De Licious
Since 1975, De Dutch has been offering our guests genuine Dutch cuisine and West Coast favourites prepared with a subtle, yet original twist.
Breakfast + Platters
Our breakfast menu. Menu varies by location, please refer to the location page for specific menu details.
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Gluten-Free
We offer gluten-free pannekoeken among other gluten-free options. Menu varies by location, please refer to the location page for specific menu details.
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Pannekoeken
Pannekoeken are Dutch pancakes that can be served sweet or savoury. Menu varies by location, please refer to the location page for specific menu details.
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“If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t be here”
On New Year’s Eve 1934 John Dys was welcomed to the world in Bodegraven, Netherlands. John was one of six children and the eldest son of Geertje and Johannes Dijs. As a young man, John joined the Dutch army, but soon realized it wasn’t quite for him. However, there were only three ways to leave the army at that time: either by finishing the full service period and retiring; by emigrating to another country, or; by dying. Since he was nowhere near the age of retirement, the second option seemed to be the most attractive. So in 1955, John packed up his clogs and emigrated to Canada.
He made it to the West Coast and found employment in a logging camp on Vancouver Island before eventually making his way to Vancouver and working for legendary restaurateur Nick Constibaris. Under Nick’s mentorship, John learned the hamburger business and went on to open “The Frying Dutchman Hamburger House”. In the late 60’s he became famous when he started predicting provincial elections with his “Hamburger Polls” at the PNE. In 1975 after a visit to see his family in Holland he returned with some home-grown inspiration and opened the first “Original Dutch Pannekoek House” (later renamed “De Dutch”) at the corner of Knight Street and 25th Avenue.
Even after retirement, he would often visit the restaurants and remind everyone “if it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t be here” – in his typical lighthearted way. In 2011 John was inducted to the British Columbia Restaurant & Foodservice Association’s “Hall of Fame”, joining his mentor Nick, in the Pioneer category.
Our unique little restaurants have succeeded and will continue to grow – and it all started with a young man from the Netherlands who wanted out of the army. Who would have thought?!
Gift Cards Available!
Say it with Pannekoeken!
Send the gift of De Dutch via an electronic gift card, or if you prefer a more traditional physical card, via mail.