Our History

Founders

Let us introduce you to Ingrid (left) and Nicolette (right), two adventurous ladies with one mission: “We want to make it possible for everybody to enjoy the best Pancakes from all over the world!”

Everyone loves pancakes and every country has its characteristic pancake. For example, Dutch pancakes are different from French crêpes or American pancakes. It’s a national dish that we should be proud of! Instead of following the old-fashioned way of serving traditional pancakes, these women took a fresh new approach to the product and put the Dutch pancake experience on a pedestal.

Whenever possible, we use locally sourced, organic, and fair-trade ingredients. We believe that ‘back to basics’ is the key to our wonderful product; simply by using the best ingredients and preparing everything with lots of love. Just come and taste it yourself at one of our locations or ask for our PANCAKES flour & recipe to throw your loved ones a pancake party at home!

PANCAKES Amsterdam Our History

The Restaurants

We like to work with local artists from Amsterdam. They designed our interior and sprayprinted the logo. We like to call our style ‘Modern Dutch design’. Since PANCAKES Amsterdam is such a household name in our capital, we wanted to implement the real Amsterdam feeling throughout the entire concept. Big thanks to our designer Chris Slutter and our house artist Hugo Kaagman! You made our concept even greater! 

The modern interior has been designed by Dutch designer Chris Slutter and features a touch of old-fashioned Amsterdam charm with Delft Blue accents. These Delft Blue accents are created by street artist Hugo Kaagman, you can also find his work at Schiphol Airport and museums.

PANCAKES Amsterdam Our History

Our Dutch Pancake

At PANCAKES Amsterdam, all Dutch pancakes are made with our own special PANCAKES Amsterdam flour mix, eggs, milk, and of course our ‘secret ingredient’. Moreover, gluten-free and lactose-free Dutch pancakes are available at all our locations and we are very proud to serve VEGAN Dutch pancakes as well! Preparation for these items may take a little longer, which allows you to spend extra quality time with your friends and family.

PANCAKES Amsterdam serves a broad variety of pancakes. We serve traditional Dutch pancakes, as well as American Pancakes. We always try to offer original combinations on the menu. Next to that, we introduce a monthly special at the beginning of the month, which is always a pancake from another country!

PANCAKES Amsterdam Our History

PANCAKES Amsterdam Flour Mix

After years of research, we found our ideal PANCAKES flour mix.
The mix is made especially for us, by Windmill “De Windotter” at IJsselstein. Together we created this pancake mix. This windmill has been a flour mill since 1732. After buying the mill in 1984, the municipality renovated it completely for 1.120.000 Gulden. The renovation of the mill was completed in 1988 and Maarten Dolman started as the miller.

In 1988, the mill produced around 84.000 kilos of flour. Nowadays, they produce more than 250.000 kilos per year and Maarten Dolman is still in charge! If would you like to know more about ‘De Windotter’, view our blog. Our special pancake flour mix is also for sale in our restaurants, check our merchandise here!

PANCAKES Amsterdam Our History

2007

PANCAKES Amsterdam was founded in 2007 on the 30th of April. The location in the Berenstraat was the first PANCAKES Amsterdam ever. Take a break from shopping in the famous Nine Streets and visit the Berenstraat 38.

We’ve combined and emphasized on the values of‘ fresh’, ‘modern Dutch design’, and ‘the best local products’.

PANCAKES Amsterdam Our History

2015

PANCAKES Amsterdam Centraal was founded in November 2015. After searching for the perfect location for over 5 years, we finally found a spot we liked.

As the name already indicates, PANCAKES Amsterdam Centraal is across from Central Station. With a terrace bigger than our location in the Nine Streets and situated in the heart of the old city center, this location was the perfect fit to expand the company. Even though the building required a huge renovation, we are extremely happy to add this one to our PANCAKES family.
The pancakes are as familiar as ever, made in the traditional style. Of course, we use our special mix of whole wheat, buckwheat, and white wheat flour from the windmill. There’s a great selection of sweet and savory options, unusual combinations to choose from, and also delicious American pancakes.
Are you looking for a bite to eat before you explore the city? This location is right on the edge of the Red Light District and only a five-minute walk from Dam Square.

PANCAKES Amsterdam Our History

2016

PANCAKES Amsterdam Westermarkt was founded in December of 2016. Situated between the famous Anne Frank House and Westerkerk; this location is the perfect place to sit down and relax for a little while and enjoy our warm and welcoming atmosphere.

This beautiful building was built in 1900. It has been a stonemasonry from the W.A. Banning company, a gym for primary schools, and the first cocktail bar in Amsterdam. The bar was called Rum Runners, famous for its cocktails and parrots. Therefore, you can also find parrots in this PANCAKES Amsterdam location!

This is the biggest and most beautiful with its open, different-level space. And our courtyard is even more spectacular!

PANCAKES Amsterdam Our History

2018

We are on a roll! PANCAKES Amsterdam Aan ’t IJ openes in May 2018!

This location has the most beautiful view of Amsterdam. You will find this unique location at the back of Central Station, next to the ferry to Amsterdam North. Former known as a boat, now one of our cute restaurants!

PANCAKES Amsterdam Aan ‘t IJ has around 85 seats. It’s small and cozy on the inside but features a big and sunny terrace. Visitors enjoy a breathtaking view over IJ, the famous Adam Tower, and the EYE museum.

Want to visit our PANCAKES Amsterdam Aan ‘t IJ location? Check the location info here!

PANCAKES Amsterdam Our History

2019

We went crazy!! And opened a restaurant outside the city center of Amsterdam. PANCAKES Amsterdam Zuidas opened in November 2019.

PANCAKES Amsterdam Zuidas has about 80 seats spread over multiple floors. It is situated in the heart of the financial district of Amsterdam and is easy to reach by train, bus, and metro as it is a short walk away from Amsterdam Zuid station. Totally different from our other restaurants, this location is for example this location is gas-free, so our pancakes are baked here on induction.

PANCAKES Amsterdam Our History

2020

In March 2020, all restaurants in the Netherlands had to close by order of the government. After  a few months, we finally were able to open our doors again in June 2020 . But shortly after, in October 2020 we had to close our restaurants again. 

Let’s hope the COVID-19 cases will decrease quickly and we can open our doors in spring 2021 again..  

PANCAKES Amsterdam Our History

2021

In April 2021 in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, PANCAKES Egmond aan Zee was founded. But we had to wait until we officially were allowed to open the doors due to the corona-rules by the government. This location is the first one outside Amsterdam, right on the boulevard with a beautiful view of the North Sea. This is one of the most popular destinations for holidays and days at the beach in the Netherlands
PANCAKES Amsterdam Our History

2022

Thank god, better times are coming again. But unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to our PANCAKES Egmond location. The distance of over 100km and the attention our other locations asked of us were the main reasons we decided to close this pearl.

We are focused on coming back and we will be stronger than ever!

PANCAKES Amsterdam Our History

2023

BACK ON TRACK! All our locations are open again every day of the week. We are expanding again, hiring a lot of new great people all over the world! Are you looking for a job? Just check out our job vacancies.

PANCAKES Amsterdam Our History

PANCAKES Amsterdam

PANCAKES Amsterdam is situated at the best locations in Amsterdam and is the place to enjoy traditional Dutch pancakes with a little twist. We provide our visitors with a unique, fun, and unconventional pancake experience. So come and try out our pancakes so you can check off your food bucket list of traditional Dutch food!