When it comes to Dutch food, many people would agree that most of it is simply a little…weird. Pannenkoeken, however, are a fan-favourite among Dutchies and Internationals alike!
Just like their Queen is loyal to the Dutch football team, many Dutch people are loyal to their chosen go-to pannenkoeken restaurant. 👨🍳
READ MORE | Pannenkoeken Mania: Dutch Pancakes Invade the World
What is it?
A pannenkoek is the Dutch version of an American pancake (or a French crêpe?) — but also not really. It’s thinner than a pancake but thicker than a crêpe and can be topped with anything you wish. Lekker! 🥞
And well, the Dutch take their pannenkoeken very seriously — to the point where the spelling of the word causes heated debates in the government.
So, with the high number of restaurants specialising in this simple Dutch delicacy, people make it their lifelong mission to find the very best restaurant — and they stay loyal to it until the day they die.
Why do they do it?
Well, because pannenkoeken are just heerlijk! And why not enjoy the best of them? 🤤
A dish that offers as much variety as the Dutch pannenkoek is guaranteed to be a hit with young and old. Though some combinations are highly questionable (yes, we’re talking about you, frikandel pannenkoek).
Eten. De kinderen hebben een #FrikandelPannekoek gekozen. Weer een specialiteit van #Pannekoekenbakker #Zeeland pic.twitter.com/ohB9kbSb
— Geert van Buul (@geertvanbuul) May 20, 2012
Translation: Dinner. The kids chose a #FrikandelPannenkoek. Another specialty of #Pannekoekenbaker #Zeeland
So, an outing to the favourite pannenkoekenhuis is the perfect Sunday activity for the whole family to enjoy together.
Why is it quirky?
Because it shows how the Dutch love the simple joys in life!
READ MORE | What do Dutch people eat? A guide to Dutch kitchens: Part 1
While others might prefer to go out to a fancy steakhouse or a sushi restaurant, Nederlanders would rather stick with what they know and love — so, pannenkoeken at the regular joint it is.
Should you join in?
Finding your go-to restaurant is the best excuse to visit all the pannenkoeken places in your city — so, natuurlijk you should join in! 👏
Consider your options carefully and eet smaakelijk!
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!
This article was originally published in December 2022, and was fully updated in January 2024 for your reading pleasure.