Funwari Japanese Pancakes: Our Honest Review of These Fluffy Japanese Pancakes
Funwari Japanese Pancakes first popped up on our social media, and it immediately caught our attention. We had wanted to try proper fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes for a really long time, but somehow never got around to it. So when we were planning a trip to Prague and realized Funwari would be right there, our late-breakfast plans pretty much made themselves. Of course, we had to waddle in, order those famous jiggly pancakes, and finally see what all the fuss was about. Here is our honest Funwari Japanese Pancakes review: what we ordered, how much we paid, and most importantly, whether those pancakes were actually as fluffy as they looked on our feed.
First Impressions
You will find Funwari Japanese Pancakes at Slavíkova 18 in Prague, and the experience starts before you even waddle through the door. The cute stickers and little details around the entrance already hint at what is waiting inside, but once you step in, the atmosphere really comes together. The space is small, cozy, and distinctly Japanese-inspired, to the point where it almost feels like you have wandered into a little soufflé pancake café somewhere in Japan rather than Prague. There are only a limited number of seats, and it is clearly a popular spot, but that actually adds to its casual pancake-bar feel. The concept is self-service, so you order at the counter rather than having traditional table service, but everything felt welcoming and straightforward from the start. From a design perspective, Funwari does a great job creating a clear visual identity in a very small space, using playful details without making the interior feel cluttered. Our first impression? Cute, casual, and completely in tune with the food they serve.
Quick Facts
📍 Location: Slavíkova 18, Prague 3 – Žižkov, Czech Republic
🕒 Opening Hours: Tue–Sun 11:00 AM–7:30 PM, Mon closed (double-check before visiting)
🥞 Food: Japanese soufflé pancakes, including tiramisu, matcha, fresh fruit, chocolate hazelnut & mango
🧋 Drinks: Hokkaido milk tea with tapioca, matcha latte, lychee oolong tea, yuzu goji tea & seasonal drinks
💰 Price Range: €€
📅 Visited: 2023
📅 Reservations: No reservations at the Slavíkova branch; the restaurant notes that you may have to wait around 15 minutes for a table. Reservations are available at their second branch.
🥞 Pancake Price: around 259–279 Kč
📞 Phone: +420 774 533 166
📱 Instagram: @funwari.prague
🌐 Website:Funwari Prague
The Experience
The overall experience at Funwari Japanese Pancakes matched our positive first impression. The café is small and cozy, with a playful Studio Ghibli-inspired aesthetic, manga, characters, and little Japanese details throughout. We especially loved the tiny Ghibli-style garden, which adds another fun touch to an already characterful interior. It is the kind of concept where the design and food feel connected rather than the décor simply being there for Instagram. The Slavíkova branch has limited seating, and because Funwari is popular, it can fill up quickly. During our visit, we even saw staff carrying orders outside to another nearby seating area, which was interesting to watch. Despite being busy, the noise level stayed somewhere in the middle: lively enough to feel popular, but we could still comfortably talk and enjoy our late breakfast. The staff was friendly, and while the pancakes aren’t instant, ours arrived about 20 minutes after ordering, which felt reasonable given that soufflé pancakes cook slowly at a low temperature to achieve their signature texture. From a food-guide perspective, Funwari succeeds particularly well at creating a cohesive dining experience, where the compact setting, Japanese-inspired design, and made-to-order pancakes all reinforce the same identity. Overall, it’s busy but welcoming, and we were happy to sit back and wait for the pancakes to arrive.
What We Ordered
What we came to Funwari for was pretty obvious: Japanese soufflé pancakes. The menu stays tightly focused, built entirely around the same signature fluffy pancake base paired with different toppings. During our visit, we had five main variations to choose from, plus Japanese-inspired drinks like matcha latte. We tried several pancake variations to compare them, with a matcha latte on the side. TFunwari’s compact menu works in its favor: rather than stretching the concept too far, it focuses on one specialty and explores it through different flavors and toppings. And really, when you come to a place dedicated to fluffy Japanese pancakes, there is not much debate about what you should order.
Sakura Cream Soufflé Pancakes
Kč 219
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
One variation we tried was the sakura cream with whipped cream, which was still on the menu during our visit. The pancakes themselves were exceptionally fluffy, light, and evenly cooked, with the soft, airy center we had been hoping for from Japanese soufflé pancakes. We particularly liked that the cream and toppings were served on the side rather than piled directly on top. This kept the delicate pancakes from getting weighed down or soggy and let us add a little cream with each bite. From a presentation and texture perspective, it was a simple decision that allowed the pancake itself to remain the star of the plate.
Chocolate Hazelnut Soufflé Pancakes
Kč 219
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Another version we tried was the chocolate hazelnut soufflé pancakes, served as two impressively thick pancakes made from the same light, airy base. Once again, the pancakes were beautifully fluffy and evenly cooked, with that signature soft, almost cloud-like center despite their height. This time, the rich chocolate hazelnut topping sat over the pancakes, bringing a much more indulgent character to the plate. The combination worked particularly well if you have a sweet tooth, with the airy texture of the pancakes preventing the chocolate hazelnut topping from becoming overwhelmingly heavy.
Matcha Latte
Kč 139
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.5/5)
Alongside the pancakes, we also tried the Matcha Latte, which felt like the obvious drink to pair with a Japanese-style breakfast. The matcha itself tasted smooth and noticeably better quality than the overly sweet or bitter versions you sometimes get, with a pleasant balance between the earthy tea and milk. From a more critical perspective, the flavor was clean and well-balanced, but it lacked the depth and intensity that would make it particularly memorable. It was good and enjoyable alongside the pancakes, but nothing that completely knocked our socks off.
