Pancake


ThailandBangkok, Khlong Toei
AI Overview
Pancakes are a confectionery or light meal that is widely enjoyed around the world, made primarily from ingredients such as wheat flour, eggs, milk, and sugar, and cooked into a round shape on a griddle or frying pan. Although their origin is unclear, pancakes have long developed uniquely in various regions across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. In modern times, they are commonly served not only as a staple for breakfast or tea time, but also as street food in countries around the world.In Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, especially in local areas such as the Khlong Toei district, small-sized pancakes are enjoyed as snacks by children and young people, as well as everyday light meals rooted in the local community. These pancakes are offered in a manner closely connected to the local food culture and are characterized by their familiar, approachable flavor.
Pancake
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Map: Discovery Location of This Food
Taste Rating
?
Price
? Baht
Meal Date
5/2/2019
Food Travel Log
Affordable and quality sweets in areas with children
Exploring the Khlong Toei slum in Bangkok, I came across a small pancake sweet. The taste hidden in its small size would surprise even the Black Tri-Stars, stepping on our imaginations.
Slum areas tend to have many children, and they must have brought joy to many kids.

AI Gourmet Analysis


Overview of Small Pancakes Seen in Bangkok's Khlong Toei

Khlong Toei in Bangkok is often referred to as one of Thailand's largest slum areas, known for its vibrant local markets and diverse street food culture. In particular, this area gathers markets and simple roadside stalls that are considered the kitchens of ordinary people, supporting the daily diets of many residents and children. Among the foods discovered here is the "small pancake," known in Thai as "kanom pancake" (ขนมแพนเค้ก) or "kanom tok yok," which is a familiar part of everyday life in Bangkok.

Characteristics and Origins of the Small Pancake

Pancakes in Thailand are based on the Western "pancake," but most have been adapted to fit the local street food culture. Especially in areas like Khlong Toei, where living standards are relatively low, these pancakes are supported as a handy and affordable snack or light meal. The size is bite-sized, with a baked dough that is slightly crispy on the outside and moist inside. The flavoring can vary, with toppings such as butter or condensed milk, and sometimes sugar or coconut.Globally, similar street pancakes can be found in countries throughout Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam's "banh khoai" and Indonesia's "martabak," but in Thailand, they have evolved uniquely as a local sweet. Notably, they have become widespread as inexpensive snacks targeting children and students.

Community Relations and Pancakes

In impoverished districts like Khlong Toei, it is often difficult for families to spend enough money on snacks. On the other hand, pancake stalls use simple and affordable ingredients, offer small portions per serving, and are easy for children to purchase with their pocket money. These small pancakes have also helped foster community ties by being shared among families, friends, and sometimes even neighboring children. Additionally, because most stalls serve the pancakes freshly cooked, the aromatic smell creates a scene that stimulates the appetite.

Ingredients and Preparation Overview

The basic ingredients used for Thai small pancakes are as follows.
Main Ingredient Use / Features
Wheat Flour Main component of the pancake batter, creates a moist texture
Eggs Make the batter smooth and provide fluffiness
Sugar / Condensed Milk Adds a gentle sweetness and flavor
Milk or Water Adds moisture to the batter
Butter Adds flavor and richness after baking
The typical cooking method involves dropping small, round portions of batter onto a hot plate (griddle) and baking both sides evenly. After baking, butter or condensed milk is spread, and the pancakes are usually bagged on the spot.

Social Role and Influence on Modern Times

Such street sweets play an important role not only as sources of food but also as income sources for the unemployed, women, and the elderly in impoverished areas. Since it is an easy small-scale business to start, the pancake culture has gradually spread to other areas of Bangkok and throughout Thailand. In urban areas, the trend has diversified and commercialized, with fusion-style pancakes also emerging. However, the traditional style sold at Khlong Toei’s stalls continues to be strongly linked to the lives of ordinary people.Rooted in the local Thai culture and social context, these pancakes are also known as soul food that brings smiles to children, and are expected to continue being loved in the community in the future.