Popular Japanese souffle pancake cafe opens first franchise in Windsor

A London-based Japanese souffle pancake cafe has launched its first venue outside of the capital in Windsor Royal Shopping Centre.

Fuwa Fuwa now has four sites in the UK, serving fluffy cloud-like pancakes loaded with fruits and creams and honeycomb-topped iced drinks and refreshments.

The 'first and only' Japanese souffle pancake restaurant in London started out as a small kiosk in Westfield Stratford and soon expanded to three sites across the city.

The company decided to take its offering beyond the confines of the capital, by starting with a soft launch in the Windsor Royal concourse on May 23.

Windsor store manager Mydhili Palagani told the Express the cafe's ‘fluffy’ and ‘jiggly’ pancakes were made using soufflé techniques with egg whites and sugar for the signature cloud-like consistency.

She added: “It takes time making it, but it is still worth waiting [for]. It’s the kind of fluffy that fills your heart even more than your stomach."

Fuwa Fuwa means 'fluffy' in Japanese and is also translated as 'light and airy' or 'soft' which is how staff describe their signature dish. 

Leading the six-member team, Mydhili said the initial weeks since opening have been very busy with queues forming outside the venue during the weekend.

The company’s online presence has attracted millions of likes and views as Japanese-style soufflé pancakes have been taking social media by storm.

Some of Fuwa Fuwa's topping combinations include blueberry and yuzu, Lotus Biscoff and strawberry and Nutella, which is a bestseller.

The Windsor branch offers two special flavours called Pistachio Milk and Matcha Love, and Mydhili said gluten-free and nut-free options are also available. 

As well as teas, coffees and soft drinks, Fuwa Fuwa also sells signature ‘honeycomb drinks’ in the form of iced lattes, iced tea and hot chocolate.

Speaking about the opening in Windsor, Fuwa Fuwa marketing manager Effy Liu said: "Windsor is a great location because it's a touristy spot and it's right next to the Windsor Castle. 

"We're also the first in the area - there's no competitor yet. People love it and think its delicious and something new. Some people said they heard about us from London and always wanted to try it."

Fuwa Fuwa's Windsor Cafe at Unit 48 in the Windsor Royal Shopping Centre is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 10am to 10pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11am to 8pm and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 10pm.