Blintzes, Mlyntsi, or Crepes? The Tasty Mystery Behind the Names You Love

If you’ve ever looked at a menu and wondered whether you should order a Blintz, a Crepe, or a Mlyntsy, you’re not alone. At first glance, they look almost identical: a thin, golden pancake wrapped around a delicious filling.

But are they actually the same thing? The short answer is: Yes, essentially! While the names change depending on who you ask, the soul of the dish remains a celebration of thin dough and flavorful fillings. Let’s dive into why we use these different names and what makes each one special.

1. Mlyntsi (Млинці): The Heart of Ukraine

For Ukrainians, the word is Mlyntsi (or Nalysnyky when they are thin and filled). This is the term of our childhood. In every Ukrainian home, mlyntsi are a symbol of hospitality and family tradition.

The Origin: The word comes from the Old Slavic word "mlin," meaning to grind (as in grinding flour).
The Vibe: Authentic, homemade, and steeped in centuries of history. When you see Mlyntsi on a label from Ukrainian Flavors, you know it’s made according to a traditional family recipe.

2. Blintzes: The American Classic

In the United States, especially in places like Los Angeles and Ventura County, you’ll most likely see these called Blintzes.

The Origin: This name traveled to America via Yiddish-speaking immigrants from Eastern Europe. It’s a linguistic cousin to our mlyntsi.
The Vibe: In the US, a "blintz" almost always refers to a thin pancake that is filled (usually with sweet cheese or fruit) and then pan-fried until crispy. It’s the name most Americans recognize as the ultimate comfort food.

3. Crepe Rolls: The International Favorite

"Crepe" is the French term that conquered the world. It’s the most "global" name for this dish.

The Origin: Derived from the Latin crispa, meaning "curled."
The Vibe: While French crepes are often served folded into triangles at street markets, Crepe Rolls refers to the style we know best—rolled tightly around savory or sweet fillings. It’s a modern, easy-to-understand name for everyone.

What Makes Them Similar?

Despite the different names, the core remains the same:

The Base: A simple, delicate batter of flour, eggs, and milk.
The Art: They must be thin - not thick like an American pancake.
The Versatility: They can be Sweet (Ricotta, cherries, berries) or Savory (Spinach and cheese, meat, mushrooms).

Why Do We Use All Three Names?

At Ukrainian Flavors, we believe that everyone should feel at home.

To a local in California, a Blintz sounds like a familiar breakfast treat.
To a traveler, a Crepe sounds like a sophisticated snack.
To a Ukrainian living in California, Mlyntsi sounds like home.

It’s the same delicious dish, but we call it by the name that is closest to your heart.

Experience Authentic Ukrainian Flavors Today!

Whether you call them Blintzes, Mlyntsi, or Crepes, we invite you to try ours. We use traditional family recipes to create the thinnest, most tender rolls you’ve ever tasted.

📍 Where to find us:

Online: Order on our website for delivery across Ventura County and Los Angeles.
Pickup: Visit us in Camarillo, CA.
Retail: Look for the Ukrainian Flavors brand in your local specialty grocery stores.