Best pancakes and poffertjes in Amsterdam
Every day is Pancake Day in Amsterdam! From syrupy stacks topped with bacon to a bag of hot buttery poffertjes from a street vendor sprinkled in powdered sugar, this typical Dutch delicacy has something for sweet and savoury lovers. So, work up that appetite and check out some of our favourite spots to sample the local pannenkoeken.
Popular choice:
The Pancake Bakery
We can’t remember a world before The Pancake Bakery, and frankly, we don’t want to. The ever-popular restaurant in the heart of the canal ring has been flipping pancakes since time began (1973). The restaurant shows no sign of slowing down, with a fiercely loyal crowd of locals and visitors who queue daily outside the 17th-century building to sample the goods. With a menu as long as the Prinsengracht, the whopping pancakes come in every flavour combination imaginable – all served up in cosy, traditional surroundings.
*The Pancake Bakery is highly popular, and you may have to queue! If you don’t fancy the wait, check out the equally delicious locations below.
Alternative local favourites:
PANCAKES Amsterdam
It may not be apparent from the name, but PANCAKES Amsterdam is a surefire bet for anyone seeking their pancake-y fix in Amsterdam. There are several cute locations to choose from in the city centre - Zuidas, Prins Hendrikkade, Nine Streets, Westermarkt, and Central Station - and a vast selection of sweet, savoury and unusual toppings. These pancakes and poffertjes are made using whole-wheat flour from a local windmill and are as Dutch as they come.
The Pancake Boat
Pancake. Boat. What’s not to love? Hop aboard Amsterdam’s famous Pannenkoekenboot (The Pancake Boat) for an all-you-can-eat pancake feast while cruising along Amsterdam’s shores. How many pancakes can you eat in 75 minutes? Now’s your chance to find out. The boat departs from NDSM Wharf, and you can book tickets online to avoid disappointment.
Moak Pancakes
Oud-West eatery Moak Pancakes brings a modern (and healthier) twist to the traditional dish. The pancakes here are made with spelt or oat flour, and you'll find a range of fresh, nutritious juices to accompany them. The pastel-hued, neon-lit space is a bright and airy space to start the day in, with a fluffy pile of pancakes in front of you.
The Happy Pig Pancake Shop
Authentic Dutch pancakes from this hidden gem in Amsterdam's historic centre will surely make you as happy as a pig in mud. They are rolled with delicious fillings – strawberries, bananas or spiced apples and then slathered in syrups and whipped cream. The ingredients at The Happy Pig Pancake Shop are organic, and gluten-free options are available, too.
Het Pannenkoekenhuys
The menu at Het Pannenkoekenhuys in Weesp sparkles with at least 75 pancake varieties. Don’t miss your chance to sample the special savoury pancakes with satay or shawarma, or opt for a sweet one with ginger or banana. It's the perfect pitstop to refuel after exploring the charming canals and cobbled streets of Weesp.
Upstairs Pannekoeken
This historic canal house in the red-light district has a quaint and quirky atmosphere that promises the most authentic pancake experience in Amsterdam. It is decorated with Delft pottery, Dutch trinkets and antique teapots hanging from the ceiling that you can admire while you feast on the fluffy, flavoursome pancakes and poffertjes at Upstairs Pannekoeken.
The Breakfast Club
Just as indulgent as the 80s film classic is the all-day breakfast menu at The Breakfast Club. The city-themed menu offers the full English and Mexican huevos rancheros, but we’re all about the New York City-style buttermilk pancakes laden with fresh fruit, syrup and a dusting of icing sugar. You can get your pancake fix at various locations throughout the city.
Corner Bakery
Whilst The Corner Bakery may not officially be a pancake restaurant, it certainly belongs on this list. Try the American pancakes or the beloved red velvet pancakes, which offer a sumptuous twist on the classic Dutch pancake. This cosy neighbourhood cafe has two outposts in Nieuw-West and Oud-Zuid - a short walk from Museumplein.
Bakers & Roasters
A legend in these parts, this De Pijp eatery is famous all over the city for its breakfasts and brunches. Just ask the locals queuing up for a table every weekend. The menu at Bakers & Roasters covers a range of eggy, bacony, burrito-ey breakfast goods inspired by New Zealand and Brazilian cuisine, but it’s their American-style pancake stacks we’re here for. Try the blueberry pancakes stacked high with maple syrup, fruit and optional bacon.
