Discover Aruba’s Best Dutch Pancakes: An Authentic Taste of Island Bliss

Aruba, famously known as the “Happy Island,” captivates visitors not just with its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, but also with its delightful Dutch heritage. As a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba proudly showcases its European roots through its charming architecture, warm hospitality, and, perhaps most deliciously, its unique culinary offerings. Among these, Dutch pancakes stand out as an absolute must-try for any traveler seeking an authentic Aruban breakfast experience.

Forget everything you thought you knew about traditional American pancakes. Dutch pancakes are a league of their own. These immense, almost pizza-sized delights are remarkably thin – akin to a delicate crêpe – yet robust enough to hold a generous array of toppings. They are typically the size of a large dinner plate, often even wider, resembling a charger plate in their grand scale. Whether your palate craves something sweet or savory, Dutch pancakes offer an incredible versatility. You can indulge in fresh fruits like apples, bananas, and berries, often sprinkled with powdered sugar and drizzled with syrup for a classic sweet breakfast. Alternatively, for those who, like us, lean towards savory options, a wide variety of vegetables, cheeses, and meats await, transforming the pancake into a hearty and satisfying meal.

Our travels always lead us off the beaten path, away from the familiar chains, in search of genuine local flavors and experiences. We pride ourselves on seeking out the small, family-run eateries where the heart and soul of a destination truly reside. Fresh off our flight and eager to immerse ourselves in Aruban life, our first culinary quest was for these legendary Dutch pancakes, and we quickly found our way to where the locals recommended.

Diane’s Pancake Place: Aruba’s Hidden Gem for Authentic Dutch Breakfast

Our initial discovery was a truly charming spot, tucked away from the main tourist hubs, a place that immediately signaled authenticity: Diane’s Pancake Place. This delightful establishment, run by a dedicated team, had only been open for two years at the time of our visit, yet it had already soared to become one of Aruba’s top-ranked restaurants on TripAdvisor. This incredible achievement speaks volumes about its quality, especially on an island renowned for its fantastic dining scene.

Finding places like Diane’s Pancake Place requires a bit of an adventure. With minimal signage and intentionally located off the typical tourist trail, you need to keep your eyes peeled. Navigating Aruba often means getting accustomed to the absence of street name signs, a stark contrast to many American cities. But this slower pace is part of the island’s charm. Remember, you’re on “island time” here, and everything moves at a more leisurely rhythm. This isn’t laziness or rudeness; it’s simply the delightful, unhurried pace of Aruban life – precisely why we seek out such destinations.

A Culinary Delight: Savory and Sweet Pancakes at Diane’s

At Diane’s, I opted for the savory “Farmer’s Dutch Pancake,” a magnificent creation bursting with creamy Dutch cheese, flavorful Dutch ham, and fresh mushrooms. This wasn’t just breakfast; it was a meal that effortlessly served as both breakfast and lunch. The sheer size and richness of our pancakes left us so thoroughly satisfied that we happily skipped lunch and barely had an appetite for dinner. Such generous portions combined with incredible quality truly highlight the exceptional value offered here.

My husband, a devoted fan of sweet breakfasts, chose the “Apple Cinnamon Banana” pancake. Like mine, his pancake was enormous and simply exquisite. The addition of powdered sugar and a selection of syrups (including traditional Dutch syrup without preservatives and American maple syrup) allowed him to customize it to his sweet-toothed perfection, making it doubly, if not triply, delicious.

The coffee at Diane’s Pancake Place deserves a special mention. It was surprisingly rich and flavorful – a serious contender even for Italy’s famed brews! They serve the esteemed Dutch brand, Smit & Dorlas Caribbean, which, while superb, can be quite a splurge if purchased separately. Alongside their excellent coffee, Diane’s offers a thoughtful selection of imported Dutch sugars, creamers, and their natural, preservative-free Dutch syrup, enhancing the authentic experience.

Unmatched Service and Authentic Ambiance

The dining experience at Diane’s is further elevated by its charming presentation. Our meals were served on quaint blue and white Dutch plastic tablecloths, creating a cheerful and inviting setting. The vibrant blue and yellow colors of the decor perfectly mirrored the jolly and welcoming personalities of the pancake house owners themselves, making every moment feel like a warm embrace of Dutch hospitality.

What truly sets Diane’s apart, however, is the service. Throughout our time in Aruba, we consistently found ourselves having to actively seek out staff for refills, water, or the check at most establishments. It often felt like flagging down a ship in distress. But not at Diane’s. Here, the service was unparalleled – arguably the best we received on the entire island. We never once had to ask for anything. The coffee pot seemed to circulate almost autonomously, offering complimentary refills, and the super-friendly ladies running the place were always attentive, serving with wide, hospitable smiles and a confident “thumbs up.” (We couldn’t help but wonder if this gesture is a Dutch custom, as it was prevalent across Aruba!)

The interior of Diane’s reinforces its commitment to Dutch culture. Brightly painted wooden Dutch shoes are proudly displayed, and the entire restaurant exudes an atmosphere that makes you feel more like you’re in the Netherlands than on a desert island. This meticulous attention to detail in creating an immersive “Dutch” environment, from the small decorative touches to the overall feeling, makes a significant positive difference in a travel experience. These subtle enhancements are precisely what differentiate Diane’s Pancake Place from other Dutch pancake spots, solidifying its unique charm.

