Mains more stunning than the desserts? The right way to do The Pancake Co.
qponx
2026-01-24
Is The Pancake Co. all about the pancakes? Maybe not! This review dives into the popular Jakarta cafe, revealing a surprising twist. While the signature soufflé pancakes look the part, they might fall flat on flavor. The real must-tries are the unexpectedly delicious savory dishes, like the Truffle Steak Donburi, and the standout Uji Matcha Latte. Get the ultimate guide on how to navigate the menu, prices, and wait times for a visit without disappointment.
I've got to admit, the dessert scene in Jakarta is seriously competitive, especially when it comes to soufflé pancakes. Every shop claims to be the best. This time, I went specifically for the famous The Pancake Co. by DORÉ, and the result... well, it's a bit hard to put into words. 🤯
The greater the expectation, the bigger the surprise?
This place is hidden in the basement of Plaza Senayan, next to the Food Hall supermarket. It's easy to miss if you're not specifically looking for it[1]. The ambiance is nice, with a pretty comfortable design. It's not too crowded on weekends, making it a good spot to sit down and Nongkrong with friends.
The main event, of course, was the signature soufflé pancake[2]! When it arrived, its jiggly, airy texture looked absolutely on point. Taking a spoonful, the texture was indeed as soft as a cloud. BUT! Honestly, for me, the eggy taste was a bit strong, and the overall flavor was rather bland. It lacked that"wow" factor. 🤷♀️
Just as I was feeling a bit disappointed, a plot twist happened! The Uji Matcha Latte[3] my friend ordered was the absolute star of the show! The matcha flavor was rich and smooth, with just the right amount of sweetness. It was so good I'd come back just for it. Anjay, isn't this way more Mantap than the pancakes? The Truffle Steak Donburi[4] we also had was surprisingly delicious. It was aromatic, the beef was tender, and it didn't feel like a half-hearted dish you'd expect from a dessert shop.
Don't be too quick with the praise, let's talk about the downsides
Even though we found some tasty things, there are a few points I have to warn you girls about:
First, the prices are on the high side. A classic pancake is around 88k, and a matcha latte is 50k. Having afternoon tea here will definitely make your wallet feel it.
Second, you really have to be prepared to wait! The pancakes are all made to order, so waiting 20-30 minutes is the norm[5]. If you're impatient, you might want to skip this. The service can also be a bit of a gamble. It was okay when I went, but I've heard many people complain about slow and unhelpful staff[6].
Here's my [Guide to Avoiding Disappointment], take it!
Alright, let me highlight the key points for you. If you want to go without any regrets, look here 👇
- 1. Don't go just for the pancakes: You can give them a try, but don't set your expectations too high. The matcha latte and main courses like pasta and rice bowls are a safer bet and less likely to disappoint!
- 2. Patience is a virtue: Definitely don't come if you're in a hurry. You can borrow their board games to pass the time, but it might get a bit noisy if many people are playing[7].
- 3. Find the right spot: It's on the LG floor of PS mall, near the Food Hall entrance. It's a quiet corner in a busy area.
- 4. Who is this place for?: It's suitable for coming with your besties or your partner to chill, chat, and take photos. For a family meal, ordering some main courses and desserts to share would also be a good idea.
- Don't just eye the muffins! The Uji Matcha Latte [1] is the *real* gem: rich, smooth, perfectly sweet matcha. You'll crave it!
- Hidden gem in a dessert shop! The Truffle Steak Donburi [2]? Super fragrant, tender beef. Unexpectedly amazing!
- Mall basement hideaway, a quiet corner in the midst of noise [3]. No weekend crowds, ideal for friend Nongkrong & chill.
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