And in Tokyo, a city that almost seems to embrace the art of queuing, that can mean long waits. Japanese consumers are famously patient and polite, and there’s a quiet understanding that good things are worth waiting in line for. Still, when you’re travelling, especially somewhere as dense and dynamic as Tokyo, time feels precious. Even half an hour in a queue can start to feel like a missed opportunity.

That’s exactly why I keep coming back to one particular spot: The Original Pancake House in Shinjuku.

Tucked away on the 7th floor of the Lumine Est department store, just by the east exit of Shinjuku Station, it’s become my go-to for fluffy pancakes at any time of day. It strikes that rare balance between accessibility and quality, central enough to slot easily into a busy itinerary, but still delivering pancakes that feel like a destination in their own right.

I’m a traditionalist at heart, so it’s hard for me to go past the classic combination of whipped butter and maple syrup. There’s something about the simplicity that really lets the texture shine, light, airy, almost cloud-like. But the menu doesn’t stop there. There’s a whole range of options, from fruit-laden stacks to more indulgent, dessert-style creations, each one leaning into that signature soufflé-like softness Japan has perfected.

Of course, patience is still part of the deal. Depending on the time of year, and just how busy Shinjuku happens to be, you might find yourself waiting a little while for a table. I have walked straight in several times before though. And even after you order, there’s usually another short pause while your pancakes are carefully prepared. This isn’t fast food, it’s a process. The batter is handled with care, the timing is precise, and the result is pancakes that rise perfectly and are impossibly fluffy. It’s the kind of wait that feels justified the moment your plate hits the table.

One of the saving graces of this location is what surrounds it. Lumine Est is packed with great shops, so if there is a wait, you can easily pass the time browsing. Just be aware: you may need to leave one person behind to hold your place. This isn’t one of those systems where you get a text when your table is ready, old-school name calling still rules here.

I’ve visited more fluffy pancake spots than I can count, across Tokyo and beyond, and this one keeps earning its place at the top of my list. Not because it’s the trendiest or the hardest to get into, but because it delivers every single time. Consistency is underrated, especially in a city overflowing with options.

And perhaps most importantly, it fits seamlessly into a day in Tokyo. If you’re visiting, chances are Shinjuku is already on your itinerary. Knowing there’s a reliable, genuinely excellent pancake spot right there, one that won’t demand hours of your time, feels like a small but meaningful win.

In a city full of lines, it’s nice to find one that’s definitely worth it.

Address: Japan, 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−38−1 ルミネエスト新宿 7F

Phone: +81 3-6457-8768

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The trip began in Germany. We flew into Munich’s impressively efficient airport, and before I had fully adjusted to the time difference, I was in the Bavarian countryside. I remember opening the windows of a second-story bedroom to a view straight out of a storybook. Rolling hills, tidy houses, church spires in the distance. While I did have some formal meetings around photography and content filming for the website, it quickly became clear that food would be central.

We ate schnitzel, Bavarian apple fritters (Apfelkrapfen) from the neighborhood tavern, and a gloriously juicy pork knuckle during a trip to Munich. Near Neuschwanstein Castle, we sampled wheat beer and hazelnut schnapps at a brauhaus alongside some more traditional German fare, one of those meals that feels earned after a long day of meetings and product research.

By the time we left Germany, we were admittedly a little overindulged, but I couldn’t stop thinking about the food. The richness, yes, but also the simplicity. Dishes built on a handful of ingredients, done really well, without fuss. That kind of cooking always stays with me. And if you’d like to see how well I was able to capture some of the recipes, here’s my own schnitzel and warm German potato salad.

Next stop: Paris. This leg of the trip was decidedly dessert-forward. Being from Melbourne, we’re a little spoiled when it comes to excellent pastry, so it took a couple of attempts to find an almond croissant that rivalled Richmond’s Little Frenchie (ironic, I know). But when we finally did, it was absolutely worth the effort.

2026 note: It’s been almost two years since this trip, and my team and I are still working on developing a classic croissant recipe.

After a very inspiring strategy session with some international creators, we headed out for a standout steak frites at Le Petit Célestin, one of those perfect afternoons where you’re watching the world go by, glass in hand, food arriving at just the right pace. I can’t speak highly enough of the steak. I even made sure to check exactly how this restaurant prepared it, just to make sure none of my own recipes were lacking (it inspired my round steak and filet mignon recipes).

We finished it with some incredible crêpes. The company was great, the atmosphere unhurried, and the whole afternoon seemed to melt away. The next day we also upheld a personal work trip tradition: ordering pizza to our hotel room after a 30,000-step day. Some rituals are non-negotiable.

Our final stop was London, where the food scene once again spoiled us for choice. From traditional pub fare to modern Sri Lankan dishes (and a sneaky Shake Shack visit), inspiration was everywhere. One moment that really stuck with me was eating Basque cheesecake from La Maritxu in Paddington, sitting outside the small shopfront, fork in hand, enjoying the creamiest slice I’ve ever had. It was simple, imperfect, and unforgettable. I shared this slice with another food blogger who I have been doing some mentor work with. A perfect afternoon discussing the magic of cheesecake recipes.

Again, like the croissants, I’m still experimenting to recreate this very recipe!

