(2h - half-day trip)
Utrecht is one of the most beautiful canal cities of Europe. The city offers an inspiring 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 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.
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 is for enjoying the delicious flavours of Southern Europe, Asia, Central/South America, or maybe one, typical Dutch dish: Pancakes.
Theehuis Rhijnauwen (Teahouse Rhijnauwen), is definitely the best place in the surrounding of Utrecht to enjoy this dish. Going there means cycling through Utrecht's hidden forest while seeing the bright red house at the end of the road 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 bycicle on a sunny day.
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 3,85 a day. Otherwise you can rent one at Laag Catharijne Rental and Repair (7,50+ a day), Bike Rental Utrecht - Black Bikes (6,50+ for 3 hours), and the best one: Willemstraatbike (7 euros per day). 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. The list is long, and I'm sure you'll be overwhelmed with choices, so here are some suggestions for Dutch pancakes:
- Naturel (natural pancake on which you can put the sirop 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! And make sure to pet the donkeys!
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