- 2 min read

Rainbow Pancake

Tokyo cafe dishes it out savory, sweet and 'kawaii'

Rainbow Pancake could easily be another one of Tokyo's gimmicky, all filler, no killer cafes. But, after a tasty lunch at the pancake eatery in Omotesando, I could easily go back for breakfast and dinner!

The pancake dishes -- from fluffy egg pancakes to chocolate orange pancakes to "BLRT" pancakes -- are delicious and playfully gourmet!

By the way, the "BLRT" is bacon, lettuce, tomato and "renkon," or lotus root, which is a dazzling example of how the cafe incorporates Japanese ingredients within its dishes. Often times, cute cafes in the Harajuku/Omotesando areas go heavy on atmosphere, with the food merely a second thought. However, Rainbow Pancake dishes out a "kawaii" and friendly ambience backed up by a memorable culinary experience.

During a short wait to be seated, the owner welcomed me (in English) to the rainbow-decorated spot. He and the rest of the staff spoke both English and Japanese to me and made me feel welcomed.

What I ordered

  • Iced coffee
  • "The Mexican" pancake lunch set
    • Included: potato salad and coffee jelly
  • Price: ¥1350

"The Mexican," is two large, fluffy pancakes with cheese in the middle, spicy ground meat, bitter melon or "goya," sprouts and red onions on top, with avocado and tomato. The waitress recommended I do an "add-on" of an egg for ¥150, but I stuck with the original. And, it was just the right amount of food. Price-wise, the lunch set was a great deal and left me full. The American in me wanted the veggies to be less of a garnish, but I ended up enjoying the minimalistic approach to each ingredient.

The cafe seats 18 people with nine, two-seater tables. Space is tight, so you might end up waiting outside. Also expect a wait if you go on the weekend. I ate there on a Monday afternoon (not a holiday), and there was never an empty seat. A larger space on the first floor, for parties and other special events, will require a reservation.

Access

It is about a 7-8 minute walk from Omotesando Station (Subway) or Harajuku Station (Yamanote Line). The cafe is located on the second floor.

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Tyra 'nell Pille-Lu 8 years ago
I love pancakes, but my concept of the food is just limited to its sweet taste with butter and honey.
This is a whole new world of pancakes for me, and with bitter melon on it? Surprising! But well, Japan never ceases to surprise me with something new, and to think I have been here for more than 5 years already.
Tyra 'nell Pille-Lu 8 years ago
Now I'm convinced! I should! Thanks for the recommendation =)
Silvana Elysia 8 years ago
Looks delicious...nom nom nom...
Victoria Vlisides Author 8 years ago
Absolutely!
Andrea Kahlow 8 years ago
Looks interesting, I'd be curious how the BTRL option is!
Victoria Vlisides Author 8 years ago
Me too... Definitely going to try it next time :)
Yui Yamaguchi 8 years ago
Interesting, it doesn't look like Mexican, but does it taste like Mexican? Or totally different food?
Victoria Vlisides Author 8 years ago
It tastes spicy a bit because of the meat! And the tortilla chips. I really loved it!!!!
Anonymous
Anonymous 8 years ago
Is this restaurant new?
Victoria Vlisides Author 8 years ago
Nope! It's not that new... I think it's been around for at least a couple of years, Tiff!

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