Oishi Oishi Japanese fluffy pancake outlet opens in Cairns

Japanese pancakes known for their fluffiness and airy cloudlike texture are now available in the Cairns CBD and they’re proving to be a big hit on Tiktok.

Oishi Oishi chef Miranda Lee serves up two dishes of Japanese fluffy pancakes to hungry customers. Picture: Brendan Radke

A Far North nightclub mogul turned tech developer has opened a new fluffy pancake outlet and it’s proving to be a big hit on TikTok.

Known for his involvement in famed nightclubs such as Tropos and The End of the World, more recently Reno Nicastro founded the language translation app DoTalk and also tried his hand at fine art sales in 2022 as a Lyons Gallery adviser.

Now, Mr Nicastro has opened the Oishi Oishi Japanese fluffy pancake outlet in the tenancy formerly occupied by the Ben and Jerry’s ice creamery.

Oishi Oishi is a new eatery on the Cairns Esplanade selling Japanese pancakes, desserts and coffee. Picture: Brendan Radke

Japanese pancakes are known for fluffiness and an airy cloudlike texture. Picture: Brendan Radke

“I love this stuff and when I was travelling overseas I was going everyday,” he said.

Menu items include Classic Maple and butter fluffy pancake topped with whipped cream, as well as the Matcha Heaven, Fruity Bliss, Nutella and Cream and Tiramisu Delight served with mascarpone cream and a dusting of coco powder.

Having never run a cafe or restaurant before the musician and former nightclub owner said there had been some early teething problems.

“When we opened the first order was skim latte and we didn’t have skim milk and we had to run to Woolworths,” he said.

Chef Miranda Lee with Classic Maple and Fruity Bliss pancakes. Picture: Brendan Radke

Mr Nicastro said he was still experimenting with opening times at the Shields St outlet and warned customers had to be patient as the fluffy Japanese pancakes or souffle pancakes did take about 20 minutes to cook.

“I have tried to make them quicker but you can’t, they have to come out right, they have to be perfect,” he said.

Japanese pancakes are known for their fluffiness and airy cloudlike texture sets them apart from traditional pancakes.

They are light yet satisfying, making them a favourite for those looking for a new twist on a classic dish.

The cafe also serves cruffles, acai bowls, coffee, smoothies and freshly squeezed juices.

Mr Nicastro claimed the fluffy pancake concept had taken the sweet treat market by storm and he had already been approached about selling franchise outlets around Cairns. He said the shop’s popularity had grown “organically” after being shared on Tiktok.

Oishi Oishi Japanese fluffy pancakes is located at shop 3/53 Shields St, Cairns City.

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Originally published as Oishi Oishi Japanese fluffy pancake outlet opens in Cairns