Best of 13 pancakes in Chinatown
Tucked away in the bustling streets of Chinatown, you'll find a unique culinary experience: pancakes. But these aren't your typical American-style flapjacks. Pancakes in Chinatown refer to a wide variety of savory and sweet Chinese dishes, such as Jianbing and Congyoubing. These delicate creations are a must-try for any foodie seeking a fresh perspective on breakfast or a tasty snack.
1. Full House Cafe
Cozy atmosphere, excellent service, and vegetarian-friendly

The breakfast menu featured pancakes that were a standout dish. They had a light and fluffy texture that was quite appealing. Some diners found the pancakes to be a delightful surprise, while others had more moderate reactions.
The pancakes were a part of the breakfast options, and opinions on them varied. A few individuals found them to be unremarkable, not meeting their expectations. However, the majority of the opinions were positive, with the pancakes being praised for their fluffy and appetizing nature.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Breakfast
2. Gum Kuo in Chinatown
Cash-only, no delivery or online ordering available

The scallion or green onion pancakes at this establishment are a standout menu item. They feature a delightful contrast between a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a side dish, these pancakes deliver a satisfying texture and taste.
These pancakes are made using scallions or green onions, which provide a distinctive flavor. The exterior of the pancakes is expertly cooked to a crispy texture, while the inside remains soft and fluffy. This combination of crispiness and softness makes for a delightful eating experience. The pancakes are seasoned well, with the scallions adding a savory and aromatic quality. Highly recommended for anyone visiting this establishment, these pancakes are sure to please.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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3. Lounge Chinatown
Feature traditional Chinese decor and serves Dim Sum

The scallion pancakes at this location are a standout dish. They are incredibly crispy, with a delicious flavor that is sure to impress. The use of scallions adds a pleasant oniony taste, while the expert preparation results in a perfect texture. The pancakes are thin and flaky, yet satisfyingly substantial. They are a must-try for anyone visiting this establishment.
Scallion pancakes are a popular dish in many Asian cuisines, and these particular pancakes live up to the hype. They are expertly seasoned, with a perfect balance of flavors. The crispy exterior gives way to a soft, flavorful interior. Whether you are a fan of scallion pancakes or are trying them for the first time, these are not to be missed. They are a delicious and satisfying choice that is sure to leave you craving more.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Fusion Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Celebrations
4. Tao Yuen Pastry
Traditional Chinese bakery with over 100 years of history

The green onion pancakes are a standout dish, known for their crispy texture and delicious flavor. They are a must-try for anyone looking to explore the menu. Another highlight of the menu is the dim sum selection, which offers a variety of options to choose from. The pancakes, in particular, are a favorite among customers, praised for their taste and well-made quality.
If you're a fan of delicious and well-made food, the green onion pancakes and dim sum are not to be missed. The pancakes are crispy and full of flavor, making them a satisfying and enjoyable dish. The variety of dim sum available ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy, with the pancakes standing out as a customer favorite.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
5. Big Dish in Chinatown
Features a cozy and intimate atmosphere with outdoor seating.

Big Dish is known for its delicious pancakes. They are cooked to perfection and have an excellent texture that customers rave about. The pancakes are fluffy and delicious, making them a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant.
The pancakes at Big Dish are a customer favorite. They are cooked with great skill, resulting in a perfect texture that customers love. The pancakes' delicious taste and fluffy consistency make them a standout menu item. Diners should not miss the opportunity to try these exceptional pancakes when visiting Big Dish.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
6. Ruby King Bakery Café
This Oakland gem also offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with friendly service and a range of gluten-free and vegan options.

Ruby King Bakery Café is known for its delicious pancakes. They are light and fluffy with the perfect amount of sweetness. The pancakes make for a great start to the day and are a popular choice among customers.
Visitors to Ruby King Bakery Café rave about the pancakes. They describe them as being incredibly light and fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast or a leisurely brunch, the pancakes at Ruby King Bakery Café are sure to satisfy.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Holiday Celebrations
7. Oakland Wonder Food Bakery
Local favorite with friendly service and cozy atmosphere

The pork buns at this establishment are truly exceptional, with a perfect balance of filling to bun and a fresh, soft, tender bun that has a slight sweetness to it. This place holds a special nostalgia for me, as I have been coming here since I was a child to buy hotdog and pineapple buns, and of course, their delicious egg tarts. All of their pastries are not only delicious but also visually appealing.
I highly recommend visiting this bakery and stocking up on a variety of their pastries. Their hotdog and pineapple buns are particularly popular, and their egg tarts are simply divine. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning customer, you're sure to be impressed by the quality and selection of their baked goods. Don't hesitate to try something new and discover your own favorite item on their menu.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
8. Ming's Tasty
Friendly service in a cozy atmosphere

