FLIPPER’S @ Takashimaya Shopping Centre - Well-loved Iconic Japanese Pancake Chain Opens First Outlet In Singapore

Originated in Tokyo in 2014, well-loved iconic Japanese pancake chain FLIPPER’S has arrived in Singapore, with a flagship store at Takashimaya Shopping Centre. FLIPPER'S has made its name in the world of soufflé pancakes for good reasons. Made without a ring mould, the sides of the pancakes are purposefully left untouched for a softer and fluffier centre with a golden-brown top and bottom. Not only that gives FLIPPER'S its unique identity, but there is also a particular way of enjoying its pillowy soufflé pancakes - pulling them gently apart with the two forks that you are served with. Key ingredients and equipment for its soufflé pancakes are imported directly from Japan, such as Japanese Kitahonami flour milled from Hokkaido wheat and custom-made copper griddles which you can see from the show kitchen.

Kiseki Pancake Plain 4.5/5

The pancake batter features premium AOP-certified French butter, Hinata eggs from Kanagawa prefecture, as well as Japanese fresh milk which is known for its extra creaminess. With these fine ingredients going into the pancakes, the best way to appreciate them is to go for Kiseki Pancake Plain ($16.80), served with a huge dollop of FLIPPER’S proprietary maple whipped cream made with Canadian pure maple syrup and French butter. I like how the light, mellow sweet cream adds flavour to the plain pancakes, and at the same time brings out the depth of eggy aroma of the pancakes.

Kiseki Pancake Hazelnut Chocolate 4/5

Kiseki Pancake Hazelnut Chocolate is a top pick for chocolate lover with irresistible Valrhona Equatoriale Noire 55 chocolate-infused cream, luscious hazelnut praline and caramelised bananas. It is then finished with glorious homemade chocolate, and feuilletine shard served with melted chocolate.

Kiseki Pancake Matcha 4/5

Other sweet varieties include Kiseki Pancake Hazelnut Chocolate ($21.80) and Kiseki Pancake Matcha ($19.80). Kiseki Pancake Hazelnut Chocolate to me holds the perfect combination of flavours of chocolate, hazelnut and banana. Atop of the pancakes is a Valrhona Equatoriale Noire 55 chocolate-infused cream and hazelnut praline, accompanied with a slice of caramelised banana and melted chocolate. Whereas for the latter, Kiseki Pancake Matcha is all about the Japanese flavours - Japanese pairing of matcha and red beans. Topping the pancakes is a bittersweet green tea cream made with quality matcha powder from Kyoto, accompanied with azuki paste and a drizzle of matcha honey, with dust of Hokkaido kinako powder for an extra nuance. There was nothing not to like about the toppings, but the pancakes were just so delicate that they just got a little overwhelmed after a while.

Eggs Benedict Soufflé Pancake 4.5/5

There is one savoury item on the menu which was as enjoyable as Kiseki Pancake Plain. Eggs Benedict Soufflé Pancake ($22.80) highlights the Hinata eggs from Kanagawa prefecture, which is one of the key ingredients giving the airy and delicate consistency of the kiseki soufflé pancake. One soufflé pancake is topped with grilled tiger prawns and avocado cubes, while the other with Norwegian smoked salmon and sautéed spinach. Perhaps the Hollandaise sauce carried a fair amount of tang, and was not overly creamy, this egg-rich dish was pleasingly balanced.

Millennial Strawberry 4.5/5

In conjunction with the opening of the café, an exclusive seasonal special, Millennial Strawberry ($20.80), will also be introduced for a limited time only until 30 November. It's like a dream comes true for a soufflé pancake lover. The special edition Millennial Strawberry features sweet, and tangy fresh Chitose strawberries, velvety cream cheese and homemade strawberry jelly sandwiched between soufflé pancakes crowned with a thick layer of strawberries-blended cream. FLIPPER’S in Singapore will also offer specials after its initial launch period starring fresh Japanese fruits such as Yubari melon, white peach and Shine Muscat grapes.

For beverage to pair with your pancakes, try its Melona Manpuku ($5.50), a light sencha with the sweet aroma of Japanese melon. Another interesting option is an aesthetically pleasing Rose Strawberry Milk ($7.90), made with rose water, Japanese milk, fresh strawberries and homemade strawberry compote, topped with rose petals.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting. 


FLIPPER’S Singapore
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
Ngee Ann City
391A Orchard Rd
#B1-56
Singapore 238873
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit D. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Gram Cafe & Pancakes @ Vivocity - Iconic Souffle Pancake From Osaka Set To Puff Up A Storm In Singapore

Highly raved for its insta-worthy, wobbly, and impossibly fluffy pancakes, the famed Gram Cafe & Pancakes, hailing from Osaka, Japan is official opened in Vivocity on 16 June 2019, 1pm!

