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Home » Best Breakfasts on Aruba Dutch Pancakes

Best Breakfasts on Aruba Dutch Pancakes

March 8, 2016 16 Comments


Diane's Dutch Pancakes Aruba

 

Travelers to Aruba know that it is part of the Netherlands (Holland) and are aware of the delightful Dutch influence everywhere.  Not only in the food, hospitality and friendliness, but also in the architecture on the island!

To start each of your days on the “Happy Island” you need to enjoy a local specialty brought over from Holland that will help you become even more happy:  Dutch Pancakes!

These immensely, almost pizza-size pancakes are nothing close to what Americans customarily think of for pancakes.

Not at all!  Dutch pancakes are very wide (the size of a large dinner plate, even more the size of a charger plate) and extremely thin (almost like the thinness of a crêpe).  On each pancake or possibly inside each pancake is a wide assortment of fresh fruit available for those who prefer sweet pancakes and a large variety of veggies and meats as options for those (like me) who swing towards savory breakfasts.

Those of you have been so kind to read my little ol’ blog for so many years, know that my husband and I always seek (or shall I say ‘sniff’) out the most local, mom-and-pop type places to eat before we’ll ever step foot in a chain eatery that we can easily find in the States.  So the very minute we get up from our jet-lag slumber, we jet out to wherever the locals go.

In this case, the first breakfast stop we indulged in these gigantic pancakes was a darling little place off the beaten track (which is always a good sign!), “Diana’s Pancake Place”.  Here’s out how successful this 2-woman (plus a guy cook) show is:  They’ve only been open for 2 years and they are ranked as one of the top restaurants on the entire island of Aruba on TripAdvisor.

That is one huge accomplishment and recognition on an island that is known for its fantastic restaurants!

best breakfasts aruba
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With minimal signage for places such as Diana’s (wonderfully and quietly, off the tourist beaten path), you have to keep your eyes peeled for signs such as these to find, well, most anything in Aruba.  Truly, if you’re an American, you need to get used to the lack of street name signs, etc. as you find your way about on this island!

Remember, you’re on island time here and need to slow it WAY down!  People are not being lazy or rude here.  The people are simply engaging in the every day slower pace of island life.

Isn’t that why we visit these places for after all?

 

Best Breakfasts Aruba Diane's Pancake Place Dutch Pancakes

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Best Breakfasts on Aruba: Dutch Pancakes

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Above, I ordered the ‘savory’ “Farmer’s Dutch Pancake” full of an amazing creamy Dutch cheese, Dutch ham, and mushrooms.  This was two meals in one.  Little did we know that we were eating breakfast AND lunch combined.  Our pancakes were so large and filling (in our tummies) that we skipped lunch and almost had no appetite for dinner.  

And that’s hard for me to ever accomplish!  So that’s really saying something about the portion size and THE VALUE!

 
Best Breakfasts Aruba Diane's Pancake Place Dutch Pancakes

 

My husband only eats sweet breakfasts and above is the “Apple Cinnamon Banana” pancake that he ordered.  Similar to my pancake, it was huge and simply delicious.  Thank goodness for the powdered sugar and syrup offered, because it made this pancake not only doubly, but triply-sweet for my sweet-toothed guy!

Best Breakfasts on Aruba: Dutch Pancakes
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The coffee served at Diane’s Pancake Place is so delicious!  Seriously, move over Italy, you’ve got some real competition with a rich cup of java!  The Dutch brand is available to order here, but it is SUPER expensive –>  Smit & Dorlas Caribbean

Best Breakfasts on Aruba: Dutch Pancakes

 

At Diane’s guests are offered imported Dutch sugars, coffee, creamers, and syrup (that has no preservatives).   American maple pancake syrup is also offered.

Best Breakfasts Aruba Diane's Pancake Place Dutch Pancakes

 

Served on top of very quaint blue and white Dutch plastic table ‘cloths’, the blue and yellow colors are so pretty and uplifting .  .  . matching the jolly personalities of the pancake house owners themselves!

