Pancakes - are thin, flat and crispy when served hot. When served cold they are softer in texture. They are mostly pale yellow in colour but, given they tend to bubble when cooked, have darker spots where the bubbles form. A classic South African pancake (also known as pannekoek) is served with cinnamon sugar. Other sweet options are lemon and sugar, lemon and honey or chocolate spread.
Crumpets - are thicker than pancakes but smaller in diameter. The batter is smooth and uses a raising agent, producing a light, cake-like product. Crumpets (also known as flapjacks, hotcakes, or griddle cakes) are always served hot. Their exteriors are dark brown with a light, pale yellow inside. Crumpets are usually served with syrup and sometimes even bacon.
Waffles - come in various shapes, sizes and thicknesses. They are patterned with dimples (made from a waffle iron that they are cooked in). Similar to crumpets, they are golden brown on the outside and pale yellow inside. They are crisp and normally served with a wide range of sweet toppings such as cream, icing sugar, chocolate, fruit, syrup and ice cream.
Traditionally the "Belgian Waffle" uses yeast as a raising agent to produce a thicker and lighter waffle.