Flipper’s is a pancake chain known for its souffle pancakes. The chain recently opened a new branch near Shinjuku station and after some bird watching at the nearby Shinjuku Gyoen, we ended up having an early dinner here.
The last time we went to Flipper’s in Shibuya, I think we lined up for an hour (ouch). This time we were lucky and the Shinjuku chain had no line - maybe because we went at 4pm which is a bit of a weird time to be having a meal.
The souffle pancakes are delicious! They’re this really soft, eggy type of pancake. I had assumed they were invented in Japan, but apparently it started in Hawaii before being popularised here. Way tastier than regular pancakes, and Flipper’s is a chain that does it really well.
We also ordered their brunch plate, which comes with the regular thin version of pancakes.
Oddly, the restaurant also has a “one drink” policy, where you must buy a drink along with your meal. This definitely not normal in Tokyo for a lunch spot, and the Shibuya branch didn’t have this rule.
If you get their basic souffle pancakes and a coffee it’s not too bad as that will total to about 2300 yen. And you can get a second refill on your coffee. But if you order anything else, or get one of their fancier drinks, you’re looking at closer to 3000 yen per person which is pretty expensive for a regular meal in Tokyo. The interior of the store was going for a pretty upscale vibe, so maybe this is just the clientele they’re trying to attract - a pair of ladies at the table next to us were having some conversation about some super expensive jewellery they were considering buying.
My opinion would be to say it’s worth coming if you just get the standard souffle pancakes, and possibly go for a refill on your coffee (i.e. if you’re caffeine-sensitive make sure to come in the morning). Otherwise, I don’t think the price would make it worth it.
Also the most basic pancakes comes as a set of 3, while the fancier matcha or strawberry options comes with fancy toppings but only 2 pancakes. So the basic option is the way to go!
Next challenge - we are going to try and make souffle pancakes at home.
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