Gluten-Free Pancakes at VIPS restaurant (and why you'll want them)

These pancakes were going to be part of my review of VIPS restaurant new gluten-free menu, but then I realized that these beauties deserved their own entry. Don't you agree?

VIPS is a very popular chain restaurant in Madrid, where it first opened, and has now expanded beyond the capital to many other places in Spain.

I'll talk in more detail about this chain of restaurants and their new gluten-free menu on the next entry to come, but for now, let me tell you that VIPS restaurants have been assessed by the Spanish Federation of Coeliac Associations and after collaborating hand in hand for a year, they are now offering a renewed gluten-free menu at 116 restaurants. I would say their menu is aligned with fast casual food style: you can find salads, burgers, sandwiches, nachos.... Luckily, they have not left out desserts of the gluten-free options — we all know the story: great gluten-free food at a specific place, but when dessert time comes, we can only opt to yogurt, fruits and so on. Like, hello, we also want some cakes or at least something more "elaborated" (Not that I am against healthy options, but when eating out I like to be able to eat something I wouldn't have at home) — But no worries, here you can choose among pancakes, chocolate brownie or a dark chocolate ice-cream topped with cream (a paradise to all those with sweet tooth, right?). You could argue that 3 desserts is not that much, but believe me, it is a great deal for us coeliacs. After all, not every restaurant accommodates coeliac needs, and if so, it is still hard to find one that offers some “elaborated” gluten-free option for dessert.

Now, to the pancakes!

Dessert time: Gluten-Free pancakes

Well, hello sweet lovely pancakes, my tummy is happy to meet you.

I have to admit that I was a bit sceptical at firs. Due to some previous experiences I'm prepared not to expect that much for the gluten-free version, specially for desserts, but oh boy! These pancakes were not only great in presentation, taste, flavour and looks, but also really delicious! I was not expecting them to be that good (and the other coeliacs that were with me at the time agreed).


As you can see, they come in a considerable size (another low-down for gluten-free version is that many times they make it smaller, like the hamburger buns, so good point VIPS for not making them smaller), are decently thick and extremely fluffy — Have I mentioned how much in love I am with them? Seriously, I can't remember having eating any other pancakes like these ones. (Maybe I should go on a gluten-free pancakes quest now? Hmm).

Also, take notice that they are three pieces, not two (I don't think I've seen this much quantity before, as until now all the places have been offering just two pieces).

The pancakes are accompanied with whipped cream and chocolate caramel syrup.

I'm not a huge fan of whipped cream; unless homemade, I normally find it too artificial so I tend to leave it as it has no added value to me. But I was quite happy with this one, especially with the syrup on top, it was a nice combination of textures and flavour.

Glorious gluten-free pancakes

I included a close-up of the caramel ingredients so you can have a look. It's basically made of glucose, sugar, water, maple syrup plus the usual preservatives, colorants and stabilizers. It may come to a little shock that you are just given a little sachet (as if it was ketchup) instead of in a little jar, but to me I didn't find it annoying at all. Actually, I prefer it this way as it can really guarantee you that not only it's gluten-free, but there are no risks of cross-contamination.

Caramel syrup + pancakes = extra yumminess

​Wrapping up

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In a nutshell, I really liked these gluten-free pancakes by VIPS restaurants. It really took me by surprise, as I was not expecting them to be this tasty. They were fresh made and you can tell it; they remind me to the ones you make at home. Moreover, let's not forget that you are given three pancakes, not two.

Also, be ready to drool over the delicious smell and wishing they’d magically appear ipso-facto on your table (so you can start admire AND devour them).

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   Gluten-free pancakes
   Where: VIPS restaurants
   Quantity: 3 pieces
   Price: € 4.95

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Additional Info about Gluten-Free in VIPS restaurants:

• VIPS restaurant Gluten-Free Menu
• VIPS restaurant Gluten-Free Kids Menu
• VIPS restaurant Allergen Information

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