(half-day trip)

Utrecht is one of the most beautiful canal cities of Europe. The city offers an atmosphere of history, dating back to the 13th century, combined with a hipster culture. It is one of the best kept secrets of the Netherlands, and preferably it stays that way (I say that as an Utrechter). It’s a city full of charm, without the flocks of tourists and therefore provides the ideal (Amsterdam) getaway for a day. 

There are many fun things to do in Utrecht. It’s perfect for shopping (especially with the new shopping center Hoog Catharijne), there are sights for architecture lovers (Rietveld-Schröderhuis), history addicts (Dom-tower, Duitse huis), and culture fanatics (Nijntje/Miffy museum). However, even this hidden city provides some hidden beauties, of which one is the Theehuis Rhijnauwen. Check out this half day off the beaten track itinerary full of nature, pancakes and bikerides!

Traditional Dutch pancakes

As you might have noticed, there are not many restaurants offering typical Dutch food. Even though there are many types of typical Dutch dishes, we prefer to cook them at home. Eating out usually means enjoying the delicious flavours of Southern Europe, Asia, Central/South America. There is one exception, however, the typical Dutch dinner dish we eat during special occassions or Friday night family dinners: Pancakes. 

Theehuis Rhijnauwen (Teahouse Rhijnauwen), is definitely the best place in the surrounding of Utrecht to enjoy this dish. To get there you will have to take the tourist road, adding to the typically Dutch experience. You will be cycling through Utrecht’s secret forest, taking in the agriculture fields while eventually seeing a bright red house at the end of the road pop up and smelling the scent of baked apple, bacon and cheese coming at you through the trees. It’s a hidden gem for locals and therefore can be pretty crowded on spring and summer days when the sun is out. You will feel like one of the Dutch if you go here on your bicycle on a sunny day. 

Getting there

Getting to the pancake house is easy, you simply need to find a bike. If you’re staying with a local, you can ask them to rent an OV-bike for you (you need a personal public transportation card), which only costs 4,25 a day. Otherwise you can rent one at Laag Catharijne Rental and Repair, Bike Rental Utrecht, Black Bikes , and Willemstraatbike. Then you navigate to Rhijnauwenselaan 16, 3981 HH Bunnik, which takes about 30 minutes from Utrecht Central Station area. Don’t worry, it’s an easy ride, no hills no frills since you’re in the Netherlands, and as a bonus you will pas the Rietveld-Schröderhuis on your way! 

When you arrive, I strongly recommend you to take a walk in the surrounding area. It’s beautiful and full of history. You can find constructions and a fort built in the 19th century, as well as an organic dairy farm where you can buy raw milk and just several nice hiking paths. This hiking will only prepare you more for the delicious and huge pancake you’ll have afterwards.

So which pancakes should you get?

I say pancakeS, but honestly, one is probably enough. They are big pancakes that usually fill you up quite well for a nice lunch. The list of options is long, and I’m sure you’ll be overwhelmed with choices, so here are some suggestions for typical Dutch pancakes: 

– Naturel (natural pancake on which you can put the stroop (syrup) that is on the table)
– Appel (apple)
– Ham
– Kaas (cheese)
– Spek (bacon)
– Appel en kaneel (apple and cinnamon)
– Spek en appel (bacon and apple)
– Spek en kaas (bacon and cheese) 
– And many more combinations……

But, if you’re really hungry, try out some of the special pancakes as well, they are unique and delicious! Let me know which ones you’ve tried in the comments, I’d love to hear from you!