Adding even more whimsical character and warmth are the hand-painted walls depicting cheerful farm animals, like smiling cows and pigs, which are sure to bring a grin to anyone’s face. We are naturally drawn to eateries that offer these personal, non-commercialized visual treats and touches, as they speak to a genuine passion and dedication. You might even spot a glimpse of Dutch art on the walls – perhaps a nod to Van Gogh? These thoughtful touches are especially appreciated by art aficionados like myself.

To find Diane’s Pancake Place, keep an eye out for a classic symbol of Dutch heritage: an old windmill. As you drive north along Aruba’s main highway (of which there are only a couple), look off to the west. Spot the charming old mill in the distance, and nearby, you will discover the welcoming doors of Diane’s Pancake Place. It’s a journey worth taking for a truly authentic breakfast.

The Dutch Pancake House Restaurant: Bustling Variety in the City Center

While Diane’s captured our hearts with its authentic charm, it would be remiss (and we believe Miss Diane herself would agree) not to mention another prominent spot offering extraordinary Dutch pancakes in Aruba – a place that caters to a different kind of dining experience. This is The Dutch Pancake House Restaurant, located right in the bustling city center, amidst all the main tourist activity.

The Dutch Pancake House is, in many ways, the antithesis of Diane’s quiet and quaint atmosphere. Situated in an overtly touristy strip mall, it buzzes with activity. It boasts an unbelievably lengthy and extensive menu, featuring not only a vast array of breakfast selections suited for both international and American preferences but also numerous lunch items. My husband once again gravitated towards the sweet options, which were, by all accounts, superb. And, to be completely honest, my savory “Farmer’s” Dutch pancake here won my heart over the one at Diane’s. The food is undeniably delicious, so much so that we returned for a second visit.

However, the popularity of The Dutch Pancake House comes with a caveat: endless lines of patrons, particularly when the massive cruise ships dock and unload hundreds of eager tourists onto the island. While we typically prefer to avoid mass tourism that can dilute local culture, we understand that such establishments contribute to the success of local entrepreneurs. Therefore, our recommendation for visiting The Dutch Pancake House is to arrive early, before the crowds descend, and ideally on days when no cruise ships are in port. This strategy allows you to savor their fantastic offerings without the chaotic rush.

Compare the fruit pancake above to appreciate the visual difference – we always eat with our eyes first!

Compare this Farmer’s Dutch pancake to the previous one – again, visual appeal is key.

The “Farmer’s Pancake” at The Dutch Pancake House was exceptionally delicious, truly surpassing any other Dutch pancake we tried across the entire island. Both our selections were so good that we indeed came back twice, ordering the exact same pancakes, ensuring we did so before those cruise ships arrived! A bonus here is that the pancakes come with a side of crispy hash browns – a delightful addition. The coffee was superb, though service, due to the sheer volume of customers, could be slow. Be prepared to wave down your server for anything from cream to sugar or ketchup, as they are often overwhelmed. Personalized service is not the focus here; it’s about efficient, high-volume dining.

Below, you’ll see just two pages from The Dutch Pancake House’s immense menu. In reality, there were about six pages of options, including an extensive selection for lunch! This truly speaks volumes about the variety offered to satisfy an endless array of preferences.

Regrettably, we can’t share many photos of The Dutch Pancake House’s interior because, frankly, there isn’t much “environment” to speak of. It feels very much like a food court restaurant, focusing solely on the food itself. If you’re seeking a special Aruban-Dutch ambiance, you won’t find it in this basic strip mall eatery; it could easily be a dining spot in your hometown. This lack of distinctive atmosphere was a slight disappointment.

Conclusion: Two Distinct Dutch Pancake Experiences in Aruba

Aruba offers two fundamentally different, yet equally wonderful, experiences for enjoying Dutch pancakes. Both Diane’s Pancake Place and The Dutch Pancake House Restaurant provide delicious meals, but cater to distinct preferences:

• Diane’s Pancake Place: Ideal if you seek peace, quiet, an off-the-beaten-path location, a delightful and authentic Dutch atmosphere, personalized and exceptionally friendly service from local owners, and a thoughtfully curated, albeit limited, menu. It’s a must for authenticity and a serene start to your day.
• The Dutch Pancake House Restaurant: Your best bet if you prioritize an extensive menu of superb Dutch pancakes and other breakfast/lunch items in a bustling, highly touristy city center location. Be prepared for crowds, potential lines, and a less intimate dining environment – a trade-off for unparalleled variety.

We wholeheartedly recommend experiencing both restaurants during your visit to Aruba. Each offers a unique perspective on the Dutch-Aruban breakfast tradition: one excels in authenticity and a charming atmosphere, while the other shines with its expansive menu and fantastic food variety. Your personal preferences for vacation dining will ultimately guide your choice, but we can confidently say we would return to both!

Oh, and please feel free to reach out to us with any questions you might have about visiting Aruba! We’d love to help make your trip unforgettable.

“BON BINI!” (Hello in Aruba!)

Explore More of Aruba: Colorful Dutch Architecture

While savoring the culinary delights, don’t miss another fantastic way to experience Aruba’s beautiful Dutch influence and culture: its unique architecture. For the price of a rental car and a few hours of exploration, you can discover the vibrant, colorful buildings that showcase the island’s rich heritage.

Aruba’s Colorful and Unique Architecture!