Hummingbird Buckwheat Pancakes in Byron Bay

I could get used to this lifestyle, I thought as I sat on the rocks, Robbie by my side, watching the sunset as the waves crashed against the rocks below us, the sound of beating drums behind us.

Ahhh Byron Bay! What a unique and wonderful place, the best kind for a week away. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know I was recently in Byron Bay and you’ll also know that I absolutely loved it. Beach, rainforest, mountains and beautiful sunsets, all at the same time, how could one not fall in love.

But that’s not what drew Robbie and I to Byron for our getaway. It all played a part, of course, but it was really the food that drew us there. And for very good reason.

Plate of buckwheat pancakes with pineapple

Byron Bay and it’s surrounds are spotted with foodie gems. We were spoilt for choice for cafes and restaurants that offer gluten free, dairy free, vegan, nut free, and you-name-it dietary options, making it extremely easy for us fructose malabsorpers and the likes to eat out. As you can imagine this was a highlight! I felt I could freely eat out almost anywhere. A few of my faves included the ridiculously good vegan smoothies at Naked Treaties, the delicious vegetarian nourish bowl at The Roadhouse, the Hare Krishna green curry at The Cardamom Pod, a proper good avo smash at Folk and some amazing brunches and coffee at Bayleaf. So so good!

The food adventures did not stop there though. A prerequisite for our accommodation is always a full-size kitchen. I love having the option to stay in and cook, and rightfully so because the fresh local produce in Byron Bay was pumping! The weekly farmers market located just on the side of the town centre had everything we needed. And that’s where the magic really began. Especially when we found what we now refer to as the magical pineapple! The most deliciously sweet pineapple I’ve ever had and it only cost $2!

The foodie surprises continued when our overwhelmingly generous hosts surprised us with a delivery of a big container full of shelled pecans and an even bigger bag packed full of a variety of fresh herbs. We were pretty much in heaven.

With all this amazing fresh produce at our fingertips, I couldn’t help but get experimenting in the kitchen. An amazingly sweet and juicy pineapple and a heap of pecans… the answer was waiting in a fresh, hot batch of gluten free Hummingbird Pancakes made with buckwheat flour – definitely too good not to share ;)

Mount Warning rock climb to the summit

Mount Warning Summit

Food aside, Byron Bay was just a super cool place with plenty to keep us happy. If I had to offer my top 3 for Byron Bay, it would be eat, hike, and watch the sunrise and sunset. One morning we were up before the sun so we could run to the Lighthouse for the best vantage point to watch the sunrise. Another day we drove inland through the Hinterland to the edge of Mount Warning for a hike that would leave my legs sore for days. With an almost vertical incline for the last 250 metres to reach the summit, it was a truly amazing experience… Luckily we had these pancakes on return to keep us going!

So there you have it, a few ideas for your next getaway and a damn good pancake recipe to enjoy.

Byron Bay Lighthouse at sunrise

Hummingbird Buckwheat Pancakes

Serves 2

1 cup milk of choice
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 cup buckwheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/2 banana, mashed
1 egg
Pineapple
Pecans
Banana
Natural yoghurt

Measure out milk, add ACV and set aside to ‘sour’. Combine all dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Mash banana in a small bowl, whisk in egg and soured milk. Add wet mixture to the dry, and mix well. Set aside for 5 minutes whilst you prepare some toppings. Place pineapple slices in a fry pan on medium heat to caramelise. You may also add the pecans to toast. Heat another fry pan on medium heat and begin cooking the pancakes, keeping an eye on the pineapple and pecans at the same time. Serve pancakes with caramelised pineapple, toasted pecans, fresh banana and a dollop of natural yoghurt.

Enjoy!Low FODMAP | gluten free | fructose friendly | lactose free | sugar free