Student Bloggers

When I first saw on the menu that a classic pancake from My Old Dutch Pancake House was 15 inches, I was equally excited and worried. I had no idea what I was going into as the invitation to the restaurant in Bloomsbury was a bit last minute, and it had sounded good to me so I didn’t question it. But I was quite unprepared for what a Dutch pancake entailed. 

The storefront is unmistakable with a beautiful baby blue exterior and awning, as well as a sign displaying an eye catching logo. Bright signage and lettering on the windows and door advertises pancakes all day, as well as smoothies, shakes, and poffertjes. Walking into the restaurant, you are immediately hit with an unbelievably inviting, bubbly, and charming feeling.

The ceiling is covered in roses and Edison lights, creating an atmosphere that is unlike any restaurant I had been to before. I felt like a child in a museum, wandering around disregarding my surroundings with my eyes permanently fixed up. The staff was friendly and inviting, but was also eager to get you seated and taken care of, which was refreshing from some of the almost over-politeness that I experience in the States due to the tipping culture. Not that one can be too polite, but it was nice to know that people don’t have to fight for your approval here, they can just exist and do their job. I always feel for the American servers who have to fight tooth and nail and deal with incredibly rude people just to get a livable wage. 

The menu is vast, which for me is typically a sign that the food might not be the greatest in the world. Typically, restaurants who do a few things but a few things well are the ones I enjoy the most. However, this proved to be irrelevant as I ordered the Greek Classic Dutch Pancake, and was brought one of the most incredible looking dishes I have had on my trip so far. I feel like I need to mention that before my pancake came, I was given the cappuccino that I had ordered, and it came dusted with cocoa. Untraditional and surprising…. But enjoyable. 

Coming from the states and the world of a certain four lettered pancake chain, I was used to some pretty big pancakes. But nothing as huge as this one. The menu had boasted a 15 inch pancake, but I don’t think I was ready for how big that actually was. But here's the best part: it’s a thin pancake (more like a crepe…. well… actually more a Dutch pancake I suppose) and so although it may seem intimidating, it is the perfect satisfying portion. Mine came topped with delicious halloumi, charred eggplant, fresh tomatoes, shredded cheese, feta crumbles, olives, and a wonderful herby topping. The smell was unbelievable, like getting hit with a solid right hook of Mediterranean flavors mixed with fresh baked bread

And when I tasted it, it was not like I had expected. Oftentimes we think of good food as a dish with as much flavor as humanly possible, and we crave to eat metaphorical confetti poppers of food. But this dish goes to prove that flavors can be simple, gentle, and just present enough to create a truly outstanding dish. While I was not rocked to my core with extremely strong flavors, the flavors that were there were brilliant, and satisfying. It doesn’t need to be bone-shattering and explosive. It had a great taste that was light and airy, and was an incredible break from the ferocity of some dishes that share the same quality and enjoyment as this one. that you typically get from pancake chains. The cheese components added a richness that paired excellently with the light pancake. The tomato added a wonderful burst of texture, and the iconic flavor of the black olives brought the whole dish home. I was blown away. 

The other incredible part of this dish was how much time it took to eat. One cultural aspect of London I have learned since being here is that food and dining is much slower an activity than in the states. And honestly, it is so nice because it gives you a chance to slow down and truly taste the food. Savor every moment both with the dish, and your friends and family. Because of the size (but need I remind you, not volume) we were able to enjoy a nice meal with each other at a comfortable pace for about an hour. And it invited so much time for socialization, not to mention that the interior of the restaurant practically makes you melt with joy, all the better for talking with your friends. 

Overall, I truly truly enjoyed My Old Dutch Pancake House. It is a brilliantly designed, incredibly staffed, delicious, extravagant, glamorous, and soul-satisfying restaurant with my favorite dish I have had on the trip so far.