 
Best Breakfasts Aruba Diane's Pancake Place Dutch Pancakes

 

We noticed on Aruba that in every establishment (except Diane’s Pancake Place) that we literally had to ask for more of anything that we might need:  more coffee refills, more ice water, the tab/check, etc.   It was like waving down a ship in disaster to get anyone’s attention.  Were they really that busy, or was that normal for Aruba?

We guess that for most places on Aruba, we had to remember that we were on ‘island time’ and needed to slow down accordingly.  Keep that in mind!

But not at Diane’s, this was seriously the best service that we received on Aruba.  We never had to ask for anything!  The coffee pot was almost walking around by itself asking if you needed a refill (complimentary too).  We never had to flag or wave one of the ladies for anything.  Both of these super-friendly ladies are right there to serve you with a wide, hospitible smile and a strong ‘thumbs up’ (is that hand gesture Dutch, because everyone was doing that on Aruba)?  Just wonderin’!

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Best Breakfasts Aru

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Brightly painted wooden Dutch shoes are on display inside the restaurant where seating is also available.  We felt as if we were more in The Netherlands than on a desert island as a result of the efforts put forth by the owners to enhance the ‘Dutch’ environment of the restaurant.  This makes a big POSITIVE difference to us while we travel!

These small attention to details to enhance the feeling and experience of Dutch cuisine and hospitality is what sets Diane’s Pancake Place apart from ‘the other’ Dutch pancake places.  We loved these added visual touches!

Best Breakfasts Aruba Diane's Pancake Place Dutch Pancakes

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Adding even more whimsical character and charm to Diane’s Pancake Place are the hand-painted walls depicting farm animals of smiling cows and pigs that compels anyone to smile!

We gravitate towards eateries with these personal, non-commercialized added visual treats and touches!
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You’re even given a little glimpse of Dutch art shown on the walls inside!   Is that possibly a Van Gogh?  Hmm?  

Such a nice touch, especially if you are an art aficionado, such as myself!

Best Breakfasts Aruba Diane's Pancake Place Dutch Pancakes

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Etched into the front window’s glass is a symbol of an old Dutch windmill.  

So as you’re driving north along the main highway (and there’s only about two highways in Aruba) . . . look off and over to the west as you’re driving north along the main highway . . . spot your eyes on the old mill in the distance and there, you will find Diane’s Pancake Place on Aruba!

Diane's Dutch Pancake Place Aruba
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Now we’d be completely remiss (and we believe that Miss Diane would also agree) if we didn’t also mention the ‘other place’ on Aruba that serves extraordinary Dutch pancakes . . . pancakes like no other on Aruba!

 

 

IMG_3406
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That place is: “The Dutch Pancakehouse Restaurant” in the city center of Aruba where all of the ‘touristy action‘ is.

Seriously, this is not only the opposite of the quiet and quaint atmosphere of Diane’s Pancake House in Aruba, but it has the most unbelievable, lengthy and extensive menu that includes not only breakfast selections that suit both international and American preferences, but also lunch items. Once again, my husband preferred the ‘sweet’ menu options of this eatery the best. And truly, I have to admit that my savory “Farmer’s” Dutch pancake won my heart over the pancake offered at Diane’s . . . (we’re just being honest). We did return a second time to this restaurant to experience the delicious food.  Yet each time we found an endless ‘line of patrons’ (new or continual) that you have to tolerate whenever the monster cruise ships sail in (that we believe is a negative element of The Dutch Pancake House).

Our recommendation: Arrive early to get a seat at The Dutch Pancake House located in an overly touristy strip mall, and avoid this place on the days that the monstrous-sized cruise ships (that we despise) arrive with hundreds and HUNDREDS of crowds of demanding tourists that are literally unloaded and unleashed onto the island (we unapologetically don’t get into, nor subscribe to, nor support massive tourism efforts that destroy authentic and local cultures). But we DO support local sole-owner entrepreneurs. And if this is what contributes to their success (location and fabulous food), we FULLY support their marketing strategies!
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Best Breakfast Dutch Pancakes Aruba

 

CompCompare the fruit pancake to the one above to see the difference (we taste with our eyes first)..

