Tassie Living: Five of the best Asian pancakes

Take our insider’s tour and find some of the best Asian pancakes in Hobart, from Pa Jeon to outstanding okonomiyaki to sizzling banh xeo hot from the pan.

TAKE our insider’s tour and find some of the best Asian pancakes in Hobart, from Pa Jeon to outstanding okonomiyaki to sizzling banh xeo hot from the pan.

Kalbi, 396A Elizabeth St, North Hobart

Try Kalbi for exceptional pa jeon — Korean Green onion pancake ($9). A jeon is a Korean savoury pancake, and pa translates as green onion. Kalbi’s light rice flour pancake is flavoured with spring onions and brown onions, then cooked until its edges are crispy, then seasoned. Dip it in a vinegary, soy mix. The seafood version includes calamari and prawns ($12). Korean food has become a worldwide health trend with its emphasis on antioxidant-rich veg, meat and the fermented kimchi.

Kalbi owner Simon Park Owner with one of their tasty, light and crispy Seafood Pa Dxze pancakes, complete with vinegary, soy dip. Photograph EDDIE SAFARIK

Bar Wa Izakaya, 21 6-218 Elizabeth St, Hobart

Weaving soft strips of cabbage and pickled ginger through its batter, the tanned okonomiyaki ($16) provides a delicious pontoon for their house smoked pork belly. Even more layers of deliciousness come with kewpie mayo, house Okonomiyaki sauce, shaved bonito flakes and spring onions. This Japanese Gastro-pub in Hobart, specialises in imported Japanese sake and beers. The cocktails are good too.

Vietnamese Pho, 9/33 Salamanca Pl, Battery Point

The sizzling Vietnamese pancake/crepe banh xeo is a specialty on the streets in Vietnam and a local food favourite. At Vietnamese Pho’s, the popular bright yellow banh xeo is made with prawn, pork, mushroom, bean sprouts, onion, spring onion. Served with lettuce, to roll them up, and top with coriander and light fish sauce.

Kalbi’s delicious, crispy seafood Pa Dxze, pancake. Photograph EDDIE SAFARIK

Thai Garden Restaurant, 44 Ryde St, North Hobart

Walk through the unassuming front door of this long-running Thai restaurant and you’re overcome by the great smells. Menu highlights include these Thai pancakes: vegetarian Khai Tod, and Khai Tod with red onion and tomato, both $17. Established 23 years ago it has been serving Thai food that combines aromatic herbs and spices with the best of several other Asian cuisines, including oriental Chinese flavours, tropical Malaysian tastes, as well as creamy Indian coconut sauces.

Tasty Korea Hobart, 207 Elizabeth St, Hobart

If you choose Pa Jeon here you have a choice of either seafood which has prawns and vegetables, or kimchi pancake which has homemade kimchi and vegetables ($16.95). They mix the seasoned ingredients with their Korean style batter. Not to forget their Korean chicken — wings, whole boned chicken and fried chicken — juicy and cooked well with a choice of sauces, and a good sauce ratio and wash down with a good Korean beer.