Kumo Kumo – Melbourne – Japanese street style souffle pancakes and specialty drinks

In the heart of Melbourne, along Little Lonsdale just outside Melbourne Central Shopping Centre, Kumo Kumo has graced the culinary scene since its opening in October 2023. Nestled in the space formerly occupied by Don Don, this dessert haven has carved its niche as a pure indulgence for those with a sweet tooth, offering Japanese-style soufflé pancakes and specialty drinks.

Kumo Kumo’s philosophy, as proudly declared on its website, is a commitment to combining Japanese precision in cooking methods with the freshest locally-sourced produce. Each soufflé pancake, crafted with minimal ingredients, strives to strike a perfect balance between simplicity and refinement.

The inside of Kumo Kumo from Little Lonsdale Street

Highlights	Try one of their interesting array of soufflé pancake and a specialty drink. I think any flavour pancake will do having tried their basic honey and boba flavours, but in terms of drink I really enjoyed their Hojicha topped with cream cheese. And it’s cool they provide lacteeze tablets for those of us who have a lactose intolerance.
Cost	$14.5 to $21.5 for a soufflé pancake
Location	198 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Website	https://kumodesserts.com/

The word kumo in Japanese means spider, which is a odd name for a Japanese dessert venue.

The menu is a tempting array of soufflé pancake creations, each more enticing than the last. Options such as Crème Brule, Biscoffee, Uji Matcha, Black Sugar Boba, and Sunny Honey beckon diners with prices ranging from $14.5 for a serving with whipped cream to $21.5 for an indulgent one with ice-cream. Specials like the Ube Durian, priced at $21.5, add an extra layer of intrigue to the offerings. A notable stipulation is the requirement for a minimum of one soufflé pancake order for every two patrons.

Regrettably, takeaway orders are not accommodated, urging patrons to savor the decadent delights within the whimsically decorated confines of Kumo Kumo.

An interesting feature is the open kitchen where the magic happens – patrons can witness the meticulous preparation of the iconic souffle pancakes, adding an element of theatre to the dining experience.

During our visit, we opted for the Black Sugar Boba pancake priced at $18.5. Served with a fluffy pancake, the pearls were presented in a jar on the side alongside a dollop of whipped cream. The pancake itself was a delightful wobbly creation with a textural perfection that satisfied the senses.

A tempting visit with a luscious array of soufflé pancakes

Complementing the pancake, we indulged in the Creamy Hojicha for $8, featuring a luscious cream cheese foam that added a delectable richness. The Purple Yam Latte, a steal at $6.5, brought a unique and vibrant twist to our dessert experience.

A thoughtful touch was the provision of water for patrons, accompanied by lacteeze tablets at the counter, catering to those with lactose intolerance. This considerate addition aligns with the restaurant’s awareness of dietary preferences, especially in a region where lactose intolerance is more prevalent.

Kumo Kumo is a delightful escape into the realm of Japanese dessert perfection. With an array of tempting soufflé pancake options and specialty drinks, coupled with a charming atmosphere and thoughtful touches like lacteeze tablets, it stands as a haven for those seeking a sweet respite in the heart of Melbourne. While the no-takeaway policy may deter some, the immersive experience and delectable offerings make Kumo Kumo a worthy indulgence for dessert enthusiasts.