The "Loaded" Italian Farmer's Dutch Pancake that was to die for!

 

Compare this Farmer’s Dutch pancake to the one above . . . again, we taste with our eyes first.

Above is the “Farmer’s Pancake” . . . this was so incredibly delicious, it truly trumped any Dutch pancake that we experienced on the entire island of Aruba.  Both of our Dutch pancakes at The Dutch Pancake House were so delicious that we came back TWICE and ordered the exact same pancakes . . . but before those damn cruise ships arrived!  The pancakes here also come with a side of hash browns!  Mmmmmm!  Coffee was superb, even if the service was slow due to the amount of people they were attempting to serve.  Be prepared to wave for your server to come to you for anything:  cream, sugar, ketchup, etc.!  They are slammed here and you are just another notch in the crowd — forget personalized service here.

Here’s a glimpse (below) of two pages of the immense menu at The Dutch Pancake House on Aruba . . . just two pages . . . there were seriously about 6 pages of options, including items for lunch on the menu!

Talk about offering a selection to satisfy endless preferences!

Dutch Pancakes Breakfast Aruba

 

We’d show you photos of the interiors of this restaurant (The Dutch Pancake House), but SADLY, there is no environment to speak of in which to show you:  it is simply a food court restaurant atmosphere and nothing more but the delicious food.  So if you have expectations of some sort of special Aruban-Dutch environment, you will not get any feeling whatsoever of that in this basic strip mall eatery.  You could feel the same as dining in your own local strip mall of your home town!  Disappointing to say the least.

TWO TOTALLY DIFFERENT DUTCH PANCAKE RESTAURANTS to experience on Aruba!

SUMMARY:  If you’re looking for a peace and quiet, off the beaten path spot, with LOADS delightful Dutch atmospherics and with native Dutch serving you while you to enjoy your meal and tons of one-on-one friendly service, but with a limited, yet good menu:  Diane’s Pancakes is a must!  However, if you’re looking for an extensive menu of superb Dutch pancakes and other foods in the middle of a highly, over-touristy-packed-have-to-stand-in-line hectic plain-as-day environment in the middle of an overly touristy strip mall:  The Dutch Pancake House is your best bet.

We recommend BOTH restaurants to experience Dutch pancakes while on the island of Aruba.  These restaurants are totally different and both were wonderful dining experiences on Aruba for a Dutch – Aruban breakfast:  One is better for authenticity and one is better for variety.  You be the judge for your own preferences for vacation dining experiences.  We would return to both!

Oh and please do write to us and ask any question that you’d like us to answer about visiting Aruba!  

We’d love to help you!

“BON BINI” (Hello in Aruba!)

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.While visiting Aruba, here’s a super-cheap (the price of your rental car and gas for a few hours) way to experience the beautiful Dutch influence and culture on the island’s architecture:

 

Aruba’s Colorful and Unique Architecture!

What to see Do Color and architecture

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Reader Interactions

 

I love hearing from you and always do my best to respond to each and every one of you.  

If you’ve made any of my recipes, please take a photo and I’ll be happy to share your experience and photo of the recipe with all of us in this blog community, both here and in the newsletter!”

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~ Roz

Comments

  1. Chiara says

    March 8, 2016 at 1:12 AM

    a lovely place and a delicious way to start a day !Un abbraccio

    Reply
    • Roz says

      May 19, 2016 at 9:16 AM

      Yes, but I prefer Italian breakfasts, Chiara!
      Buon giorno!
      Roz

      Reply
  2. [email protected]'s Recipes says

    March 8, 2016 at 5:27 AM

    It looks like a nice place to enjoy some awesome breakfast with the loved ones!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      May 19, 2016 at 9:39 AM

      It was a very fun and unique little restaurant with a nice Dutch atmosphere, Angie. Good food and service too!
      Ciao,
      Roz

      Reply
  3. Ciao Chow Linda says

    March 8, 2016 at 2:39 PM

    I want to go to Aruba, after seeing your photos and reading your posts. And eat one of those — no, maybe two – of those Dutch pancakes. Continue having fun.

