9 Delicious IHOP Secret Menu Items To Try in 2024
The International House of Pancakes (more commonly known as IHOP) is world-famous for its golden, fluffy flapjacks, but you’ll be surprised to learn that there’s also an IHOP secret menu to order from. This unofficial menu features a range of brand-new dishes and customizations to already popular menu items.
Interestingly, the secret menu doesn’t only include pancakes. You’ll also find savory dishes, from risotto to steak tartare, allowing you to try something a little different from your usual order. To discover all the unique things you can try, we’ve rounded up the nine best IHOP secret menu items that are well worth tasting at least once.
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Does IHOP Have a Secret Menu?
IHOP does have a secret menu. However, there isn’t an official IHOP secret menu. Instead, the secret menu has been put together by various customers and shared across the internet and social media. Some items have become so popular that the staff will know them by name, while other menu items will need explaining.
As noted, the secret menu includes many interesting dishes that you may not have thought you could get at IHOP. If you want to try any of them, make sure you’re patient with the waitstaff and bring an ingredients list with you in case they don’t recognize the IHOP secret menu dishes by name alone.
9 Best IHOP Hidden Menu Items
1. Patagonian Prawn Ceviche
For a pancake franchise, serving Patagonian prawn ceviche is a surprise but one that is welcome. This seafood dish, which consists of prawns marinated in refreshing citrus juice, is a staple menu item in an upscale restaurant, but one you may not think to see on the IHOP secret menu item.
To try this mouthwatering seafood dish, you’ll need to order it in advance from the IHOP hidden menu. Simply call up at least four hours before you plan on visiting the IHOP near you to request the dish and they should be able to accommodate.
2. Steak Tartare
Did you know that you can find a tender steak tartare on the secret menu at IHOP? This is another surprising dish, considering that the franchise’s focus is on pancakes and other breakfast food. Despite this, this is one of the most popular IHOP secret menu items to order.
IHOP has a slightly different take on steak tartare, choosing to cook the meat so that it’s rare rather than raw. Despite the slight difference in the preparation of the meat, the dish comes served with traditional egg yolks, capers and onions.
3. Red Velvet White Chocolate Cheesecake Macarons
Despite their popularity worldwide, these melt-in-your-mouth French confections are not on the regular menu. However, they are available on the secret menu at IHOP. All you need to do is ask for them.
These red velvet macarons with a creamy white chocolate cheesecake filling are the perfect sweet snack for after your pancake meal and often come topped with fancy edible gold foil. So, not only are they delicious, but they’re also a picture-perfect item from the IHOP secret menu.
4. Warm Syrup
The syrups at IHOP are a favorite amongst diners and are one of the reasons why this pancake franchise is so popular. IHOP lets diners order a syrup caddy with a variety of syrup flavors, including classic old-fashioned, blueberry, strawberry and delectable butter pecan. But did you know that you can request that your favorite syrup flavor be served warm? To enjoy this IHOP secret menu hack, simply ask your server to warm the syrup up before bringing it to your table.
5. Roquefort and Pear Soufflé
Another unique dish to order from the IHOP secret menu is a soufflé with Roquefort and pear. Roquefort cheese is a rich and tangy blue cheese made from goat milk and is paired with sweet pears to make this baked French dish. To order this fancy menu option, all you need to do is ask your server for the Roquefort and pear soufflé. If they have all the ingredients, they should be able to whip it up for you.
6. Spinach and Asparagus Risotto
Spinach and asparagus risotto is a classic Italian dish known for its creamy flavor and perfectly fluffy rice. The spinach and asparagus make it a slightly healthier option compared to the sugary, syrup-coated pancakes most opt for at IHOP. This risotto, cooked in a rich and refreshing lemon broth, is available on the IHOP secret menu at most locations — to try it, just ask!
7. Onion and French Fry Omelette
Along with their specialty pancakes, IHOP also offers customizable omelettes and one popular combination that you need to try is the Onion and French Fry Omelette. This may sound like an odd combo, but egg and potato have been used together for years, so why not put them on an omelette?
To try this IHOP hidden menu item, all you need to do is ask for crunchy onions and salty French fries to be added to your custom omelette. For a unique twist, some recommend adding warm syrup to your omelette and you can add an array of extra fillings and toppings as well.
8. Speciality Pancakes
IHOP is known for its specialty pancakes, such as the popular tres leches, the protein-packed lemon ricotta with blueberry and the tasty strawberry banana pancakes. Despite these being popular with diners, the most-loved pancake on the menu is the cinnamon pancake called Cinn-A-Stack, which features a cinnamon swirl spread.
A while ago, IHOP took it off the menu, but before you panic, there is a way to order this delicious pancake from the IHOP secret menu. Simply order the original buttermilk pancakes and add the cinnamon spread to recreate this pancake favorite.
9. Kid’s Menu
The last item you can order from the IHOP secret menu is off the kid's menu. In fact, ordering anything of the kid's menu is the secret menu trick! Many restaurants are quite strict when it comes to age restrictions when ordering off the kid's menu. However, while IHOP does have a 12-and-under policy, if you order a kid's item off the menu, IHOP generally won’t turn you down.
So, the next time you feel like a child’s size portion, order a kid's meal from the IHOP secret menu. You'll be able to enjoy options like Happy Face Pancakes, chicken and waffles and French toast sticks in a much more manageable portion size compared to the main menu.
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The next time you visit your favorite pancake franchise, be sure to try out an item or two from the IHOP secret menu. This secret menu is quite unique in that it includes many options you’d never think to see at IHOP. However, next time you stop by, step out of your comfort zone a little and try one of the secret menu items listed here. From fluffy soufflé to steak tartare, there’s no shortage of options!
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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