Where to find the best Pancakes in Amsterdam
You can’t come to Amsterdam and not try some delicious Dutch pancakes. This much-loved snack is thin pancake (sweet or savoury) with a little bit of crispiness and melt-in-the-mouth toppings. Most of the pancake shops in the Dutch capital also sell the famous Dutch sweet treat, Poffertjes, another type of pancake but smaller and puffy - don’t forget to try these too on your trip We’ve rounded up the best pancake shops in Amsterdam so you can get your fix…
Need a hostel in Amsterdam? Check out the Flying Pig Uptown
1 De Carrousel
Eat some of Amsterdam’s best pancakes from within a fairground carousel. This visually-cool restaurant serves up light, thin pancakes that have people returning again and again. It’s located right in the centre of Amsterdam, just a 10 minute walk from the Van Gogh museum - the perfect place to head to after a day of culture. We recommend the Dutch pancakes with Nutella and strawberries. It is to die for. The interior is awesome - but the above average pancakes are what makes De Carrousel so popular.
2 Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs
This pancake parlour can be found on the Red Light District, located in a tiny, old 16th century house. While the space is small, it really is true that the best things come in small packages because Pannenkoekenhuis serves up killer pancakes. The pancakes here are authentic; go for the Dutch bacon and apple one if you want the real local pancake experience. This quant space only has room for 4 tables - so we recommend making your reservation over the phone before you come. Note: The steep staircase to get up to the restaurant is all part of the experience, just watch your step.
3 De Vier Pilaren
Whether you’re after a filling, savoury lunchtime pancake, or your sweet tooth is craving some sugar, De Vier Pilaren will always be known as one of Amsterdam’s best pancake houses (although the sweet options will always come out on top). This old-school looking cafe sits where you can enjoy your thin, crisp pancakes or little puffy poffertjes with a wonderful view of one of Dam’s many canals. Apple and cinnamon, lemon curd or classic nutella toppings are their main specialities, however their Dutch poffertjes topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream are famous because they’re just that good!
4 Pancakes
For a place to call itself Pancakes, it’s got to live up to the name, but this place does it perfectly! This is a light and cosy place serving up unbelievably tasty pancakes (and in huge portions) that you’ll dream about every time pancakes cross your mind. Loads of sweet and savoury options are on the menu, whether you’re gluten free or not. Some of their flavour combinations are a little out there, such as bacon and apple or bacon, banana and chilli, but they hit the nail on the head every time as they all taste, perhaps surprisingly, unreal!
5 The Happy Pig Pancake Shop
Step into the warm and snug Happy Pig Pancake Shop and you’ll leave feeling just that - like a happy little pig. The pancakes, poffertjes and even waffles all taste out of this world and easily allow this shop the pride of saying they serve up some of the best pancakes in Amsterdam. The pancakes get served in a long, thin tray and are covered in any topping you wish although the Happy Pig recommended topping combos are amazing, too. Try the ‘Dutch Delight’ - a savoury-sweet pancake with Gouda cheese and fig jam - it’s delicious.
Need a hostel in Amsterdam? Check out the Flying Pig Uptown
Article by Darcy King and Shereen Sagoo