    Reply
    • Roz says

      May 19, 2016 at 9:48 AM

      Aruba was fun, interesting and very warm in March! A definitely popular winter escape, Linda.
      Ciao,
      Roz

      Reply
  4. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

    March 8, 2016 at 3:52 PM

    Wow, what a breakfast treat that was! My husband and I have never been to Aruba but most of our friends from New Hampshire have been there and seem to love it. Enjoy yourselves.

    Reply
    • Roz says

      May 18, 2016 at 8:31 PM

      Hi Karen,
      We had a great week in Aruba. The island had a little bit for everyone. The restaurants were superb, the shopping exceptional, the waters of the sea were brilliantly turquoise and the people were so friendly and kind!
      I highly recommend going to Aruba, at least once!
      Ciao,
      Roz

      Reply
  5. Shari Kelley says

    March 8, 2016 at 9:24 PM

    If the food is any indication, it sounds like you are having a wonderful time, Roz! Those Dutch pancakes look like they would melt in your mouth. I would tend to order the sweet ones. They look wonderful! It is so nice you found a place like this on your trip. You are great at finding good restaurants whereever you go. It am glad to find out Aruba is Dutch. It’s been fun following you on Instagram, too. I hope you continue to have a great time!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      May 19, 2016 at 9:58 AM

      Finding out, sniffing out, and enjoying great places to dine is at the top of our travel goals, Shari. I’m happy to share these experiences with everyone.
      Ciao,
      Roz

      Reply
  6. ChgoJohn says

    March 9, 2016 at 9:37 AM

    I’ve always wanted to go to Aruba — and that was before I knew they offered such tantalizing pancakes. Sunbathing no longer interests me but pancakes? That’s a different matter completely. Those you’ve pictured would make the trip worthwhile, in my book. 🙂

    Reply
    • Roz says

      May 19, 2016 at 10:19 AM

      I still like to lounge around on any beach, John, but if ever in Aruba again, I’ll definitely have to order these Dutch pancakes!
      Ciao,
      Roz

      Reply
  7. Susan says

    March 10, 2016 at 6:45 PM

    Diane’s Pancake Place sounds wonderful and both the savory and sweet pancakes look incredibly delicious. What a fun place to discover and the decor is darling. Love the pig 🙂

    Reply
    • Roz says

      May 19, 2016 at 10:20 AM

      The pig and all of the Dutch decor certainly add a lot of charm to the restaurant, as you said, Susan!
      Ciao,
      Roz

      Reply
  8. 2 Sisters Recipes says

    March 10, 2016 at 8:49 PM

    We LOVE these posts!! Just Love it the when you give us a tour inside and out, and then tell us interesting stories with special treats you have tasted and enjoy. Have a great trip!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      May 19, 2016 at 10:26 AM

      I’m so glad that you enjoy my travel posts, Liz and Anna! Travel is such an important part of our lives in this family!
      Ciao,
      Roz

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Roz!

Hi, I’m Roz!

Welcome to La Bella Vita Cucina where I share recipes inspired by my family's cucina. Beginning with my Nonna and mother teaching me by their sides and in my family’s restaurants in the U.S. and Italy, I've been cooking for over 50 years. Each recipe is tested by time and some serious family critiques. I’m here to help you become a master in the kitchen and to 'wow' those you serve with delightful recipes whether cherished heirlooms or exciting and new. I hope to inspire you with delicious and beautiful recipes . . . and always served with 'amore'! Buon Appetito!

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