Beijing Restaurant Review: Tiger Pancake House

By Dominique Wong, September 30, 2016

There is something inherently mystical, religious even, about pancakes. As loyal holiday food fanatics are aware, Shrove Tuesday, aka Pancake day, precedes the first day of Lent, which is celebrated in some countries by consuming pancakes. They are the perfect soul-soother – the cure to bad days, hangovers or mortal sins.

And now, the pancake gods have answered our prayers with the opening of Tiger Pancake House in Shuangjing. A tribute to the great pancake houses found across the US, Tiger offers American-inspired fare in American sizes (i.e. extra large).

Here, pancakes are the star of the show. Flashy and loaded with toppings, they do not disappoint. Fluffy flapjacks are drizzled with rich sauces, ice cream, fresh fruit and nuts.

We try the chocolate (RMB52) and strawberry (RMB48) flavors. The former comprises chocolate pancakes, black cherries and chocolate ice cream; the latter is heaped with fresh strawberries and homemade strawberry jam. (If that’s not wild enough for you, other flavors on the menu include the ‘Pancake Hot Dog’ and ‘Hawaii Pancake.’)

But for those who aren’t into pancakes (sacrilege!), Tiger Pancake House offers plenty else – we opt for the Metropolitan Breakfast (RMB58), Classic Burger (RMB68) and Chicken Fajita Omelette (RMB45). And lest we forget where we are, the breakfast and fajita dishes also include pancakes on the side.

Tiger Pancake House is all about big fun. It’s casual and comfortable with floor-to-ceiling windows that give the place a light and airy feel. The cafe’s comfy seating, over two floors, ensures that the place is ripe for hours of enjoyment over plates of sweet, sweet pancakes. Yes, plates, plural. Why not? Just like the IHOPs of America, no one here is judging.

While Beijing is not wanting for pancakes – hi, jianbing – Tiger Pancake House is the first cafe in the capital dedicated to and named after the humble disc of butter, flour and sugar. And for that, we give thanks.

Images by Holly Li

See a listing for Tiger Pancake House.

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