Craving something sweet, light, fluffy yet chewy and perhaps a texture that you’ve never encountered before? Enter delightfully delicious mochi pancakes and mochi waffles, artfully created using rice flour. This iconic Japanese treat, which originally dates back to just before the 800’s, is setting a new trend. Here’s a look at five of the most innovative and mouthwatering mochi pancakes and mochi waffles you must try on Oahu.

Koa Pancake House

Photo: Koa Pancake House

A staple for breakfast with an impressive menu spanning everything you can imagine — from omelets, to benedicts and more — Koa Pancake House has been open for nearly four decades and now boasts Butter Mochi Pancakes and a Butter Mochi Waffle topped with Guava Lava puree. Butter mochi is a more decadent mochi, usually a golden yellow hue and includes … yes, rich, silky butter. The chewy texture is addictive and a perfect blend of sweet with savory.

Koa Pancake House
6 Locations island-wide
Oahu, Hawaii
www.koapancakehouse.com

YogurStory

Photo: YogurStory

Famous the world over for their vibrant purple ube pancakes, the management team at YogurStory decided to try something new — Ube Waffles. This pairing of ube (purple yam) with mochi flour topped with a sour cream whipped cream will leave your tastebuds dancing. The waffles have more of a spongy texture when compared to traditional pancakes, and the ube syrup is a blend of coconut milk and sweet yam, which offers a nutty, creamy and comforting essence.

Yogurstory
745 Keeaumoku Street
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 942-0505
www.yogurstory.com

M.A.C. 24/7 Waikiki

Photo: M.A.C. 24/7 

An all-day and all-night eatery serving unique island favorites along with traditional comfort classics, these Mochi Pancakes are uniquely delicate, alarmingly addictive and easily devoured. Naturally gluten free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a late-night snack, the original option is served with a spiced vanilla butter, or you can choose to add freshly picked fruits to enhance the flavor profile. Honestly, these pancakes are so yummy you don’t need to add anything to them in this chic, contemporary yet charmingly convenient gem.

M.A.C. 24/7 Waikiki
2500 Kuhio Avenue
Waikiki, HI 96815
(808) 921-5564
www.mac247waikiki.com

Herringbone Waikiki

Photo: Herringbone Waikiki

Weekend brunch just got better when you add Mochi Pancakes from Herringbone Waikiki to the mix. Topped with lilikoi (passion fruit) butter and seasonal fruits, this order of pancakes is almost too beautiful to eat. Lilikoi is a blend of both sweet and sour, so if you would prefer to enjoy the delicate flavor of the gluten-free pancake, ask for the sauce on the side. A convenient location at International Market Place, along with the idyllic decor, makes this a hot spot for those who love to enjoy an afternoon meal with flowing mimosas in the tropics.

Herringbone Waikiki
2330 Kalakaua Avenue #316
Waikiki, HI 96815
(808) 797-2435
herringboneeats.com/locations/waikiki