When you’re in Maastricht, trying authentic Limburgse vlaai isn’t just recommendedāit’s essential. This traditional pie represents centuries of local baking expertise, and I’ve spent years finding the best Vlaai in Maastricht that do it right.
This is the most important thing you need to know: the best vlaai comes from neighborhood bakeries, who perfected the art over a long time. A few bakeries in Maastricht stick and I share my top 5 with you in this article today.
And just in case you wonder, yes I have tried every single bakery myself
ā¤· Wanting to know how to get Maastricht? Here is my guide
Table of Contents
My Top 5 Quick Picks:
- Bakkerij Mathieu Hermans – Award-winning, served to the Dutch Royal Family
- Patisserie Peter Lemmens – Famous for gooseberry meringue vlaai
- De Bisschopsmolen – Historic water mill setting in city center
- Patisserie Royale – Upscale option near the train station
- Bakkerij Paulissen – Great value, perfect for takeaway
What Makes Vlaai Special
Vlaai is a very special type of pie. It can be tart, or sweet. But they have in common the crust: a thin, delicate crust filled with delicious fillings like seasonal fruits, creamy rice pudding, or almond paste. Each bakery guards their recipe carefullyāsome dating back generations.
You’ll find fruit versions (apple, cherry, apricot) that offer a pleasant tartness, while cream-based varieties provide rich comfort. The rice pudding version, called rijstevlaai, is particularly beloved by locals and the Belgium area south of Maastricht competes with the Dutch side on who has the best.
Maastricht Activities
The 5 Best Vlaai Bakeries in Maastricht
1. Bakkerij Mathieu Hermans
Zakstraat 9 | My #1 Choice | Website
This bakery earned royal recognition when they were selected to serve King Willem-Alexander during his 2022 birthday celebration in Maastricht. That tells you everything about their quality.
What to Order: Their frangipane vlaai is my absolute favorite: almond paste filling with apricot and white fondant glaze. For traditional options, try their award-winning rijstevlaai with St. Yvette (egg white foam).
Not Vlaai but delicious nonetheless are their “Suikerbollen“. These rolls are filled with raisins, almond paste, and a sugary syrup. These sticky buns will make you very happy.
Good to Know: This is a neighborhood bakery first. They offer free coffee to customers, but seating is limited to a few outside tables.
2. Patisserie Peter Lemmens
Glacisweg 30H | Best Lunchroom Setting | Website
The St. Pieter location combines excellent vlaai with a proper lunchroom. Their gooseberry meringue vlaai has developed a local following, and their cherry version sells out all the time.
What to Order: Ask about daily specialsāthey rotate seasonal fruit options. Their baguette sandwiches are enormous if you want lunch before pie.
Location Bonus: This bakery is within walking distance to St. Pieter Mountain and ENCI viewing point.
3. De Bisschopsmolen
Stenenbrug 3 | Historic City Center Location | Website
The only vlaai bakery housed in a functioning water mill. You can watch the large wheel turn before choosing your pie. Here you get authentic Maastricht atmosphere at its best.
What to Order: They focus on traditional fruit varieties. Apple, cherry, and apricot are always available, with seasonal options rotating based on local harvests.
Expect Crowds: Popular with both locals and visitors. Weekend waits are common, but the experience is worth it.
4. Patisserie Royale
Wycker Brugstraat 13 | Upscale Option | Website
The most expensive option, but also the most elegant. They’ve made their signature Gateau Grenache the same way since 1929āalmond macaroon base with vanilla crĆØme and ganache.
What to Order: The Gateau Grenache for the full experience, or their pruimenvlaai (prune pie) that was a former mayor’s favorite.
Atmosphere: Perfect for people-watching in their historic tearoom. Expect to pay city center prices.
5. Bakkerij Paulissen
Wycker Brugstraat 37a | Best Value | Website
This local chain offers excellent vlaai at reasonable prices. Everything is takeaway, making it perfect for hotel snacks or train journey treats.
What to Order: Single-serving portions of their most popular flavors. Ask about seasonal offeringsātheir autumn stewed pear vlaai is so delicious.
Practical Choice: Close to the train station, reasonable prices, and pies travel well unrefrigerated.
