Birthday Cake in Holland

[annie0000]

Hi, we will be in Holland on my son's 7th birthday and I had planned to get a cake for him while we were there - however, someone at work said that I would be better taking one with us as they don't do proper cakes abroad. I am sure that she is talking rubbish and that I will be able to get something suitable, even if it is a gateaux type of thing rather than an iced sponge. But at the same time, a cake is pretty important when you are 7 - does anyone have any experience of Dutch cakes? (and no, I don't want one made with hash!)

[poppet24]

Trying to take a cake with you may prove quite difficult if your flying!Cakes abroad are better than here, especially when bought from little bakerys.The best cakes ive ever had have been in germany and switzerland, they're delicious!

[Narolines]

I've never heard such twaddle - what do they mean by "proper" cakes? And where precisely is "abroad"? For goodness sake, northern and central European countries practically live on cakes, and Holland produces some of the best. There are more bakeries & patisseries in Holland than you can shake a stick at, and you'll be able to get anything you can get here and a thousand more besides. Tell your colleague she is talking absolute tosh (she's obviously never been further than the end of her street) and relax - you'll have NO problem filling the bill when you get there.

[Dee Sa]

I agree with Narolines. Ask your hotel can they supply one, they are usually happy to oblige especially for a child, if not ask them to direct you to the nearest bakery and pre order the day before.

[annie0000]

Thanks guys - I thought that would be the case - I am happy to wait - we are staying in a camp site, but the town is only about 500 meters away, I am sure that they will be able to concoct something that I can put some candles in! Theres a thought, must take candles....

My colleague has travelled abroad quite a lot, but maybe our ideas of what a cake is just don't match - he will be happy with a big gooey gateaux, it doesn't need to be a power rangers thing!

[sandiebeth]

hi, we were in amsterdam over my daughters 12th birthday and found it difficult to find a traditional british type cake for her. we ended up with a selection of fancy pastries arranged on a plate with indoor sparklers! she loved it, when in rome (or the netherlands) and all that.

[Narolines]

I'm still not quite sure what's meant by "a traditional British type cake". The cusines of Britain & Holland are not very diferent, and most things that are available here are also available there. I have two very good Dutch friends who frequently comment on the many similarities, and they are thoroughly familiar with, for instance, sponges, fruit cake and madeira, all of which are easily available, at least in Utrecht, which is where they live. I'll e-mail them and see what they have to suggest........

[annie0000]

Thanks for all your answers guys - I am just going to see what's what when we get there - loved the sparklers idea as well! He likes all sorts of cakes and pastries - In fact, he has a real liking for fruit loaf of all things.