Green onion pancakes were a standout dish at the meal, offering a delightful combination of crispy texture and savory flavor. These pancakes were cooked to perfection, with a golden-brown exterior that provided a satisfying crunch with each bite. The scallions incorporated into the pancakes offered a fresh, aromatic element that elevated the dish to a new level. Overall, the green onion pancakes were a must-try and certainly left a memorable impression.
These scallion pancakes were cooked without excessive grease, resulting in a final product that was incredibly satisfying without being heavy or overwhelming. The balance of ingredients was expertly executed, with the scallions providing a hint of freshness that complemented the doughy base. The pancakes were clearly made with care and attention to detail, resulting in a final product that was both delicious and impressive.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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9. Peony Seafood Restaurant
Offers a wide variety of live seafood and traditional Chinese dishes.

Peony Seafood Restaurant is famous for its excellent dim sum and seafood options. The restaurant's dim sum menu is particularly impressive, offering a wide variety of delicious and expertly crafted dishes. While the dinner menu also features fresh and flavorful seafood, it is the dim sum menu that truly sets Peony Seafood Restaurant apart.
Located in Oakland Chinatown, Peony Seafood Restaurant is a large and spacious establishment that is well-run and well-maintained. Despite facing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant has continued to offer excellent food and ambiance to its customers. The spacious dining area and high-quality service make Peony Seafood Restaurant an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy delicious dim sum and seafood in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
10. Shooting Star Cafe
Cozy and welcoming atmosphere, located in a quiet neighborhood

The pancakes at Shooting Star Cafe were a subject of contrasting opinions. On one hand, they were described as light and airy with a generous serving of syrup, suggesting a delicious and enjoyable experience. On the other hand, the pancakes were found to be just average, falling short of expectations.
This discrepancy in reviews indicates that people may have different standards or preferences when it comes to pancakes, and what one person finds outstanding, another person may find merely satisfactory. Despite the mixed feedback, it is clear that Shooting Star Cafe serves pancakes that are worth trying, as they have garnered both positive and average reviews from different customers.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Dinner
- Downtown Spots
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11. Oakland Cafe
Cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and great for brunch

Oakland Cafe is a Hong Kong-style restaurant that offers generous portions at affordable prices. The lunch menu features items such as fried rice and noodles, which are generally good, though some dishes may be a bit salty and dinner options can be hit or miss. On the other hand, the brunch menu is a delightful surprise. On a recent visit, the cafe was surprisingly quiet at opening time on a Sunday, with groups starting to arrive around 9:30 am.
The brunch menu features a dish of lemon ricotta pancakes that stands out. Despite preferring savory breakfast foods, this sweet dish won over our reviewer as the favorite. While the lunch and dinner options have their ups and downs, the lemon ricotta pancakes alone are worth a visit to Oakland Cafe during brunch hours.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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12. Baby Café Hong Kong Bistro
Hong Kong-style cafe with cute decor and cozy atmosphere.

Pancakes were offered as a menu item in both instances, but the opinions on their taste differed significantly. In the first situation, the pancakes were described as merely passable, lacking any exceptional qualities. However, in the second scenario, the pancakes received high praise, being noted for their fluffy texture and delicious taste, making for a satisfying and enjoyable start to the day.
Despite the contrasting views, there's a shared agreement that pancakes were indeed served. This commonality suggests that pancakes are a popular and widespread breakfast food, available in various establishments, and enjoyed by many. Whether the pancakes are unremarkable or remarkable depends on individual experiences and preferences, but their presence as a breakfast staple remains consistent.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
13. Yung Kee
Friendly service, cozy atmosphere, local favorite

The pancakes at this location are truly exceptional, but the green onion pancakes really steal the show. They feature a perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior, with the green onions adding a savory and aromatic kick. If you visit, the green onion pancakes are a must-order item on the menu.
Visitors raving about the delicious and crispy green onion pancakes is a common occurrence. These pancakes manage to be both unique and incredibly satisfying, making them a standout dish. Anyone who enjoys flavorful and well-prepared food should give the green onion pancakes a try.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Dinner
- Mid-Range