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Dutch delicacies gives one thing you’ll be able to’t discover anyplace else in Europe. From hearty dishes and candy treats to seafood and savory snacks there are tons of alternatives to style Dutch heritage on an Amsterdam meals tour.
That can assist you hit the bottom working, I assumed I’d take a more in-depth have a look at the construction of Dutch meals, and iconic dishes that embody the delicacies of the Netherlands.
The Construction of Dutch Meals
Dutch meals typically have a construction that displays the Netherlands’ pragmatic and no-fuss method to eating. Understanding it a bit bit higher will enable you stick out much less like a vacationer as you mix in with the locals.
Breakfast, referred to as “Ontbijt” is often a light-weight meal that includes bread with cheese, butter, or hagelslag chocolate sprinkles. Folks typically drink espresso, tea, or contemporary fruit juice.
Lunch typically consists of sandwiches and soups. Fast snacks like broodje kroket, crispy meat-filled rolls are additionally frequent. These mid-day meals are usually quick and fewer elaborate than the lavish, sluggish lunch experiences you discover in nations like France and Italy.
Dinner, or “Avondeten” is essentially the most substantial meal. There’s normally a big portion of roasted or braised meat, with potatoes, and greens. Stamppot of mashed potatoes combined with greens is quite common within the chilly months of the 12 months.
Iconic Dutch Dishes
You may look forward to finding a number of the following iconic Dutch dishes on most conventional restaurant menus.
Stamppot is a traditional Dutch consolation meals of mashed potatoes combined with greens like kale, sauerkraut, or carrots. You’ll typically discover it served with rookworst smoked sausage. It’s a winter staple that displays the Netherlands’ conventional, no-nonsense method to hearty meals.
Bitterballen are crispy, deep-fried meatballs which can be typically served as a bar snack, however you’ll additionally discover them in cafés and informal eateries. They’re typically served with mustard, they pair completely with a chilly Dutch beer.
Poffertjes are fluffy little yeast-leavened buckwheat pancakes. They’re historically served with powdered sugar and butter as road meals.
Erwtensoep is a thick break up pea soup with small bits of pork, and greens. Some eating places serve it with rookworst sausages. It’s a warming dish that’s particularly common in winter.
Dutch Cheese: A Nationwide Treasure
The Dutch have a wealthy historical past of cheeses that’s deeply ingrained within the meals tradition of Amsterdam.
Gouda is essentially the most well-known Dutch cheese that you just’ll discover throughout Amsterdam. It’s accessible in quite a lot of ages, from younger and creamy to aged and crumbly with caramel-like notes. It’s a staple in Dutch delicacies, typically present in sandwiches, cheese boards, and even melted into conventional dishes. So, be ready to strive a number of occasions to develop a deeper appreciation.
Edam is well acknowledged by its spherical form and pink wax coating. It has a light, barely nutty taste and a agency texture. It’s a preferred selection for snacking and pairs effectively with fruit, making it a favourite at Amsterdam’s many cheese retailers and markets.
Leyden is a spiced cheese infused with cumin and caraway seeds. It has a particular, barely tangy taste that units it other than different Dutch cheeses. It’s typically eaten with rye bread or as a part of a borrel plank Dutch charcuterie board.
Candy Dutch Treats
The streets of Amsterdam are flooded with iconic Dutch candy treats which can be price making an attempt as a fast snack or a tasty dessert.
Stroopwafels are skinny, crispy waffle cookies sandwiched with a wealthy caramel syrup within the center. They’re greatest loved heat and contemporary from a road market vendor. On chilly days the native trick to holding this dessert comfortable is to position it over high of a sizzling cup of espresso, cocoa or tea.
Oliebollen is often loved round New Yr’s, these deep-fried dough balls resemble Dutch-style donuts. Dusted with powdered sugar, they arrive plain or stuffed with raisins and apples for further sweetness.
Appeltaart is actually a Dutch apple pie with a thick, deep crust, and a filling of spiced apples. It’s normally topped with whipped cream.
Bossche Bol is an outsized cream puff coated in wealthy darkish chocolate. It’s a decadent pastry that pairs completely with a sizzling espresso. Simply beware that it may be a bit messy.
Dutch Fashion Quick Meals And Savory Snacks
The next are some common Dutch savory snacks and fast-food gadgets you’re prone to run into on the streets of Amsterdam.
Patat Met are thick-cut, crispy Dutch French fries. They’re usually served in a paper cone with a beneficiant dollop of mayonnaise as an alternative of ketchup. Some artistic bars and road meals distributors will substitute the mayo with distinctive toppings like oorlog peanut satay sauce, or a thick curry sauce.
Kroketten are deep-fried, golden-brown croquettes stuffed with a wealthy, creamy ragout of beef, veal, and even greens. They’re a preferred on-the-go snack served in a bun at cafes and merchandising machine-style automats.
Kapsalon is a hearty -Turkish-inspired fusion dish with layers of crispy fries with döner or shawarma meat, and melted cheese, and is topped with contemporary lettuce, tomatoes, and garlic sauce. It’s a late-night favourite in Amsterdam.
Seafood Favorites
The Dutch have a robust relationship with the ocean, which is mirrored within the common seafood dishes of Amsterdam.
Haring are herring served with onions and pickles. Locals in Amsterdam usually eat them by holding the tail and taking a chunk. They’re a salty, briny delicacy that’s common throughout the summer season months.
Mussels are a staple of Dutch coastal delicacies. They’re typically steamed in white wine, garlic, and herbs, and served with fries and a facet of mustard or mayonnaise. Mussels are hottest in Amsterdam’s seafood eating places from July to April.
Kibbeling are crispy, battered items of fish bites. They’re normally made with cod or haddock and served with a tangy garlic or remoulade sauce.
Indonesian Flavors in Dutch Delicacies
The Dutch have traditionally deep roots in Indonesia and different elements of Southeast Asia, which proceed to encourage the delicacies of Amsterdam.
Rijsttafel is an Indonesian-inspired Dutch specialty that you just typically discover at rijsttafel rice tables. It consists of a variety of small dishes like satay, rendang, and sambal.
Satay in Amsterdam is marinated, skewered rooster or pork that’s grilled to perfection. Then served with wealthy and creamy peanut sauce. Present in Amsterdam’s Indonesian eating places and snack bars.
Nasi Goreng is a aromatic Indonesian fried rice dish, typically stir-fried with greens, egg, and spiced meat or shrimp, and is a staple in Amsterdam’s many Indonesian eateries.
Meals for Particular Events
There are some conventional Dutch meals you see extra typically on holidays and particular events.
Oliebollen are basically deep-friend doughnut holes dusted with powdered sugar. They’re typically served throughout the vacation season and New Yr’s Eve.
Kerststol is a spiced Christmas bread stuffed with dried fruits and marzipan, and is loved throughout the vacation season.
Speculaas cookies are made with a heat spice mix, and are common throughout Sinterklaas celebrations in December.
Sources:
Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Amsterdam meals excursions. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/amsterdam/
Tofu Bud. (n.d.). Tofu Bud. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://tofubud.com/blogs/dinner-recipes/how-to-make-tofu-taste-like-chicken
Holland. (n.d.). Holland. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.holland.com/world/tourism/discover-the-netherlands/visit-the-cities/amsterdam
Britannica. (n.d.). Britannica. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Indonesia/Development-and-impact-of-the-Dutch-East-India-Firm
