The mini Dutch pancake house serving proper authentic poffertjes in Altrincham

“If it ain’t Dutch, it ain’t much!”

Papa Dutch is Dutch family business serving an authentic taste of Holland in the form of a small pancake house at Altrincham Market.

Sjoerd Jorritsma, also known as Papa Dutch, is originally from Holland and worked full time as a physiotherapist. But when his son, Josh, was made redundant from a local bistro last year, they decided to invest in their family’s national heritage and open a proper Dutch pancake stall at Alty Market.

“I love Manchester,” says co-founder Sjoerd. “It’s very friendly and people are very approachable. I lived in London for years when I first moved to the UK from the Holland but came to Manchester to raise a family. Now my son and I work together in Altrincham.

Papa Dutch’s most popular product is proffertjes, which are a Yuletide treat in the Netherlands, popular at both summer festivals and Christmas markets. They resemble round miniature pancakes and taste wholesome and Christmassy (£4 per portion of about 15 big mouthfuls). Toppings (+50p) include chocolate, toffee sauce, maple syrup, marshmallows or fresh fruit (+£1). Specials feature Kinder Bueno, Oreo and Lotis Biscoff (+£2). They can easily cater for all allergies, too.

“We’re buzzed to be able to serve people our heritage poffertjes [mini Dutch pancakes],” says Josh. “Nothing makes us happier than to see people enjoy them. Come and taste Holland!”

They also serve Super Stroopwafel, which are waffles you’ve probably seen sat melting on top of a coffee or hot chocolate before now but come served warm and oozing with caramel (£2 each or 3 for £5).

Sjoerd repurposed some Physio apparatus into a nifty cart to serve as a pop up pancake shop and available for private hire.

Papa Dutch take pride in social responsibility and raise on average of £175 per week for a different charity of choice.

Get down to Altrincham Market to see them most Saturday and Sundays between 9am-4pm.