In the quiet suburb of Klemzig, just outside of Adelaide, a little slice of the Netherlands is thriving thanks to the passion and heritage of Angela Leaney. Born to Dutch-speaking parents who migrated to Australia in 1956—her father from Tilburg and her mother from Utrecht—Angela grew up in a household steeped in Dutch traditions, culture, and food.
For Angela, Dutch heritage wasn’t just something to be remembered on special occasions—it was part of everyday life. From celebrating Sinterklaas to enjoying family favourites like kroketten and boterkoek, her upbringing reflected a deep connection to the Netherlands. But like many children of post-war migrants, Angela didn’t fully realise the value of this heritage until it was nearly out of reach. After her mother passed away, she felt a sense of regret for not asking more questions—not just about recipes, but about her family’s immigration story and the culture they carried with them to Australia.
This longing to reconnect became the seed for The Dutch Pantry, a café and shop dedicated to Dutch cuisine and culture. Founded by Angela and now run together with her daughter Anne-Lise, the venue is more than just a place for stroopwafels and poffertjes—though those are certainly on offer. It has become a hub for the Dutch-Australian community, a place to gather, share stories, and keep traditions alive.
Anne-Lise brings a new generation’s touch to the family business, baking classic Dutch sweets like tompoucen, moorkoppen, and appeltaart, all made with care and authenticity. Together, mother and daughter have built not just a business, but a living tribute to their heritage. The Dutch Pantry hosts events for Koningsdag and Sinterklaas, welcoming both long-time Dutch migrants and new generations of Australians who are curious about Dutch culture.
Their story is a familiar one to many in the Dutch-Australian community—of parents who left post-war Europe to start anew, of traditions preserved across oceans, and of the unique blend of memory and reinvention that marks the migrant experience.
The Dutch Pantry stands as a delicious reminder that culture is not only remembered—it is tasted, shared, and passed on.
Info as per 2025
Location: The Dutch Pantry, 34 O.G. Road, Klemzig SA
Website: thedutchpantry.com.au
