By Chris Dwyer
(CNN) — Pancakes — in all sorts of forms, made from all sorts of ingredients — have graced tables around the world for millennia, across every culture and creed.
They can be sweet or savory. Some pancakes are made with special kinds of flour such as chickpea flour. Others are made of potatoes or hemp protein. In their various forms, they are enjoyed across Europe, Africa, Asia and beyond. On the sweet end of the spectrum, pancakes are often topped with fruit or slathered with syrup, while sour cream pairs nicely with savory versions.
Since the batter often combines butter and eggs, which are rich foods, pancakes have historically been served before occasions of fasting. They are also frequently enjoyed as a weekend treat or holiday dish.
Although finding a definitive pancake definition is difficult, and doubtless contentious, here are some of the very best pancakes around the world.
Crêpes, France
French crêpes would be hard to beat in the Pancake Hall of Fame — if there’s not one, there should be. These ultra-thin pancakes originated in Brittany in northwest France, way back in the 13th century, but have since become beloved the world over.
They can be either sweet with fillings like fruit preserves, syrups or chocolate, or savory, famously with ham and cheese, melted to perfection.
Watching them being prepared is true culinary theater, as the batter is slowly coaxed to perfect consistency before being expertly folded over.
Socca, France and Italy
With deep roots in the city of Nice in France and the Ligurian region of neighboring Italy, where they are known as farinata, these pancakes are simply crafted from chickpea flour, water, olive oil and seasoning.
Traditionally cooked in large copper pans of oil placed in wood-fired ovens, these irresistible treats are a great gluten-free alternative to pizza. Socca is also a street food favorite in cities like Nice, where it’s served in paper cones and dusted with black pepper.
Blinis, Russia
In Russia and other Slavic countries, these thin, round pancakes made with buckwheat flour and yeast usually come in bigger versions than those seen in many fine dining restaurants, where they’re often topped with caviar or smoked salmon.
A staple of Russian cuisine, Blinis tend to come to the fore just before the Christian ritual of Lent, with a week of celebrations called Maslenitsa. Pancakes every day for a week? We love the sound of it.
Hemp protein pancakes, Switzerland
Dietary restrictions and preferences have seen countless takes on pancakes, but few can rival the delicious creativity of hemp protein pancakes from Michelin-starred chef Sven Wassmer at Verve by Sven at Switzerland’s Grand Resort Bad Ragaz.
Switzerland is known for its healthy breakfasts, and Wassmer’s gluten-free pancakes featuring hemp protein instead of flour, with toppings including bananas, almonds, maple syrup — and maybe just a touch of whipped cream — certainly fit the bill.
Fluffy pancakes, Japan
The Japanese name for this popular treat gives them away. “Hottokeki” – yes, hotcakes. These super fluffy, extra-tall beauties have taken Instagram by storm thanks to their souffle-like structure and texture, created by using egg whites in a meringue that’s added to the batter.
Top them with anything from berries to fresh cream, maple syrup to bacon. Just don’t forget to post a picture before you tuck in.
Scallion pancakes, China
Unlike most pancakes, these fragrant, crispy triangles are actually made from dough, rather than batter, bringing about a crispy, flaky and chewy texture.
Easy enough to make at home, some people like to dip them in sauces with soy or chili. But they’re great just as they are – hot from the pan or wok,