My Favorite Netherlands Guidebook
- Steves, Rick (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 544 Pages - 03/04/2025 (Publication Date) - Rick Steves (Publisher)
6 Central CafƩs Serving Quality Vlaai
3 out of the 5 bakeries above are not in the city center. If you don’t want to trek to neighborhood bakeries these city center locations serve vlaai from Hermans or Peter Lemmens:
Bistrot Bar ‘t Wycker Cabinet (Wycker Brugstraat 29b) – Serves Hermans vlaai in Instagram-worthy industrial setting
Derlon Hotel Maastricht (Onze Lieve Vrouweplein 6) – Peter Lemmens fruit vlaai on their basilica-adjacent terrace
‘t Piepenhoes (Maastrichter Brugstraat 2) – Peter Lemmens vlaai in French chĆ¢teau-style interior by Sint Servaas bridge
De Brandweerkantine (Capucijnenstraat 21) – Hermans vlaai in converted fire station with co-working spaces
Grand CafĆ© Maastricht Soiron (Vrijthof 18) – Hermans vlaai inside the Foto Museum at Vrijthof square
Brasserie Monte Nova (Luikerweg 78) – Peter Lemmens vlaai with city views atop St. Pietersberg
Practical Vlaai Tips
Best Times to Visit: I recommend going around morning coffee hours for the full selection. Popular flavors sell out as the day progresses, so early birds get the best choice.
Portions: Bakeries serve individual portions (slices or small versions of the pies). Whole pies are also available at bakeries. Some sell half pies, if you want to mix.
Storage: Vlaai keeps well unrefrigerated for same-day consumption. Refrigerate if you want to keep them overnight.
Seasonal: Every season brings different flavors, which part of the experience. Spring brings rhubarb, summer offers berry varieties, autumn features pear and apple options, and winter is usually more almond paste/rich sweet flavors to celebrate the holidays.
My Top Pick: Kruisherenhotel Maastricht
Kruisherenhotel Maastricht is the best place to stay in Maastricht. I am not kidding if I say stunning architecture. This former church, now hotel is just gorgeous.
And you can stay here. Prices are much more reasonable compared to Amsterdam which is a bonus.
It gets a 9.2 Exceptional rating on Expedia.
Book this Hotel
The 500-Year Vlaai Tradition
Did you know Vlaai recipes date to medieval times? The first written mention is in 1503 referencing even earlier traditions. Local bakers have protected these techniques for generations, explaining why authentic vlaai still only comes from this region.
After World War II, travelers began taking vlaai home, spreading its reputation throughout the Netherlands and beyond. Today, people travel specifically to Maastricht for authentic vlaaiājust like you’re planning to do (and I love to do).
Frequently Asked Questions About Vlaai in Maastricht
Can I take vlaai on the train back to Amsterdam?
Absolutely. Vlaai travels well and doesn’t require refrigeration for same-day transport. Many travelers specifically make this trip for takeaway pies. It is also allowed to eat and drink on the train, so it makes for a great travel snack too!
What’s the difference between vlaai and regular pie?
Vlaai uses a thinner, more delicate crust and traditional filling techniques passed down through generations. The texture and flavor profiles are distinctly different from standard pies.
Which vlaai flavor do locals prefer most?
Rijstevlaai (rice pudding) tops the listāit’s what bakeries compete over most fiercely. Seasonal fruit varieties run a close second, with cherry and apple as year-round classics. Gooseberry has earned a devoted local following at certain bakeries.
Are these Maastricht Vlaai bakeries open on Sundays?
Most bakeries close Sundays or have limited hours. Check individual websites before visiting. CafƩs typically maintain regular Sunday.
How much should I expect to spend on vlaai?
Individual portions range from ā¬3-8 depending on the bakery and variety. Patisserie Royale charges premium prices, while neighborhood bakeries offer better value. Whole pies are usually is the ā¬15-25 range.
Maastricht’s vlaai tradition represents something rare in our fast-food worldārecipes perfected over centuries, still made by hand in neighborhood bakeries. When you bite into authentic Limburgse vlaai, you’re tasting the same flavors that have satisfied locals for 500 years.
Take your time, try different bakeries, and don’t rush. Good vlaai, like good travel memories, shouldn’t be hurried.
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Last update on 2025-11-27 at 23:27 - Products, Prices, and Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
