Fuwamai brings the viral fluffy Japanese pancakes to Malta, but do they live up to expectations? We tried them firsthand.
by Katarina Bokity Lazarevic
Table of Contents
Fuwamai: Bringing Fluffy Japanese Pancakes to Malta
Fuwamai is Malta's first Japanese pancake shop, offering this heavenly dessert to locals and visitors alike. Located at 36 St George Road, St Julian's, it is as busy as one would imagine.
The hype around these cloud-like pancakes has made them one of the most sought-after treats on the island, and it's clear that Fuwamai has captured the interest of many.
The Waiting Game: Is It Worth It?
With popularity comes demand, and that means long lines. Although the queue stretched along the narrow sidewalk, and the Japanese pancake-making process was far from fast-food service, customers remained patient.
Being told they would have to wait up to 45 minutes for their order didn't deter anyone. However, I must admit that staying on a bustling street corner with limited space wasn't the most comfortable experience.
Still, the wait allowed us to watch the preparation process, which was almost like performance art. The way the batter is formed and cooked is mesmerizing. Unlike traditional pancakes, these require careful attention to detail and a slow cooking method that ensures their signature jiggle and fluffiness.
The Art of Making Fluffy Pancakes
One of the highlights of Fuwamai is the open preparation process. Customers can watch as the batter transforms into thick, jiggly pancakes right before their eyes. It is fascinating to see how the batter is whipped and cooked to create that airy, soufflé-like consistency.
The choice of toppings is also impressive, offering a variety of flavours to suit different preferences. We decided to go with the chef's recommendation and ordered three of their most popular options:
Milk chocolate with hazelnuts
White chocolate with pistachios
Ricotta cheese with Mgarr strawberries (seasonal special)
Tasting Fuwamai's Best-Sellers
To our surprise, each portion came with two generously sized pancakes, making one order per person more than enough.
Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts: This option was perfectly balanced, with the hazelnuts adding a delightful crunch to the smooth, melted milk chocolate. It was sweet without being overwhelming, making it an easy favourite.
White Chocolate with Pistachios: This was a dream come true for those with a sweet tooth. The creamy richness of the white chocolate paired beautifully with the nutty pistachios, creating a velvety texture with a satisfying crunch.
Ricotta Cheese with Mgarr Strawberries: This stood out to me. The ricotta was incredibly fresh and creamy, with just the right sweetness. Paired with locally sourced Mgarr strawberries, it had a distinct flavour that reminded me of a classic English tea-time scone.
Where to Eat Them? A Race Against Time
Fuwamai doesn't offer indoor seating, so you'll need to find a nearby place to enjoy your pancakes. We opted for the nearby beach, which was a great choice.
However, it's important to eat these pancakes as soon as possible. Once the toppings melt and settle, the pancakes' texture changes, and they lose some of their signature fluffiness. The risk of them becoming soggy is real, so having a plan for where to eat them is essential.
Customer Experience & Atmosphere
Despite the long wait, the staff at Fuwamai was nothing short of fantastic. They were polite, patient, and accommodating to every single customer—even those who wanted to take endless photos and videos. They even shared some tips and tricks on how to make the perfect fluffy pancakes at home, which I'll definitely be trying.
Is the Hype Justified?
Absolutely! These fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth Japanese pancakes are worth the trip to St Julian's—even if it means looking for parking and waiting in line for 30 minutes or more.
For those who want to skip the hassle, the good news is that Fuwamai offers delivery, allowing you to enjoy their pancakes from the comfort of your home. However, be mindful of the texture changes when ordering takeaway.
Final Verdict: A Must-Try Experience
Ultimately, Fuwamai is the only place in Malta offering the famous Japanese fluffy pancake, and it's an experience every dessert lover should try at least once.
Whether you're a fan of sweet treats or just curious to see the hype, Fuwamai delivers a truly unique and delicious experience.
Check the Fuwamai Menu HERE
Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 11am - 12am
Sunday: 10am - 12am
Location:
Sign up for our newsletter to receive every update from OMG Food Malta.
Comentários