Next week we celebrate Pancake Day so why not give yours a unique twist? A Cardiff chef explains how to create trademark fluffy pancakes in your own home.
The warm scent of vanilla and butter fills Fluffy Fluffy, a cozy café in the heart of Cardiff, where chef Saif is carefully crafting his signature fluffy pancakes.
With a steady hand, he ladles thick batter onto the griddle, watching as the pancakes slowly rise into golden, cloud-like stacks. A gentle flip? Not necessary.
These pancakes are all about patience and technique—no dramatic tossing required. As the pancakes cook, the refreshing scent of freshly squeezed lemonade lingers in the air, adding a hint of citrus to the warm, comforting atmosphere of the café.
“These aren’t your usual thin, chewy pancakes,” Saif says with a grin, carefully plating a fresh batch. “They’re delicate, fluffy, and melt in your mouth. Once people try them, they never go back.”
He pauses to pour a glass of lemonade to pair with the pancakes, explaining, “The tartness of the lemonade perfectly balances the sweetness of the pancakes, creating a fresh and light contrast that makes every bite even more enjoyable.”
With Pancake Day approaching on March 4, Cardiff locals are looking for something new, and Saif’s soufflé-style pancakes are quickly becoming the must-try treat of the season.
Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, has Christian origins and is celebrated worldwide, typically in February or March, depending on Easter. It began as a way to use up rich ingredients before Lent, the period of fasting leading up to Easter.
Today, it’s a global celebration, with people enjoying pancakes regardless of religious beliefs. In Cardiff, the traditional thin and slightly chewy English pancake is the most popular, often served with sugar and lemon, fruit, maple syrup, or even bacon.
While traditional pancakes are popular, it’s worth trying something new this Pancake Day with a fluffy-style pancake. These pancakes are quite different in taste and texture from traditional ones.
While traditional pancakes are often considered a staple food, fluffy pancakes are more like a dessert. They are lighter, softer, more delicate in flavor, and have a richer taste.
In a professional kitchen, fluffy pancakes are often made using specialized equipment, such as special griddles, to help create the perfect rise and texture. Additionally, some chefs incorporate secret ingredients into the batter to make the pancakes even lighter.
For Cardiff-based chef, Saif, the process of making fluffy pancakes is all about technique. He says, “You just need to stir the batter as much as possible to get more air in, so that the batter will be more fluffy”.
In a professional kitchen, fluffy pancakes are often made using specialised equipment, such as special griddles, to help create the perfect rise and texture. Additionally, some chefs incorporate secret ingredients into the batter to make the pancakes even lighter.
However, Saif reassures home cooks that with the right technique, anyone can make fluffy pancakes at home. He says, “You don’t need special equipment. With the right ingredients and proper techniques, you can make perfect fluffy pancakes in your own kitchen.”
While enjoying fluffy pancakes, many people like to pair them with a drink to balance the sweetness of the dish. Coffee is a traditional choice because its bitterness neutralizes the sweetness of pancakes. However, Saif proposed a unique alternative – lemonade.
The tart, refreshing acidity of lemonade offers a delightful contrast to the rich, fluffy texture of the pancakes. “Lemonade cuts through the sweetness of the pancake and makes each bite feel fresh and light,” Saif explains.
The combination of the soft, sweet pancake with the sharp, citrusy lemonade creates a well-balanced and refreshing experience, perfect for those who find the sweetness of traditional pancakes too overwhelming.
For those who would rather not go through the trouble of making their own fluffy pancakes, Fluffy Fluffy, located in Cardiff’s city center, is a great option. For the upcoming Pancake Day, it will also be offering a special seasonal menu, featuring even more creative and indulgent pancake options.
Whether you decide to try making Fluffy Pancakes at home or visit Fluffy Fluffy for a taste of their expertly crafted creations, Pancake Day this year is an opportunity to experience something new.