Premium Pancakes 4.5/5

Treat yourself to the Premium Pancakes ($17.90). Soft, airy and oh-so-fluffy, it comes in a towering wobbly stack of three 4cm thick souffle pancakes, complete with butter, house-made whipped cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Made with the same recipe used in Japan and only on premium ingredients, the souffle pancakes are slow-cooked on low heat and whipped full of air, resulting in a fluffy texture befitting of a cloud or cotton candy. A pancake connoisseur’s dream come true as the pillowy, light-as-air discs are deliciously milky and has a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

However, you may want to gear yourself up for the wait as the Premium Pancakes are professionally prepared upon receipt of order, and sales are limited to 3 times a day with 30 servings each time at 11am, 3pm and 6pm due to Gram Japan’s strict quality control rule. Each customer is limited to one Premium Pancakes order per pax, and will be given a token to collect it.

Rich Tiramisu Pancakes 3.5/5

If you're not quick enough to be in time for the limited servings of Premium Pancakes at the assigned time slots, you can console yourself with tons of other noteworthy items at Gram Cafe as well such as the Rich Tiramisu Pancakes ($15.90). However, these are not souffle pancakes, but rather, classic thin pancakes with a less fluffy and more chewy texture, inspired by the traditional Japanese dorayaki pancake. Infused with espresso, layered with rich mascarpone tiramisu cream, and dusted with cocoa powder, the Tiramisu Pancakes has a nice coffee aroma, although taste-wise, it still fares lower than its hyped-up souffle sister.

Other sweets selection include the Mixed Fruits & Chocolate Pancakes ($15.90), Caramelized Banana Pancakes ($13.90), and Coconut Custard Pancakes ($13.90).

Chilli Beans Pancakes 3.8/5

If you're not a fan of sweets, go for their savoury options such as the Chilli Beans Pancakes ($18.90), which features the same classic thin pancakes, topped with generous amounts of chilli beans sauce atop minced beef and melted cheddar cheese, and served with a side of sausage, potato and luscious salad greens.

Other savoury options include the Turkey Bacon and Scrambled Egg Pancakes ($18.90), and the Salmon and Avocado Pancakes ($19.90).

French Toast of Chocolate Banana 4/5

Not a fan of pancakes? Cram Cafe also serves the French Toast of Chocolate Banana ($15.90). Spotting a soft and fluffy texture, and a golden-brown caramelized crust, the Danish French toast is topped with fresh bananas, creamy vanilla ice cream and rich chocolate sauce. Decent but nothing extraordinary, it is quite a safe option for the less adventurous.

Other french toast options include the BLT Sandwich ($14.90++), Gram French Toast ($12.90), and Mixed Berry French Toast ($15.90).

Set to launch at a later date, fans in Singapore will get first and exclusive dibs on a special Japanese Curry pancakes creation, designed to satisfy Singaporean palates. Other upcoming creations include their convenient takeout options, such as the Strawberry Crepe Pancakes ($8.90), Premium Parfait ($10.90), Premium Tiramisu ($9.90) in a cup, and Premium to Go takeout set for dessert on the go.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Gram Café & Pancakes
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#02-110
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 86666277
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Antoinette @ Penhas Road - Ushers In A Collection Of Delectable Treats And Inviting Flavours

This May, Chef Pang Kok Keong has upped the ante at Antoinette with a fresh new menu revealing a collection of bistro-style imbued in French cuisine, but it is the menu dedicated to a decadent savoury and sweet souffle pancakes, as well as its latest cake creations that you should hone in on.

Forestiere 4/5

Kicking off with a menu selection total of 5 flavours, both savoury and sweet - fans of souffle pancakes are bound to be spoilt for choice. The savoury variation offers a whole new perspective of enjoying the souffle pancakes. Our pick goes to the Forestiere ($16) which sees pancakes stacked with creamy mushroom sauce, a fluffy omelette and a small garden salad on the side.

TresBerries 4.2/5

An all-time favourite classic is the TresBerries ($16) which features soft slabs of souffle pancakes with light, airy vanilla creme chantilly, accompanied by fresh strawberries and blueberries. Turn up the sweetness level with a generous dousing of honey maple syrup.

Creme Brulee 4.2/5

For those with a sweet tooth, the Creme Brulee ($16) is one that needs no persuasion to be polished off. With vanilla custard draped over the pancakes, accompanied by a thin layer of carefully torched caramel and pieces of strawberries on the side.

