Pancake Houses of the Netherlands

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Dutch pancakes aren't just for breakfast in the Netherlands. These tasty pan-fried cakes can be served as a savory meal, a snack, or a sweet dessert. Typically, these Dutch treats are thinner and larger than American flapjacks, but thicker than French crêpes. (Dutch pancakes, however, should not be confused with Dutch babies, puffy cakes similar to large popovers, and which are actually German in origin.) Traditionally, Dutch pancakes are topped with powdered sugar and a sweet apple syrup called stroop. But there are lots of varieties. They are often filled with goodies like fruits, cheeses, meats, eggs and more. Discover where to find the best pancakes in the Netherlands and learn how to make your own Dutch pancakes.

Dutch pancake from PANCAKES Amsterdam

Dutch pancake from PANCAKES Amsterdam (Photo credit: PANCAKES Amsterdam)

PANCAKES Amsterdam in Amsterdam

With six locations in Amsterdam, you're never far from your next Dutch pancake at a PANCAKES Amsterdam when touring the city. They offer over 30 pancake options, including Poffertjes, or mini pancakes that taste like donuts. Their menu suggests, “For an authentic Dutch pancake experience, try the pancake with ham and grated Dutch cheese. Don’t forget about the stroop for the finishing touch!” Alternatively, this popular chain serves fluffy American-style pancakes, for travelers who are feeling homesick.

Do you have food allergies or dietary restrictions? Good news! You can order your cakes here gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan.

Poffertjes, or mini Dutch pancakes, at PANCAKES Amsterdam

Poffertjes, or mini Dutch pancakes, at PANCAKES Amsterdam (Photo credit: PANCAKES Amsterdam)

De Pannenkoekenboot in Rotterdam

All aboard De Pannenkoekenboot (The Pancake Boat) for the best pancakes in Rotterdam! Eat all the Dutch pancakes you want during a 75-minute or 2.5-hour cruise while taking in the Rotterdam skyline from the water. Diners top their own cakes from a selection of tempting toppings like apples, chocolate, sprinkles and, of course, stroop. Pay a discounted children's price for kids aged 3-11. Toddler and babies sail for free.

Dutch pancake on De Pannenkoekenboot in Rotterdam

Dutch pancake on De Pannenkoekenboot in Rotterdam (Photo credit: De Pannenkoekenboot)

Pannenkoeken Paviljoen in Haarlem

Sure, you can choose standard toppings. But why do that when Pannenkoeken Paviljoen (Pancakes Pavilion) in Haarlem has so many other intriguing options to choose from? Get your Dutch pancake Italian-style with fried spinach, mozzarella, sun-dried tomato, a sprinkle of pine nuts and drizzled with balsamic syrup. Or, try yours with smoked salmon, chive cream cheese, arugula, capers, and red onion. Chocolate lovers should save room for dessert and splurge on a Dame Noir pancake — it comes with chocolate ice cream, chocolate chips, white chocolate sauce and whipped cream. Yum!

An array of options at Pannenkoeken Paviljoen in Haarlem, The Netherlands

An array of tasty options at Pannenkoeken Paviljoen in Haarlem (Photo credit: Pannenkoeken Paviljoen)

Pannenkoe in Gouda

The oldest pancake house in the Netherlands can be found in Gouda. Treat your taste buds to Pannenkoe‘s Dutch pancakes, made in traditional style. Their house specialty cake is made with ham, cheese, bacon, onions, and mushrooms. Look for their pancakes of the month to try a new spin on old classics.

A pancake of the month, chicken ragout and arugula, at Pannenkoe in Gouda, The Netherlands

A pancake of the month, chicken ragout and arugula, at Pannenkoe in Gouda (Photo credit: Pannenkoe)

Stads-Koffyhuis in Delft

A local favorite, Stads-Koffyhuis (City Coffeehouse), will not disappoint those craving Dutch pancakes in Delft. Take in canal views while eating such treasures as a Dutch pancake filled with Delft Kuyte beer-braised chicken, carrots, leeks and onions. Or, why not go sweet AND savory with their bacon, apple and raisin pancake?

Dutch pancakes and other treats at Stads-Koffyhuis in Delft, the Netherlands

Dutch pancakes and other treats at Stads-Koffyhuis in Delft (Photo credit: Stads-Koffyhuis)

Upstairs Pannenkoekenhuis in Amsterdam

Visit the smallest pancakery in all of the Netherlands at Upstairs Pannenkoekenhuis (Upstairs Pancake House). In fact, it claims to be the smallest restaurant in all of Europe! With just four tables and some incredibly delicious cakes, you must make reservations in advance. (Call 020-626-5603 in the Netherlands.) Climb a steep staircase to try a Dutch pancake slathered with homemade jam or stuffed with a myriad of other filling choices. Pause between bites and look up to see an array of cute teapots hanging from the ceiling.

