Dutch Cuisine: 18 Things To Eat in The Netherlands

Before arriving in the Netherlands, the only thing we knew about local Dutch cuisine was cheese and Dutch apple pie. While the idea of gorging on nothing but these Dutch delicacies sounded tempting, during our two-month stay we sampled a variety of delicious Netherlands food.

From tasty stews to pub grub to street food favorites, we ate the most popular Dutch foods. To help fellow travelers get a taste of great Netherlands cuisine, we created a list of the Best Dutch Food to eat on a trip!

 

Discovering the Dutch Food Culture

Our extended visit to Nijmegen was not intended to be a lesson in traditional Dutch food. We were actually there dog-sitting as International Housesitters over the winter holidays. However, we quickly took a liking to the local fare and trying as much popular Dutch food as possible became a priority.

We feasted on Dutch traditional cuisine and got a taste of more modern eats. Plus, our Christmastime Visit to the Netherlands included a Dutch menu of hearty dishes, sweet treats, holiday specialties…and lots of cheese. 

We didn’t limit our exploration of Netherlands traditional food to dining out. We also researched easy Dutch recipes. Then sought out Dutch products at the grocery store so that we could devour more of the Netherlands food and drink at home.

Since that first trip, we have returned to the Netherlands numerous times. No, not just because of all the Dutch cheese…but would you blame us? On each occasion, we have taken the opportunity to gorge on our favorite nibbles, as well as explore Dutch cuisine we have yet to try.

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Must-Try Dutch Cuisine

In our discovery of the local fare, we tried to find real Dutch food. We often asked ourselves, “What do the Dutch eat?” – because we were most interested in eating typical Dutch dishes. 

Additionally, because we know many travelers – specifically to Amsterdam – are in search of the best Dutch eats. So we also highlight the best restaurants in Amsterdam to find each of the specific Netherlands famous food items. 

Fun Fact: In our education of typical Dutch food, we learned the word ‘lekker.’ There doesn’t seem to be a direct English translation, but the word ‘lekker’ is closest to ‘yummy’. We can assure you, Dutch cuisine is lekker! 

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Dutch Food Guide for your trip to the Netherlands!

 

#1 Kaas (Cheese)

Let’s get straight to the point: The cheese in the Netherlands is amazing. Cheese shops, Dutch delicatessens – even the grocery store – stock everything from large round slabs down to tiny wedges. Soft cheese, hard cheese, old or young…we like them all. In fact, the cheese is so incredible and so prevalent that some think it is the National Dish of the Netherlands (it’s actually Stamppot, which is next on our list!). 

The Dutch cheese specialty is Gouda, named after the city where it originated. It is pronounced how-dah – and is nothing like Gouda cheese in North America. There are different types of Gouda based on age Our preference is the Oude (Old) cheese that has aged 10-12 months. Cheese crystals crunch between our teeth and the pungent, but oh-so heavenly, taste lingers long after the cheese is gone.

 

Where To Eat Dutch Cheese

As cheese holds a high ranking in the Netherlands food culture, it is fairly easy to get a taste of it. That said, our favorite places to taste an array of different cheeses is at the local cheese shops – and you will find one in every town (and nearly every corner of Central Amsterdam). 

One of the best things about Netherlands cheese shops is their custom of offering samples. In fact, every cheese shop in Amsterdam that we visited had bowls of cheese nibbles for shoppers to try.

The best cheese we sampled in Amsterdam was at Reypenaer Proeflokaal, a local cheese tasting room where visitors can consume fresh-sliced cheese as they peruse the goods. Want to really enhance the experience? Join one of their wine and cheese tastings. Get the details!

 

#2 Stamppot (Mash Pot)

Stampot is Dutch comfort food at its best – and it reigns as the Netherlands National Dish. It is so simple that we were suspect as to how flavorful it would be, yet we were completely blown away by the incredible taste.

The traditional Dutch dish has a base of mashed potatoes and is prepared with vegetables, according to taste (so you might find that traditional Dutch recipes for Stamppot vary slightly). Basic ingredients – white potato, sweet potato, carrots, onion and cabbage – are simmered in a pot, mashed and topped with rookworst (smoked sausage). Add a shake or two of salt and pepper and a typical Dutch meal is served!

 

Where To Eat the Must Try Dutch Food Stamppot

In Amsterdam, there are a few traditional restaurants that serve Dutch typical food – including Stamppot. The top place to try the dish is at Moeder’s – a restaurant dedicated to mothers (which is evidenced by their traditional comfort cuisine).  

That said, we made Stamppot several times at home – as it is one of the easiest Dutch dinner recipes to make. Because the ingredients are international staples, this is one of the typical Dutch dishes that can be made almost anywhere in the world. If you want to try to make Stamppot in your home, we included this Netherlands food recipe at the end of the post.

 

#3 Erwtensoep (Pea Soup) 

When we reunited with our Dutch friend that we had met while traveling in Southeast Asia, she came bearing gifts – including Netherlands typical food, Erwtensoep. Also called Snert, Erwtensoep is a rich pea soup.

We’ve never been big fans of pea soup, but when Dutch food experts (and by that, we mean Dutch people) tell us erwtensoep is one of their favorite traditional Dutch meals, we go ahead and try it. We are glad we did, because erwtensoep isn’t like any pea soup we’ve had before.

The thick soup is almost like a paste with a variety of vegetables that accompany the peas. The soup is commonly served with sliced rookworst, or other Dutch meat, on top – and we couldn’t help but add a little shredded cheese, too (because, when in the Netherlands…). Frisian Rye Bread, another one of the traditional Dutch foods, is often served alongside the soup.

