I really don’t know who invented all these food holidays, but thank you to the wonderful soul that declared today, September 26, as National Pancake Day – you are truly the American hero.
There are so many cool and inventive pancake dishes that have been taking over Instagram (Cereal & Milk Pancakes from Scratch Kitchen, Souffle Pancakes from Cream Pot, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes from Moena Cafe) but when I think of pancakes, the OG has got to be IHOP – I mean, c’mon it’s in the name.
“But IHOP is everywhere, it’s so unoriginal” some might say.
NEWS FLASH.
IHOP in Hawaii isn’t like other ones on the mainland! We have a unique “Local Favorites” menu that includes everyone’s favorite savory dish, Loco Moco ($14.99). And for those that are feeling extra local kine, you can also add on some Hawaiian Fried Rice, Spam, or Portuguese Sausage sides ($4.99) to go along with it.
The loco moco, like everything else on the menu, is huge – heaping white rice (or you can get the bomb-ass Hawaii Fried Rice) under a hearty beef patty, smothered in gravy, topped with two eggs your way
This means you get a bang for your buck, and you can’t lie and tell me that you don’t care about value when you’re a #brokecollegestudent. And if you’re like me and have a huge appetite, you’re gonna wanna get a side of Spam, because the cuts are thick and salty, going well with the loco moco.
Alright, now back to the main reason I’m writing this article – the Pancakes.
IHOP isn’t just named the International House of Pancakes for their loco mocos – that’d just be weird. Their pancakes come in large portions that are perfect for sharing with families and friends, or hogging to yourself after your big fight with your significant other at 5am. No matter the occasion, no one is judging you for devouring a whole stack of their pancakes – I know I could demolish the Chocolate Chocolate Chip Pancakes in an instant & feel no remorse whatsoever.
They have pancakes for everyone:
Feeling colorful? Cupcake Pancakes.
Trynna be healthy? Harvest Grain n’ Nut Pancakes.
In the middle of a chocolate craving during your period? Chocolate Chocolate Chip Pancakes. Looking for simple comfort food? Buttermilk Pancakes.
I could go on, but I’ll save you the reading. TL;DR, there’s a lot of pancakes to choose from.
And you can’t forget the most important part of pancakes, beside the pancakes themselves of course – THE. SYRUP. Boring ole’ maple syrup isn’t your only option here, because they have other unique syrups like Butter Pecan, Blueberry, and Strawberry to douse your flapjacks in.
And don't think I forgot the best part about IHOP: Their Free Pancake Day!! Held on March 12, locals line up to get their hands on some a free short stack of Original Buttermilk Pancakes. Not only are they doing a good deed for our bellies, they're also doing a good deed for the local hospital and charities, by partnering with the Kapiolani Medical Center and Chidren's Miracle Network to raise money and awareness.