Since our visit, Funwari has changed its menu a little, with different pancake toppings and an expanded selection of drinks. Still, the concept that brought us through the door remains the same: thick Japanese soufflé pancakes served in a small, playful space that feels like a tiny slice of Japan in Prague. The Ghibli-inspired details, cozy interior, little garden, and overall design give the café plenty of personality without taking attention away from what you actually come here to eat.
This was also our first time trying Japanese fluffy pancakes, and we have to say, we loved them. The pancakes were tall, incredibly airy, and soft in the center, with the kind of delicate texture we had imagined after seeing them countless times online. Both the sakura cream and chocolate hazelnut versions worked well in different ways, although the pancakes themselves were really the highlight. The matcha latte was good rather than exceptional, but it paired naturally with such a sweet breakfast.
Funwari works because it understands its specialty and does not unnecessarily complicate it. The menu revolves around one technically demanding product, then creates variety through toppings and seasonal flavors. Add friendly staff, a fun atmosphere, and pancakes that delivered on what we hoped for, and it made for a great first introduction to Japanese soufflé pancakes.
Our only real wish? We would love Funwari to open earlier. With the current later opening hours, it feels more like a late breakfast, brunch, or afternoon treat than a place to start your morning. Give us these pancakes and a matcha at 9 AM, and we would happily waddle through the door for breakfast.
Our Verdict
★★☆
Funwari Japanese Pancakes combines a small Japanese-inspired setting, playful Ghibli-style details, and a focused menu built around fluffy soufflé pancakes. As our first experience with Japanese pancakes, it certainly set the bar high. The pancakes were thick, airy, and incredibly soft in the center, with the sakura cream and chocolate hazelnut versions showing how well the same base works with different toppings. The matcha latte was enjoyable, although the pancakes were clearly the reason to come. Add friendly service, a cozy atmosphere, and a concept that knows exactly what it wants to do, and Funwari is an easy recommendation for anyone wanting to try Japanese soufflé pancakes in Prague. Our only wish is that it opened earlier, as we would happily have these for breakfast rather than waiting for a late-morning treat.
Would We Recommend It? ✅ Yes
Best For: Japanese Pancake Fans • Soufflé Pancake First-Timers • Sweet Brunches • Matcha Lovers • Couples • Ghibli Fans • Instagrammable Food • Late Breakfasts
Less Suitable For: Early Breakfasts • Anyone in a Rush • Large Groups • Savory Breakfast Lovers • Anyone Looking for a Large, Varied Menu
Value for Money
Based on what we ordered, our visit came to roughly 717 Kč for two people, including two soufflé pancakes, plus drinks. That works out to about 359 Kč per person, which we think is fair value for a specialty café in Prague, especially given the size of the pancakes and the work that goes into preparing them.
At 219 Kč per portion, the soufflé pancakes are certainly more expensive than your everyday pancakes, but you are also paying for something quite different. You get two thick, freshly prepared Japanese-style pancakes, generous toppings, and a dish that takes time to cook properly. Add the themed interior and overall experience, and we felt the price was justified. It is not a cheap breakfast, but for something you probably do not eat every weekend, we were happy with what we got for the money.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Best Time to Visit: Funwari is popular and has limited seating, so we recommend arriving close to opening time if you want the best chance of getting a table without waiting. Since it opens later in the morning, think of it more as a late breakfast or brunch stop than an early-morning café.
- Reservations: At the Slavíkova location, reservations aren’t available, so seating is first-come, first-served. If it is busy, you may need to wait. Funwari also has a second Prague location with reservations, so that may be the better option if you want to guarantee a table.
- Getting There: Funwari is located at Slavíkova 18 in Prague 3 – Žižkov, just outside the historic center. It is easy to combine with exploring Žižkov or Vinohrady and is still straightforward to reach from central Prague.
- Parking: Street parking in this part of Prague is regulated and can be difficult to find, so we don’t recommend relying on finding a space directly outside. If you are driving, check the nearby paid parking zones or garages before you go.
- Public Transport: Public transport is the easiest way to get there. The café is within walking distance of Jiřího z Poděbrad, with metro and tram connections making it easy to reach from elsewhere in Prague.
- Seating: The original Funwari location is small, with only a limited number of tables, so it fills up quickly. During our visit, we even noticed staff taking orders outside to an additional nearby seating area. The compact size adds to the cozy Japanese café atmosphere, but keep it in mind if you are visiting with a larger group.
- Dress Code: Casual is absolutely fine. Funwari is relaxed, playful, and more about sitting down with pancakes and matcha than dressing up for brunch.
- Experience Tip: Give yourself enough time. Japanese soufflé pancakes are prepared to order, and ours took roughly 20 minutes to arrive. Between a possible wait for a table and the prep time, this isn’t somewhere we would squeeze into a tight itinerary. Come when you have time to sit back, enjoy the Ghibli-inspired surroundings, and let those pancakes do their fluffy thing.
Overall Miškolin Guide Rating
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Food | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Service | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Atmosphere | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Location | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
| Penguin Pick™ | – |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆(4/5) |
Miškolin Guide Award
The Miškolin Guide is Lifeguin’s food rating system for restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and other food spots. Places can earn 1 to 3 spatulas, with more spatulas indicating a stronger recommendation.
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