With Pancake Week finally here, I didn’t want it to pass by without mentioning the best pancakes I have ever had. They will forever be one of my high point dining experiences when I backpacked through Europe. Granted, when I backpacked through Europe any meal that wasn’t bread and cheese was a highlight, but the pancakes at The Pancake Bakery in Amsterdam are more than just batter that is poured on a griddle then slathered in butter and soaked in syrup. They are more than the potato pancakes that are my preference.
The Pancake Bakery versions are glorious concoctions that can be either savory or sweet. The menu seems as long as a fine wine list. Be prepared; it can take awhile to make a decision. To help you find the flavor you’re looking for, the international section is a good place to start. Greek? Mexican? Egyptian? Indian? If you have a sweet tooth, chocolate is good. Add some zip by making it chocolate liqueur. Or, add rum–I think that’s what I did. Since the Pancake Bakery is just a few doors down from Anne Frank’s house, it’s easy to combine great eats with one of the places in the world not to be missed if you happen to be traveling in that direction.
Since I was there the restaurant has expanded but it is still in its original location at Prinsengracht 191 in a 17th century warehouse on one of the canals. The pancake in the photo is the Caprese Pancake, a savory selection topped with pesto, tomato and mozzarella.