These delicate pancakes are known as 'crêpes' in France. Their name comes from Old French 'crespe' which traces back to the Latin 'crispa' or 'crispus' which means curled. This probably refers to their often slightly ruffled edges. A French café that specializes in crepes is known as a crêperie.

Crêpes are an ultra-thin pancake common in France that can be made sweet or savory, typically rolled or folded with a variety of fillings from jam or Nutella to ham and cheese to seafood.