cheesecake, while Marco recommends Omurice, fried rice wrapped in a thin omelette and topped with a beef burger patty and ketchup.
Drinks are as distinctive as the dishes: premium coffee from the Roasting Party; speciality Matcha tea; and Japanese-style Fuwa Halo Hot Chocolate. The team is friendly and welcoming and the beautifully designed space is perfect for private and children’s parties (catering for outside events is available). ‘We’re proud to offer something deliciously different at any time of day!’ says Marco.
CA Japanese Pancakes
195 Chiswick High Road
Chiswick W4 2DR
07495 968260
info@cajapanesepancakes.com
https://www.cajapanesepancakes.com
https://www.instagram.com/cajapanesepancakes
