Walter Ponce
Japanese soufflé pancakes are one of those foods you see everywhere on Instagram: tall, wobbly and impossibly fluffy. In Tokyo, one of the best-known places to try them is Flipper’s, and its shop in Shimokitazawa is where the brand started in 2016.
We stopped there in the afternoon of our Shimokitazawa day, during six days in Tokyo, between the vintage shops and the record stores.
What is a soufflé pancake?
Unlike a normal pancake, the batter is lightened with whipped egg whites, like a soufflé, and cooked slowly on a griddle. The result is thick, airy and so soft it barely holds its shape. Flipper’s calls its version the “miracle” pancake, and they are cooked without moulds, which is why the edges look soft and uneven rather than perfectly round.
What we ordered
We had the soufflé pancakes with fresh strawberries, whipped cream and a scoop of cream on top, plus hot tea. Each plate comes as a stack of pancakes, generously decorated.
The menu also has seasonal fruit versions, a classic version with just butter and maple syrup, and savoury options. Flipper’s regularly brings out limited editions, so check what is on when you visit.
Good to know
- The wait: soufflé pancakes are cooked to order and take around 20 minutes. Order, sit back and do not plan anything tight right after.
- Queues: weekends and afternoons can be busy. A weekday is easier.
- Shimokitazawa: the café is an easy add-on to an afternoon in Shimokitazawa, a few minutes from Shibuya on the Keio Inokashira line.
- Other branches: Flipper’s now has several cafés across Tokyo and Japan (Jiyugaoka, Kichijoji and more), so if you cannot make it to Shimokitazawa, there is likely one on your route.
Why soufflé pancakes became a Tokyo thing
Thick, fluffy pancakes became a big trend in Japan in the 2010s, when cafés started competing over who could make the tallest and softest stack. Soufflé pancakes took the idea further, borrowing the technique of a French soufflé: whip the egg whites into a meringue, fold it gently into the batter and cook it low and slow so it rises without collapsing.
The trend spread quickly through social media, and today you can find soufflé pancake cafés all over Japan and abroad. Flipper’s is one of the names most closely associated with the style in Tokyo.
Why they take so long
The 20-minute wait is part of the dish, not slow service. A few reasons:
- The batter has to be made with freshly whipped egg whites, so it cannot sit around.
- The pancakes are cooked at a low temperature, often with a lid, so the inside sets before the outside burns.
- They are cooked to order, one batch at a time.
Because they are so delicate, they are best eaten straight away, while they are still warm and tall. If you wait too long to take photos, they start to deflate.
How to order
- Choose your topping. The easiest decision is between a fruit and cream version and a classic one with butter and syrup. If you are sharing, one of each is a good balance.
- Remember the drink rule. Each person is expected to order at least one drink.
- Order everything at once. Since the pancakes take around 20 minutes, ask for drinks at the same time so you have something while you wait.
- Check the seasonal menu. Limited editions change through the year and are usually shown separately from the main menu.
How to spend an afternoon in Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa, or “Shimokita”, is one of Tokyo’s most relaxed neighbourhoods, with a young, creative feel and very few big chain stores. It is a good place to slow down after the intensity of Shibuya and Shinjuku. Things to look for:
- Vintage clothing shops, the neighbourhood’s best-known draw, from cheap bins to carefully curated stores.
- Record shops and live music venues, as Shimokitazawa has long been a centre for Tokyo’s indie music scene.
- Small theatres, coffee shops and second-hand bookshops.
- The newer areas along the old railway line, where the tracks were moved underground and the space above was turned into walkways with shops and cafés.
A soufflé pancake is the perfect mid-afternoon break between all the walking.
Getting there
Shimokitazawa Station is served by two lines:
- Keio Inokashira line from Shibuya, a few minutes’ ride.
- Odakyu line from Shinjuku, also a short ride.
Both are covered by IC cards such as Suica or Pasmo. From the station, the café is a short walk.
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings or early afternoons are usually the quietest. A queue often forms soon after opening, and weekends are the busiest days. If you see a long line, it may be worth exploring the neighbourhood first and coming back later.
What Google reviewers say
Google rating: 4.4 out of 5 from 1,601 reviews (October 2026).
Reviewers are very positive about the pancakes themselves (light, fluffy and full of flavour) and about the value for the quality and portion size. Service is described as friendly and efficient in a small, bright room. Two things to know from the reviews: a queue often forms soon after opening, and there is a one-drink minimum per person.
Verdict
My rating: 3 out of 5. Worth it once to try Japanese soufflé pancakes where they became famous, and an easy stop during an afternoon in Shimokitazawa. More of a fun one-off experience than a must-return.
FAQ
How long do Flipper’s pancakes take? Around 20 minutes, because each order is cooked fresh.
Is Flipper’s Shimokitazawa the original shop? Yes. The brand started in Shimokitazawa in 2016.
What are soufflé pancakes made of? A batter lightened with whipped egg whites, cooked slowly on a griddle so the pancakes rise tall and stay very soft.
Is there a minimum order at Flipper’s? Yes, there is a one-drink minimum per person, according to visitors’ reviews.
How do you get to Flipper’s Shimokitazawa? Take the Keio Inokashira line from Shibuya or the Odakyu line from Shinjuku to Shimokitazawa Station, then walk a few minutes to the café.
When is the best time to go to Flipper’s? On a weekday, earlier in the day. Weekends and afternoons tend to be busier.
