When and Where Were Pancakes Invented?

Pancakes have been around for centuries and are a part of multiple cultures. Researchers have found that people enjoyed pancakes as part of their daily meals as far back as 30,000 years ago. The word pancake was coined in the 15th century and became standard in 19th century America, but before that, they were referred to as Indian cakes, hoecakes, hotcakes, johnnycakes, journey cakes, buckwheat cakes, griddle cakes, or flapjacks.

It’s difficult to pinpoint (when pancakes were invented) as many countries have some form of pancakes as part of their cultures. The first recorded mention of pancakes was in 600 BC from a poet in ancient Greece. This breakfast treat was made of wheat flour, olive oil, honey, and curdled milk which is a little different from the pancakes we know today. However, while the first reference of pancakes came from ancient Greece, variations of pancakes existed in most countries around the world for centuries in some form as a breakfast food or treat similar to, but sweeter than, bread. Due to this, it’s hard to suggest that ancient Greeks were the inventors of pancakes, they may have just the first culture to record the tasty breakfast treat.