What is a Japanese Pancake called? Your Guide to Okonomiyaki, Dorayaki, and More

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

Unlike Western cuisine where a single type of pancake is common, the term 'Japanese pancake' actually encompasses several unique and distinct dishes. So, what is a Japanese pancake called? The answer depends entirely on the type, as Japan boasts both savory, griddled delights and ethereal, sweet creations.

Quick Summary

Depending on the variety, a Japanese pancake is called okonomiyaki, dorayaki, or soufflé pancake. The savory dish is a mixed batter of ingredients, while sweet versions range from filled sandwiches to tall, airy stacks.

Key Points

Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake where the name means 'grilled as you like it,' reflecting its customizable nature.
Okonomiyaki has two main styles: Kansai (Osaka) style, where ingredients are mixed together, and Hiroshima style, where they are layered with noodles.
Soufflé pancakes are known as Fuwafuwa Pancakes in Japan, prized for their wobbly, airy, and fluffy texture achieved by whipping egg whites into a meringue.
Dorayaki is a sweet sandwich made from two castella-style pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste (anko).
Negiyaki is a savory variation of okonomiyaki that focuses on a higher ratio of green onions for a lighter, thinner pancake.
The toppings are a crucial part of the experience, especially for savory pancakes like okonomiyaki, which are adorned with special sauce, mayonnaise, and dancing bonito flakes.

What is a Japanese Pancake Called?

Answering the question "what is a Japanese pancake called?" reveals the incredible diversity of Japanese cuisine. There isn't just one name for this popular food item, but rather a few, each referring to a distinct and delicious type of pancake. The most common names you'll encounter are okonomiyaki for the savory version, dorayaki for a sweet, filled pancake, and soufflé pancakes (or fuwafuwa pancakes) for the fluffy, cloud-like dessert. Understanding these differences is key to appreciating Japan's pancake tradition.

The Savory Japanese Pancake: Okonomiyaki

By far the most famous savory Japanese pancake is okonomiyaki. Its name, literally meaning "grilled as you like it," perfectly captures its customizable nature. The dish is a batter-based pancake grilled on a teppan (iron griddle), filled with a variety of ingredients, and topped with a special sauce, mayonnaise, and other garnishes.

There are two primary regional styles of okonomiyaki:

Kansai (Osaka) Style: All ingredients, including shredded cabbage, batter, eggs, and mix-ins like pork belly or seafood, are combined and cooked together. It creates a thick, round, fritter-like pancake.
Hiroshima Style: Ingredients are layered rather than mixed. A thin layer of batter is first cooked like a crêpe, then topped with cabbage, other fillings, and often yakisoba noodles before being topped with a fried egg.

To make an authentic okonomiyaki, key ingredients often include:

Okonomiyaki flour mix or a homemade blend with flour, dashi powder, and baking powder.
Loads of finely shredded cabbage.
Eggs.
Sliced pork belly, seafood, or other proteins.
Toppings like okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise, aonori (seaweed flakes), and katsuobushi (bonito flakes).

The Sweet Japanese Pancakes

While okonomiyaki is a savory meal, Japan also has several cherished sweet pancakes. These are often enjoyed as desserts or afternoon treats.

Fluffy Soufflé Pancakes

Known as fuwafuwa pankēki (ふわふわパンケーキ), these are the tall, wobbly, and incredibly fluffy pancakes that have become a social media sensation. They achieve their signature airy texture by meticulously whipping egg whites into a meringue and gently folding them into the batter. The pancakes are then cooked slowly on a griddle under a lid to steam and rise to impressive heights. They are typically served in stacks with toppings like whipped cream, fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Dorayaki

This sweet treat is a type of sandwich made with two small pancakes (similar to a castella cake texture) with a filling of sweet red bean paste (anko). Named for its gong-like shape (dora meaning gong), dorayaki has been popular since the early 20th century. While red bean paste is the traditional filling, modern versions can be found with custard, matcha cream, or chestnut paste.

The Lesser-Known Negiyaki

A less common, but equally delicious, savory pancake is negiyaki. This variation of okonomiyaki originated in Osaka and puts the focus squarely on green onions (negi). It uses a similar batter but features a much higher ratio of green onions to cabbage. The result is a lighter, thinner pancake with a distinct onion flavor, often served with a soy-based sauce.

Comparison of Japanese Pancakes


Feature	Okonomiyaki (Savory)	Soufflé Pancakes (Sweet)	Dorayaki (Sweet)
Primary Flavor	Savory (often umami and smoky)	Sweet (airy and light)	Sweet (deep, earthy sweetness from anko)
Texture	Dense, fritter-like (Kansai); layered (Hiroshima)	Ethereal, jiggly, and fluffy	Soft, sponge cake-like
Key Ingredients	Cabbage, batter, eggs, pork/seafood	Eggs (separated), flour, milk, sugar	Castella-style pancakes, anko (red bean paste)
Common Toppings	Okonomiyaki sauce, mayo, katsuobushi, aonori	Whipped cream, maple syrup, fruits	None (filling is inside)
Serving Style	Meal or street food snack	Dessert or cafe treat	Confectionery or snack

Conclusion: Which Japanese Pancake to Choose?

So, what is a Japanese pancake called? The diverse range of options, from the savory and customizable okonomiyaki to the light and fluffy soufflé pancakes and the sweet, classic dorayaki, means there is a Japanese pancake for every occasion. If you’re looking for a hearty, interactive meal, try making okonomiyaki with your favorite ingredients. For a delicate, elegant dessert, soufflé pancakes are an ideal choice. And for a taste of traditional Japanese confectionery, dorayaki is a must-try. This variety is a testament to the creativity and culinary innovation found throughout Japan. For more on traditional dishes, explore a guide to Japanese cuisine from Japan Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansai (Osaka) style okonomiyaki involves mixing all the ingredients into the batter before grilling, resulting in a thick, dense pancake. Hiroshima style layers the ingredients on a thin crepe-like base, often including yakisoba noodles.

Japanese soufflé pancakes get their characteristic airy and light texture by incorporating stiffly beaten egg whites (meringue) into the batter. This mixture is then cooked slowly under a lid to create a tall, jiggly rise.

The traditional sweet red bean paste used to fill dorayaki is called anko. It can also be found in many other Japanese confections.

No, Japanese pancakes can be both savory and sweet. While okonomiyaki and negiyaki are savory, dorayaki and soufflé pancakes are popular sweet varieties.

You can find okonomiyaki in specialty restaurants called okonomiyaki-ya, at street food stalls, and even cook it yourself on tabletop griddles at some establishments.

Standard okonomiyaki toppings include a sweet-savory brown sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), and aonori (seaweed flakes).

Yes, all varieties of Japanese pancakes can be made at home, with many recipes available online. Some specialty ingredients like okonomiyaki sauce or dashi powder might be needed, but simple substitutes often work.