Canadian Pancakes in Madrid & Barcelona

Genia · Jun 1, 2024

A stack of fluffy Canadian pancakes drizzled with maple syrup

What sets Canadian pancakes apart

These pancakes are American-style, meaning thick and fluffy, but with one distinctive feature: they're served generously covered in maple syrup, a truly iconic Canadian product.

The batter is practically identical to American pancakes (hotcakes). The main difference lies in the accompaniments and the tradition.

How they compare to other pancake styles

American/Canadian pancake

French crêpes

Ployes (Acadian)

How Canadian pancakes are made

Common ingredients

Instructions

  1. Combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a bowl
  2. Mix milk, eggs and butter separately (lightly beat the milk, melt the butter first)
  3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones and mix just until combined
  4. The secret is that the batter should be lumpy — overmixing activates the gluten and results in tough pancakes
  5. Pour the batter into a hot, lightly greased pan or griddle
  6. Flip when bubbles appear on the surface and the edges begin to dry out
  7. Stack and drizzle generously with maple syrup

A bit of gastronomic history

Thick, fluffy pancakes became popular in North America thanks to the availability of bicarbonate of soda and baking powder, which allowed for faster cooking and a lighter texture.

In Canada, the dish merged with the country's most iconic product: maple syrup, harvested by Indigenous peoples for centuries and adopted by European settlers. The tradition of a hearty breakfast with pancakes, maple syrup, bacon and eggs became standard and continues today.

In the Acadian region (Quebec and the Maritime Provinces), the traditional pancake is the Ploye, a thinner pancake made from buckwheat flour and cooked on one side only. But when people talk about Canadian pancakes today, they almost always mean the breakfast version with maple syrup.

When is the best time to eat your Canadian pancakes?

Canadian pancakes are traditionally a breakfast or brunch option, somewhat more substantial than a typical Spanish breakfast. In their country of origin, Canadians enjoy them as part of a hearty breakfast that combines sweet and savoury (bacon, sausages, eggs) to start the day with energy.

In Spain, these pancakes can also be enjoyed as a snack, an afternoon treat, or even as a dinner dessert.

Places for Canadian pancakes in Madrid

EatMyTrip Malasaña

There's no better place in Madrid to enjoy classic North American Canadian pancakes. This Malasaña brunch spot is a tasteful, comfortable space where the staff explain every detail of how the dishes are made. Highly recommended for adding poached eggs, avocado, shredded chicken, fruit, ice cream and more to your pancakes. 📍 Calle de Manuela Malasaña, 17

Watts Cantina

A great option in La Latina for well-made pancakes. They serve maple syrup and butter, or you can add bacon and eggs. They also have good specialty coffee and many other breakfast options. 📍 Calle de Don Pedro, 4

Kricky Pelton

In Chamberí, Kricky Pelton stands out for its American style. You'll find slow-cooked pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, often served with cream ice cream. Breakfast extras include extra bacon, extra eggs, beans and more. 📍 Calle de Modesto Lafuente, 61

El Gordito

The pancakes stand out for their fluffy texture and generous fillings. Since diners can add all the toppings they want, the temptation is irresistible: bacon, eggs, vanilla ice cream and fruit, at reasonable prices for Malasaña. 📍 Calle de la Palma, 41

Places for Canadian pancakes in Barcelona

EatMyTrip Borrell

As part of an elaborate, healthy brunch in Barcelona, EatMyTrip Borrell is the best way to enjoy Canadian pancakes. Decorated in the brand's signature style with pleasant, fresh colours and an ideal terrace, the menu is a benchmark among tourists and locals for its international variety, from smoothies to savoury options and sweet treats with hints of different culinary cultures. 📍 Carrer del Comte Borrell, 129

Zenith

Well known for its All Day Brunch with sweet or savoury pancake options. Canadian pancakes appear on the menu as "Bacon & Egg", served with maple syrup, cheddar cheese and spring onion. 📍 Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 663

Milk Bar & Bistro

In Barcelona's Ciutat Vella, this pioneering brunch venue offers a wide range of pancake options. They make Canadian pancakes with poached eggs, maple bacon, Cajun seasoning and hollandaise sauce. They also offer Dutch-style pancakes, Mediterranean pancakes, pancakes with salmon, green guacamole, boletus mushrooms and more. 📍 Carrer d'en Gignàs, 21

Conclusions

What makes a pancake "Canadian" is the cultural tradition of serving it with pure maple syrup, the country's national pride, often alongside a full savoury breakfast (eggs, bacon, sausages). Canadian pancakes are truly the jewel in the crown.

EatMyTrip tip: When ordering at any of these places, ask for the option that includes maple syrup and/or bacon, as that's the classic combination that sets them apart culturally.