Fresh Air & Pancake is a Melbourne-based dessert venue specialising in Japanese-style soufflé pancakes, with its first Sydney location opening in late January 2026.

The menu centres on jiggly, airy pancakes paired with both classic and more playful combinations. Across all items, the pancakes were consistently light and airy with a soft, cloud-like crumb and a gentle jiggle, served slightly warm against chilled toppings.

Mango Grapefruit w/ Sago ($19.90)

This was immediately strong. The pancakes were exceptionally light, providing a soft, warm base against the cooler components. Coconut cream added a smooth, lightly creamy layer without heaviness. The mid-palate developed into a clear mango sweetness, clean and rounded, while red pomelo introduced soft bursts of citrus acidity that lifted the profile. The coconut note sat in the background, adding a mild nuttiness. Sago pearls contributed subtle textural contrast, remaining soft and unobtrusive. The finish stayed light, with sweetness tapering alongside a gentle citrus lift. Aftertaste retained faint coconut and mango notes.

Overall, light, well-balanced pancakes with fruit sweetness, gentle acidity, and controlled richness.

Pistachio Raspberry Soufflé ($19.90)

The pancakes remained consistently soft and airy. Pistachio cream was light and smooth, delivering a clear pistachio presence without excess weight. The structure was soft and compressible, with the cream adding a smooth layer. The mid-palate was led by pistachio, nutty and moderately sweet, supported by a subtle crunch from crushed pistachios. Raspberry introduced a distinct tartness, cutting through the cream and adding a sharper fruit contrast. The finish showed a gradual fade of pistachio with lingering raspberry acidity. Aftertaste retained light nuttiness with a clean tang.

Overall, balanced pistachio cream with controlled sweetness and effective tart contrast.

Mochi Tiramisu Soufflé ($21.90)

A thin mochi layer covered the pancakes, forming a chewy, elastic skin over the surface, alongside coffee cream, cocoa dusting, and coffee ice cream. The pancakes remained soft, while the mochi introduced a noticeable chew that made cutting less clean due to its stretch. The mid-palate developed a clear coffee profile, driven by the coffee cream and reinforced by the ice cream. Cocoa added a dry, slightly bitter note. Sweetness remained moderate, with the dairy elements providing a rounded body rather than overt richness. The vanilla pancakes functioned as a neutral base, similar in role to ladyfingers in structure rather than flavour. The finish carried lingering coffee and cocoa notes, with mild bitterness balancing the sweetness. Aftertaste retained a light coffee presence with faint cocoa dryness.

Overall, well-structured tiramisu profile with moderate sweetness, though the mochi layer adds chew without clear benefit.

Overall, an excellent execution of soufflé pancakes with a flavour combination that feels thoughtful rather than gimmicky. The visit took place on the first day of soft opening, with service that was kind, attentive, and efficient. There is clear interest in returning once seasonal and special flavours, such as Black Forest, make their way to the Sydney menu.

Fresh Air & Pancake is located at Shop2/180-186 Burwood Rd, Burwood, 2134.