At the Original Pancake House in Portland, the Dutch baby pancake is a breakfast offering that captivates both locals and visitors alike.
Served hot from the oven and priced at $18, this pancake is known for its impressive, puffy rim that reaches towering heights over a custardy center.
Measuring 9 inches wide, the Dutch baby is typically adorned with whipped butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of fresh lemon juice, creating a delightful contrast of flavors that enhance its egg-rich composition.
The experience of ordering and personalizing your Dutch baby may be straightforward, but actually finishing it can be a delightful challenge.
Since its establishment in 1953, the Original Pancake House has roots deeply embedded in the Portland community.
Occupying a charming house on Southwest Barbur Boulevard, it boasts red-and-white striped awnings and beautifully landscaped floral displays that make it hard to miss.
Inside, the ambiance is cozy, with knotty pine paneling and a bustling kitchen visible to patrons, creating an inviting atmosphere for over 70 diners.
Notably, while many Original Pancake House locations operate as franchises, the Portland establishment remains firmly under family ownership, now in its third generation with a fourth on the way.
Les Highet and Erma Huenke co-founded OPH, and following Huenke’s passing, Highet took sole ownership.
His son Ron began his journey as a cook at the restaurant from a young age and later took over management alongside his wife after Les died in 1986.
Today, the management has transitioned to Ron’s daughters, Ann and Elizabeth, along with Ann’s husband, Jonathon Liss.
Elizabeth, currently the primary manager, proudly acknowledges her daughters Grace and Lily working full-time in the family business, signaling a promising future for OPH.
The long-standing tradition of the Original Pancake House is mirrored in its staff, many of whom have devoted decades to the establishment.
As noted by Elizabeth Highet, their kitchen is led by three chefs with tenures of 25, 20, and 10 years, respectively.
One prep chef has dedicated over 30 years of service, while another attends to fruit and coffee and has been with the restaurant for an impressive 40 years.
Remarkably, one former manager spent over 50 years with the restaurant before retiring.
The menu at the Original Pancake House has remained largely unchanged, echoing a commitment to consistency that customers have come to expect and cherish.
Highet expressed a reluctance for change, stating, “We hate change.”
Any adjustments to the menu’s offerings have been minimal, primarily to adapt to ingredient shifts, which are carefully tested to preserve flavor integrity.
While Highet remained tight-lipped about the exact Dutch baby recipe, she hinted that it includes elements like vanilla and citrus, enhancing its unique flavor alongside the basic ingredients of eggs, flour, and sugar.
Since its inception, the Dutch baby has continually outshone its predecessor, the much larger German pancake, which has since been removed from the menu.
“The Dutch baby is just smaller, which we think lends to a lighter, fluffier product,” remarked Highet.
The origins of the Dutch baby pancake are debated, sparking discussions among enthusiasts and food historians alike.
A 2018 Food & Wine article even captured the discontent of Brits who argue that the dish is merely a poor imitation of their beloved Yorkshire pudding.
Prominent food historian Ken Albala has synthesized the conversation by labeling the name “perversely named,” arguing that “Dutch” is a misinterpretation of the correct term, “Deutsch.”
Despite any controversy over its nomenclature or true origin, what is universally accepted is the Dutch baby’s deliciousness, making it a beloved dish for breakfast or any other meal.
Highet emphasized that the traditional preparation of the Dutch baby remains steadfast, with the combination of butter, powdered sugar, and lemon juice being the preferred means of serving.
While some customers may opt for fruit, Highet insists, “That is the way we believe it should be served and the way I eat it.”
In the end, the Original Pancake House’s Dutch baby is much more than a meal.
It represents a slice of Portland’s history, a testament to family legacy, and a delicious end to decades of commitment to culinary consistency.
image source from：https://www.wweek.com/food/2025/06/10/the-original-pancake-houses-dutch-baby-grew-up-to-be-a-classic-portland-breakfast/