Ondeh Ondeh 4/5

A heartfelt ode to the beloved Singapore Kueh, the Ondeh Ondeh ($16) is served with a local twist, surprisingly well-balanced with lavish sprinkles of snowy coconut flakes, pandan-flavoured custard and drizzles of gula melaka for a touch of nostalgia.

Fluffy 4.2/5

Indulge in Antoinette’s five new cake creations, courtesy of Chef Pang, with an emphasis on the balance of flavours and creativity.

An inspiration gathered from the clouds, the cloud-shaped dessert aptly named Fluffy ($13/$49/$98) is a white chocolate mousse scented with vanilla. Aesthetics-aside, the taste of this charming piece of dessert was no less impressive. Take a bite into the soft exterior to reveal a decadent heart of Kirsh-soaked almond genoise, strawberry cremeux and a thin layer of tangy passionfruit lemon jelly for a gentle touch of tartness.

Earl Grey Bubble Tea 4/5

Fans of bubble tea would surely be enticed by this unique creation. The Earl Grey Bubble Tea ($9/$42.50/$85) comes in a cup filled with light and spongy cake at the base, infused with a rich earl grey tea aroma, followed by a thick layer of salted cream cheese, and topped with fresh mango cubes and tapioca pearls steeped in Okinawa black sugar. This fun-filled creation is as enjoyable to eat as it is Instagram-worthy.

Kyoto 3.8/5

Another tea infused creation is the Kyoto ($9/$42.50/$85) which pays homage to hojicha teas. The dessert reveals a layer of mousse enriched with a toasty nutty aroma of the hojicha flavour, a thin layer of orange confit for a subtle tangy-sweetness. This is then topped with a soft finger sponge made with Okinawa black sugar, complete with black sugar crème chantilly and a sleek of glaze finish. However, we felt that the orange confit was a mismatch to the richness of hojicha.

Bananier 4/5

The Bananier ($9/$42.50/$85) features a classic marriage of dark chocolate and caramelised bananas. The rich layers of chocolate genoise find pleasant contrast with layers of crunchy milk chocolate feuilletine, and laced with light caramel parfaits and rum-flambéd bananas to give a moreish mouthfeel with the different texture and flavours.

Velvet Rouge 3.8/5

Lastly, the Velvet Rouge ($9/$42.50/$85) was a well-executed elegant take on the classic red velvet cheesecake. The rich creaminess of the crimson-dyed cheesecake is cut with the light sweet-saltiness of the salted caramel crème chantilly, finished off grandly with showers of chocolate crumble for a delightfully balanced bite.

Schiacciata 4/5

Revel in the hearty repertoire of bistro-style dishes as well. A classic take on comforting food, the all-day menu draws in on starters, mains as well as seasonal specials that continue to excite diners' palate.

Kickstart the meal with the Schiacciata ($18), a traditional flatbread stuffed with melted camembert, pecorino and a rich truffle aroma. Served with a sunny side up and honey for a sweet-savoury combination, which surprisingly works well.

Wagyu Beef Cheek Tagliatelle 4/5

For mains, the Wagyu Beef Cheek Tagliatelle ($28) is another new addition to the menu. The homemade whole wheat pasta boasts a thicker texture and chewier bite, complemented by the delicious wagyu beef cheek braised in red wine, veal stock and aromatics for 6 hours which blends perfectly with the pasta. Topped with an indulgent truffle foam to enliven the experience.

French Chicken and Sausage Casserole 3.8/5

Next, we move on to the French Chicken and Sausage Casserole ($24) - a classic french country-style casserole with braised chicken and pork sausage cooked together in a tomato-based stew with wine and cannellini beans. The hearty dish is then sprinkled with parmesan bread crumbs and broiled. Served with pomme puree on the side made with mashed potato.

Crispy Pork Belly Confit 4.2/5

The seasonal Crispy Pork Belly ($28) is a favourite with pork belly cured and confit in duck fat for a day pressed to shape and fry over low heat to achieve the perfect tender consistency, well-rendered fats, and thin crisp skin. The dish is served with savoury cabbage braised in chicken stock, pomme puree, and an umami-laden mustard sauce made from Dijon and Pommery mustard for a hint of spice.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Antoinette 
30 Penhas Road
Singapore 208188
Tel: +65 62933121
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thur: 11am - 10pm
Fri & Eve PH: 11am - 11pm
Sat: 10am - 11pm
Sun & PH: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to V Hotel Lavender. Walk down Horne Road and turn right onto Penhas Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]