Look up at Upstairs Pannenkoekenhuis in Amsterdam

Look up at Upstairs Pannenkoekenhuis in Amsterdam (Photo credit: Pannenkoekenhuis in Amsterdam)

Why Visit Pancake Houses in the Netherlands

These classic European restaurants appeal to parents and children alike. They typically come stocked with a full bar boasting every libation imaginable. Whatever flavors you're craving, you can find a pancake house in the Netherlands to satisfy it — whether sweet, savory or both. Bring the kids and your appetite. You will not leave disappointed or hungry!

Homemade apple Dutch pancake with powdered suga

Homemade apple Dutch pancake with powdered sugar (Photo credit: bhofack2, Depositphotos.com)

How to Make Your Own Dutch Pancakes

You can make your own Dutch pancakes with a simple batter of flour, eggs, milk, a pinch of salt, and oil or butter for frying. Add a bit of sugar or vanilla, if you want a little more flavor. Take a look at this easy recipe from Curious Cuisinière or these photo instructions from Cakies by Rachel. For an even easier solution, buy some authentic Dutch pancake mix to whip up a batch.

Of course, you'll want to top your homemade Dutch pancakes with some apple stroop!

Grilled cheese goodness

Sink your teeth into grilled cheese goodness (Photo credit: robynmac, Depositphotos.com)

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Best Dutch Pancake Houses in the Netherlands

Save these Dutch Pancake Houses

For future reference, be sure to save this list of the best Dutch Pancake Houses in the Netherlands. Simply pin the image above to Pinterest. We hope you’ll follow Travel Mamas on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Which type of Dutch pancake would you order at a pancake house in the Netherlands — sweet, savory or both? Let us know in the comments below!

About Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama

Colleen Lanin, MBA, is the founder and editor-in-chief of the popular travel blog, TravelMamas.com. She is an expert in travel with kids and without. As the author of the book, "The Travel Mamas' Guide," she teaches parents how to make the most of traveling with babies and children. Colleen loves sharing tips on hotels, cruises, spas, theme parks, and global lifestyle topics. When she is not traveling the world, she lives in Arizona with her husband and two kids.

Comments
  1. The Dutch pancake looks delicious. Thank you for sharing the recipe.

  2. Super Busy Mum says

    Dutch pancakes are actual life. They’re AMAZING with some warm nutella drizzled over the topped and then some icing sugar dusted on top!? AMAZING!

  3. I am a pancake fanatic! How exciting to read this post and know some of the places I will visit when I travel to the NL. Thansk for this!

    • Colleen Lanin says

      I know most people don’t think of pancakes when they think of the Netherlands necessarily, but I’m glad to spread the word!

  4. The Joyous Living says

    these look so good!! i used to love frequenting a My Old Dutch restaurant in London that served dutch pancakes. so good!!! and i’d love to try one of those Poffertjes.

  5. Emman Damian says

    I really want to try De Pannenkoekenboot in Rotterdam. It looks so yummy! Can’t wait to travel again.

  6. Isn’t in interesting that each country has their own version or at least a variation of pancakes. I love the one with the sugar heart.

  7. katrina Kroeplin says

    omg i need those pancakes. they all look so good. who doesn’t love a good pancake right?

  8. Kuntala Bhattacharya says

    Oh so many types of pancakes, all delicuous ones in one post. This is fabulous, loved the entire read and the yummy pictures.

  9. Oh my gosh, not only are the Netherlands such an amazing place to visit, but their pancakes are DIVINE! I need to do a pancake tour on my next visit haha!

  10. I am a foodie and traveling the world through food is mesmerizing. I love pancakes but sadly I haven’t tried Dutch pancakes. Next time, when I am in Netherlands, I am going to try out these places.

  11. Those pancakes look divine! Would love to try them out some time, thank you for the recipe!

  12. Stephanie | Adventures in Aussieland says

    OMG these Dutch pancakes look absolutely incredible! I love that they’re able to accommodate for allergies as well. I feel like as a celiac, I always miss out on the good food.

    • Colleen Lanin says

      I hear you, Stephanie. I am gluten-sensitive so I get very jealous of my husband and kids when they’re eating something full of gluten during our travels!

  13. Marie Phillips says

    I would probably have to be a traditionalist and get the dutch apple one, but the minis look amazing too!

  14. Those look so yummy, I like all kinds of different kinds of pancakes. I haven’t tried this specific kind before, will have to make it sometime.

  15. OMG everything looks so delicious! I have always wanted to go to the Netherlands!

  16. Kevin Brotac says

    I didnt know you could have all these pancake options!! I love pancakes and I want to try all these delicious options. Booking a trip to Amsterdam on my next vacation just to try as many dutch pancakes as I can

  17. oh my goodness this food looks so delicious! would love to visit this place one day.

  18. This post is making me so hungry! Just looking at all that delicious goodness makes me want to start planning atrip to the Netherlands.

  19. Those all look so good! I’ve never had Dutch pancakes before. They’re making my mouth water just looking at them!

    • Colleen Lanin says

      I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Dutch pancakes since I wrote this story. I think I’ll have to whip up a batch this weekend!

  20. Yum! It’s time for breakfast for me and now I’m wishing I had one of these Dutch pancakes. And wow, the pancake boat sounds so fun! I’m going to have to add both this dish and a trip to the Netherlands on things to do. Thank you for sharing!

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