Pancakes are a traditional Dutch delicacy and an all time favourite in Amsterdam. And the Pancakes Amsterdam Restaurant is the best in the business. They have several locations scattered around Amsterdam that serve a wide range of delicious pancakes. And we’re off to Pancakes Amsterdam Westerkerk to review these heavenly pancakes.
Pancakes are Serious
In Amsterdam, pancakes (‘Pannenkoeken’ in Dutch) are a legitimate dinner. They can be eaten as either a snack or a main course. With this in mind you only have to see how many pancake houses exist in Amsterdam to appreciate that the Dutch take there pancakes seriously. And so do the hordes of tourist.
Pancakes Amsterdam Restaurant
Located in all of Amsterdam’s top locations – in the famous nine streets, directly opposite central station, and next to the Anne Frank House. The Anne Frank House is one of the top attractions in Amsterdam and attracts huge crowds.
There is usually a long like down the street waiting to get in. So it was refreshing for us to get straight into Pancakes Amsterdam with no lining up. The restaurant is very popular and there were loads of customers inside, but the staff are extremely efficient and there was no waiting.
Pancakes Amsterdam is a modern twist to traditional pancake houses, inspired by international cuisine and traditional dutch cooking. The Pancakes Amsterdam restaurant that we went to was the new restaurant between Anne Frank House and Westerkerk, next to the canal. It is a cosy, family friendly restaurant with a modern yet rustic decor. It’s also one of the Top 2 Pancake Restaurants in Amsterdam. The other major one is the Pancake Bakery.
The Menu
At Pancakes Amsterdam diners get to enjoy Dutch and or American Pancake, or even create their own pancakes from a selection of ingredients on the menu. There is a huge selection of sweet toppings such as maple syrup and blueberry sauce, savoury toppings such ham and cheese, or some rather unusual offerings.
On the menu you will find the following:
- Dutch Pancakes – Flat, thin crepe like pancakes. Traditional, sweet, savoury or create your own.
- American Pancakes – Tasty, thick but fluffy US classics with a Dutch touch.
- Poffertjes – Dutch delicacies a little bit like baby pancakes.
- Special Pancakes – Pancake of the month, create your own, or breakfast menu.
Of course you can pimp your pancake with extra toppings. Ingenious.
No Cash
Pancakes Amsterdam Westerkerk is a card only restaurant – no cash payment. This cuts down on the staffing required in the restaurant through not having to manage stacks of cash. Actually one thing that turns me off in ‘normal restaurants’ is when the food handlers touch filthy money and then handle the food. It’s refreshing to know that this won’t happen at Pancakes Amsterdam.
Nice Touches
We really enjoyed receiving a complimentary clog upon paying the bill. Actually they gave us 2, perhaps because we have a kid with us. Indeed they were lovely little procelain blue and white clogs, fit for a key chain. I was happy with that.
Additionally at Pancakes Amsterdam all pancakes are made with whole-wheat flour from a local windmill. Not only is whole-wheat a healthy option, but the local windmill is a nice touch.
But as usual in Amsterdam the toilets do require payment to use them. But diners at Pancakes Amsterdam are given a free token, so there’s no need to pay to use the WC. I love this, because paying to use these facilities is one of my pet peeves in Europe.
Review
We did not get particularly adventurous at Pancakes Amsterdam. Clarc went for a golden oldie, an American Pancake with maple syrup and whipped cream. Clarice and I went for the more traditional Dutch Pancakes – apple crumble pie, vanilla ice cream and cinnamon on traditional dutch pancakes. That is to say we all have a sweet tooth!
And our pancakes did not let us down in the least, they were all supremely delicious, and made for a perfect lunch.
Details about #pancakesamsterdam on my Insta https://t.co/9I4widLL0Z #STEurope pic.twitter.com/HXlY4DfR4a
— Nandita / saffrontrail.com (@saffrontrail) April 25, 2016
Cost was AUD $60, which is around € 4o. This was with coffees and delicious hot chocolate, so all in all it was reasonable value.
The staff were exceptional. They were incredibly friendly and helpful when trying to decide from the menu. For efficiency and service I have to give them a 5 star rating. Also for restaurant cleanliness I must also give 5 stars. And the restaurant was spacious and well laid out.
Overall I will rate this restaurant 5 stars, I cannot fault it on any level. Just don’t go in expecting an economical meal. It’s all about quality. Do yourself a favour and head to the spectacular Pancakes Amsterdam, it’s sure be a highlight of your visit to Amsterdam.
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