The Early Bird Gets the Pancake
If you’re planning a visit to Gram Cafe & Pancakes in Monterey Park, Los Angeles, be prepared to rise and shine early.
We arrived at 10:30 AM and there was already a line forming.
This popular pancake spot, known for its soufflé pancakes from Japan, has been creating quite a buzz.
But trust us, it’s worth the wait.
Explore Gram Cafe
Not Your Average Pancake
The star of the show at Gram Cafe is undoubtedly the soufflé pancake.
This isn’t your regular American pancake.
The soufflé pancake is thicker, jigglier, and a whole new experience. It’s like the pancake got a glamorous, fluffy makeover.
But be warned, these pancakes take 60 minutes to make on weekends and 30 minutes on weekdays.
We recommend ordering as soon as possible because they do sell out.
The Delightful Dirty Ube Latte & The Dalgona Coffee
We started our meal with the Dirty Ube Latte, recommended by our server.
This drink was a pleasant surprise. It wasn’t overly sweet and had a subtle taste of ube.
However, if you’re looking for a strong coffee kick, this might not be your cup of tea (or coffee, in this case).
The coffee taste was pretty mild, and the drink tasted more like soy milk.
But for those who prefer a milder, sweeter coffee, this could be a new favorite.
You can enjoy it in the afternoon without worrying about being wired.
The same goes for the Dalgona Coffee. It’s very light on the coffee. It also has a strong ‘burnt’ flavor so if you enjoy that, along with oreo cookie crumbles in your drink, this one is for you.
More Than Just Pancakes – Get the Food! (Start with the Karaage)
While the pancakes are the main attraction, Gram Cafe’s entrees are not to be overlooked. The food here is surprisingly good.
We tried the Karaage, which was crispy and juicy, earning a solid 5 out of 5 from us.
The Unagi Don was another standout, with the sauce not overpowering the taste of the unagi.
A Cheesy Affair – Seafood Curry, Gydon & More
If you’re a cheese lover, Gram Cafe will feel like paradise.
From the Seafood Curry loaded with cheese to the classic Gyudon with cheese, there’s plenty to satisfy your cheesy cravings.
However, if you’re lactose intolerant or not a big fan of cheese, you can always ask for no cheese.
The Sweet Finale – Mango Pomelo Sago Seasonal Souffle Pancake
We ended our meal with the Mango Pomelo Sago seasonal soufflé pancake.
This dessert was the perfect sweet finale to our meal.
The pancake was fluffy and the mango was very ripe. It was a delightful dessert that wasn’t too sweet, just the way we like it.
The Verdict
Gram Cafe & Pancakes is more than just a pancake spot. It’s a place where you can enjoy a variety of delicious dishes in a cute, cafe-esque vibe.
Just remember, don’t come here when you’re in a rush. Good things take time, and the food at Gram Cafe is definitely worth the wait.
