The words “Dutch” and “pancakes” are inextricably linked. But in South Africa, the word “Harrie’s” is also part of the story. And it’s all down to authenticity, skill, the love of food, and respect for tradition.
While Americans think “IHOP” when pancakes are mentioned, Europeans think of Dutch style pancakes – which have become part of the continent’s cultural and religious heritage. That heritage was transported around the world to countries such as South Africa. That is where the Harrie’s Pancakes story begins.
Born from a Love of Food
Harrie Siertsema had a dream. He wanted to turn his passion for pancakes into a thriving business – without losing the authenticity that makes Dutch pancakes popular around the world.
So, in 1986, Harrie opened his first restaurant in Graskop Mpumalanga in South Africa. This sleepy mining town grew up during the country’s “Gold Rush,” but its economy is now driven by timber and tourism. And while Graskop has changed over the last four decades, Harrie’s Pancakes’ commitment to quality and flavor has remained the same.
Harrie’s Pancakes is now an international brand, but the essence of what’s delivered on the plate hasn’t changed all that much since Harrie perfected his recipe during the mid-80s.
A local old lady in Graskop kindly gave Harrie a much-loved family pancake recipe – which he immediately began experimenting with. Harrie was determined to perfect the art of pancake making, so he spent time working on various thicknesses, textures, and flavor profiles.
After several weeks of taste testing and tweaking, Harrie finalized a recipe that would become legendary in South Africa’s Lowveld.
Spreading the Word
Harrie’s Pancakes quickly developed a reputation for quality. And thanks to an unwavering commitment to customer service, the Graskop restaurant soon became a must-visit culinary destination for locals – who are known to be very particular about their pancakes.
But it wasn’t long before tourists and international visitors started to flock to Harrie’s for authentic South African pancakes. Demand for the restaurant’s sweet and savory creations soared – and work quickly spread to other regions of South Africa.
Harrie’s Pancakes, Pretoria
A relatively quiet city in Gauteng, Pretoria – known as Jacaranda City – is characterized by its tree-lined streets, colonial and African architecture, and its love of tradition. Equally popular among South Africans and tourists, this picturesque city was an obvious choice for a new Harrie’s Pancakes location.
Harrie’s Pancakes, Dullstroom
The people of Dullstroom were crying out for a stylish, family-run pancake restaurant, which is why they rejoiced when Harrie’s Pancakes opened. This typically South African town sites more than 2,000 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest in the country. Characterized by its distinctive 19th and 20th-century architecture, Dullstroom is steeped in history and local traditions, which is why the locals embraced their new pancake restaurant.
Harrie’s Pancakes, Pretoria
A relatively quiet city in Gauteng, Pretoria – known as Jacaranda City – is characterized by its tree-lined streets, colonial and African architecture, and its love of tradition. Equally popular among South Africans and tourists, this picturesque city was an obvious choice for a new Harrie’s Pancakes location.
Harrie’s Pancakes, Cullinan
A typically peaceful and pretty mining village in South Africa, Cullinan is known for its charming cottages, historic stone buildings, and gorgeous white churches. While it’s just 20 miles from Pretoria, Cullinan has a character all of its own. In fact, stepping foot in the village is like taking a trip back in time. And stepping inside the village’s Harrie’s Pancakes restaurant is exactly the same – thanks to the classic pancake recipe that still brings people together.
Harrie’s Pancakes, Dubai
As well as boasting a large South African population, Dubai is home to a hugely diverse range of cultures and nationalities. In many ways, it was the perfect choice for Harrie’s Pancake’s first international location. Based in the Nakheel Mall at The Palm, this modern, aesthetically unique restaurant draws crowds throughout the day, thanks to its eclectic selection of sweet and savory pancake dishes.
A Fusion of Food and Art
The pancakes are very much the stars of the show at Harrie’s. However, that’s not the only thing that sets this exceptional dining brand apart from the competition. Each location in South Africa and Dubai showcases the work of prominent and aspiring artists from the area and beyond. That’s especially true in Dubai.
Since Harrie opened his first restaurant way back in 1986, he has hosted more than 100 curated exhibitions – and that’s just in South Africa! It’s this unique combination of food and art that makes the Harrie’s dining experience extra special.
If Harrie’s first love was food, his second was art. The talented chef and entrepreneur has always championed the works of artists by adorning the walls of his restaurants with their works. The result is a unique dining experience that expands both the palate and the mind. With a strong focus on artists from the African continent, Harrie’s Pancakes is launching careers in South Africa and Dubai.
Still Making History
The Harrie’s Pancakes story is far from over. In fact, you could say it’s just getting started. With plans for more stunning pancake dishes and an ongoing commitment to developing the brand across two continents, this much-loved pancake brand could be coming to a town near you before too long!
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