Sunday roast was another highlight and a perfect escape after a 2-hour-long content planning session over Zoom with my team. Yorkshire pudding is much harder to come by in Australia, and having it exactly as it should be, golden, airy, and perfect for soaking up gravy, felt like a small but significant joy.

Although my stomach seems to have dictated much of this post, I promise I was just as excited to do product research (SO many exciting products coming to market in 2026) & catch up with colleagues who I value so much in this business. Food has a way of anchoring memories, and this trip reminded me why travel is such a powerful creative reset. The flavors, the textures, the rituals, they all quietly find their way into the recipes I develop back home.

European food continues to inspire the way I cook: unfussy, ingredient-driven, and meant to be enjoyed slowly, preferably with good company. And while I may be back in my own kitchen now, a part of me is still sitting at those tables, fork in hand, window open, letting inspiration do its thing.

The past few years were hard on San Francisco with shuttered storefronts, quiet streets, and uncertainty. But this time, it seemed the city had turned a corner. There was a vibrancy again, a spark that reminded me of my first visit in 2018 when I first fell for the place.

As always, I was guided by food, my favorite compass.

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If you find yourself wandering through Harajuku or Omotesandō, follow the scent of warm batter and sugar until you reach one of the famous Harajuku crepe stands, usually along Takeshita Street. These crepes are truly legendary for a reason: ultra-thin, warm, and rolled into the perfect handheld cone of happiness.

My current obsession is caramel banana. It is sweet, gooey, and ridiculously comforting, but I also try to pick a new flavor each time I visit because there are so many (around 50 or so combinations). The best part is that you are only a short stroll away from some of Tokyo’s best shopping and cozy coffee spots, so grabbing a crepe becomes the perfect mid-adventure treat.

Fluffy Pancakes: A Cloud You Can Eat in Shinjuku

Japan takes pancakes to an entirely different level with soufflé-style stacks that are so jiggly and light they feel like edible clouds. My go-to spot is the Original Pancake House in Shinjuku, located on the 7th floor of the LUMINE East department store.

It does get busy. You might need to put your name on a waitlist, but once those pancakes arrive, you will instantly forget the wait. I personally cannot go past the classic, topped with whipped butter and syrup. Simple and perfect. If you are more adventurous, the menu has plenty of creative variations to choose from.
Since you are already in Shinjuku, I always make a quick stop at Don Quijote afterward. It is chaotic, colorful, and the ultimate place to grab quirky souvenirs or late-night snacks.

Rikuro’s Cheesecake: Osaka’s Melt-in-Your-Mouth Icon

Last but certainly not least is Rikuro’s Cheesecake. If you are passing through JR Shin-Ōsaka Station, head to the grocery level near the Central Gate and follow the line of eager dessert seekers. Once you taste this cheesecake, you will understand the hype.

It is impossibly light, airy, and fluffy. It is the kind of dessert that makes eating the entire cake by yourself feel like a very reasonable decision. There are multiple branches across Japan, but this station location is incredibly convenient and very tempting for travelers.

Honorable Mentions: Everything Matcha

While not always a dessert, matcha deserves a full shoutout. Japan is the home of original matcha ice cream and matcha lattes, and it shows. There is a level of earthy, creamy perfection here that is hard to beat. If you are even a little bit of a matcha fan, you will be spoiled for choice everywhere you go.

Whether you are team crepe, pancake, cheesecake, or matcha everything, Japan’s dessert scene has something for every sweet tooth. Just be warned that once you start exploring, you may end up planning your entire itinerary around your next bite. 🍡🍰🇯🇵

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A real standout was Oda House on the Upper East Side. I’d never tried Georgian food before, and this cosy spot made a strong impression. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the Adjaruli khachapuri- a bread boat filled with melted cheese, butter, and a runny egg… was unforgettable. Right next door is The Sweet Shop, where you describe what you like, and they design a sweet just for you. A perfect way to end the evening after catching up with some old friends.

Some places are worth going back to, especially when you’re showing someone New York for the first time. The Grand Central Oyster Bar is perfect for that. It’s usually easy to get a table, and sitting down under the terminal’s arches is a great break in the middle of a day of sightseeing. The seafood is solid, the setting iconic.

One new place that really impressed me was Fish Cheeks on Bond Street in NoHo. The Thai food there was incredible- bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and dishes with real character. The only downside was a rule that we don’t have in Australia: they won’t seat your party until everyone’s arrived. On a hot day, that wasn’t ideal, especially since our table was ready, but once we got inside, it was well worth it.

I also made sure to stop at Shake Shack, which we still don’t have in Melbourne. The classic burger hits every time, especially after a long day walking the city. It’s a simple pleasure, but one that never gets old.

An honourable mention also needs to go to Seed + Mill at the Chelsea Market. Nothing beats their tahini soft serve, and it’s the perfect accompaniment to a leisurely stroll through the stores (yes, it’s vegan).

We also entered a studio audience lottery for the dates we were in town, which turned out to be a great decision. We got to explore Rockefeller Center, and after a bit of waiting around, we were in the audience for Late Night with Seth Meyers at NBC Studios. The taping was hilarious and a fun way to experience a different side of the city.

This trip reminded me why I keep coming back. New York constantly offers something new, but it’s also full of places worth returning to. That mix keeps it exciting and familiar, all at once. As always, thank you to all my friends in the city; it’s always such a treat to spend time with you.

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