 

Where To Eat Erwtensoep

Erwtensoep is a somewhat season soup in the Netherlands that is the most popular during the wintertime. That said, De Blauwe Hollander in Amsterdam usually has Erwtensoep on their menu – as they specialize in serving traditional food in the Netherlands.

 

#4 Rookworst (Smoked Sausage)

It took us a while to warm up to rookworst, which is actually hard to believe considering our affection for savory smoked sausages.

The problem was that the Dutch meat sits on an unrefrigerated shelf at the grocery store – and, quite frankly, the idea of unrefrigerated meat makes us squeamish (even if it is smoked and vacuum-packed). Once we got over our ridiculous hang up, we started indulging.

In addition to piling it on Stamppot and Erwtensoep, we’ve mixed it in with pasta and rice dishes, as well. It can also be eaten as a sandwich, called Broodje Rookworst. 

 

Where To Eat Rookworst

As we already mentioned, Rookworst is typically served with Erwtensoep and Stamppot. However, if you want it in a sandwich, you can order a Broodje Rookworst from Café Sonneveld in the Amsterdam Jordaan Neighborhood. Butchers – like Butcher Shop Vet – also carry Rookworst and can make it into a sandwich. 

 

#5 Kibbeling (Fried Fish)

We try not to make it a habit of eating fried fast food, but in the Netherlands, Kibbeling – little nuggets of deep fried fish – are too good to pass up. The Dutch street food – served from trailers often parked in market squares – comes with a creamy (and caloric) mayo-based dipping sauce. The treat is often eaten as a snack – and it is utterly satisfying! 

 

Where To Eat Kibbeling

Firmly a part of Netherlands gastronomy, there are plenty of places to taste Kibbeling around the country. We often just grabbed it as a snack from Amsterdam food trucks, but – as one of the best things to eat in the Netherlands – we recommend seeking out a place that does it the best – and that is Fishmongers Vishandel at Albert Cuyp Market. 

 

#6 Hollandse Nieuwe (Raw Herring)

One of the famous Dutch foods is Hollandse Nieuwe – which is raw herring soaking in brine. It is sometimes served alongside raw onion and pickles.

Hollandse Nieuwe is a popular Amsterdam street food. Many of the same establishments that sell kibbeling also sell the popular Dutch raw herring. The fish can be eaten on bread – but the typical Dutch way to consume it is by holding the tail, throwing back your head and eating it by itself.

We have to admit, while we were intent on trying different foods in the Netherlands, the Dutch herring experience pushed the limits of our palates. In the end, we passed on this weird Dutch food in favor of more of the cooked kibbeling.

 

Where to Eat Hollandse Nieuwe

Although we passed on trying Hollandse Nieuwe, it is a type of Holland food to try in the Netherlands – and a few places specialize in the raw dish in Amsterdam. Frens Haringhandel is well known for their Hollandse Nieuwe. For 40 years they have been serving herring from their Koningsplein location. To make it most palatable for visitors, it can be ordered as a sandwich on a bun with onions and pickles. 

 

#7 Pannenkoeken (Pancakes)

When we first found out that the Dutch are fond of pancakes, we imagined sweet Netherlands breakfast food – and then we learned how wrong we were. Pannenkoeken – Dutch pancakes – are more like crepes; they can be prepared both sweet and savory. They are eaten as a typical Dutch dinner or lunch, rather than breakfast – and each pancake is as big as a plate.

We prefer the savory pannenkoeken, topped with cheese, ham, tomato and fried onions (but we cover some delicious Dutch sweets in a minute).

 

Eating Netherlands Dutch Pancakes

To be honest, we ate the absolute best Dutch pancakes at a restaurant in the eastern village of Beek – and I also made them at home using this recipe.

Amsterdam visitors, however, can get a taste of savory Dutch pancakes at The Pancake Bakery. 

 

#8 Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes)

While Pannenkoeken are often savory, Holland Poffertjes are sweet mini pancakes – and they are an incredibly popular snack or breakfast meal. Made of buckwheat flour and yeast, they are spongy. Typically, they are served with powdered sugar and sometimes custard. 

 

Where To Eat Dutch Mini Pancakes

Poffertjes are also sold as street food in Amsterdam, at markets, festivals, restaurants and even served at hotel breakfasts. A good restaurant for Poffertjes in Amsterdam is The Pantry, which is known for their authentic Dutch food menu. 

 

#9 Dutch Broodjes 

Broodjes – or Dutch Sandwiches – are a popular grab-and-go meal in the Netherlands…and we love them! Available at Dutch bakeries, corner sandwich shops and even the grocery store, it would be a shame to visit the Netherlands without consuming at least one classic broodje during your trip.

The most simple Dutch sandwich is a Broodje Kaas – or cheese sandwich, which is commonly eaten for breakfast (but, really, when in the Netherlands, eating cheese and bread is acceptable all day long!).

However, Dutch Broodjes sandwiches come with a great variety of ingredients – including meats, like beef, pork, fish, liver and tartare.

 

Broodjes: Where and What To Eat in Amsterdam

For the best broodjes in Amsterdam, head to Eetsalon Van Dobben, an Amsterdam food institution that has been cranking out an array of Dutch broodjes since 1945.

Our top pick at Eetsalon Van Dobben is the Kroketten Broodje – which is nothing more than a crispy meat croquette on top of a piece of bread and topped with mustard (we never said they were healthy!).

However, a unique broodje we ate was warm beef slathered with peanut sauce; it was a gooey mess, but oddly satisfying!

 

#10 12-Uurtje (Twelve o’clock)

There are several variations of this typical Dutch lunch menu item – and we suggest sampling whatever style you come across.

A 12-uurtje is served with three items on the plate, usually assembled with a couple of broodjes and a side salad. For example, a plate might look like this: one slice of white bread topped with cheese, ham and a fried egg; another slice of white bread topped with a single meat croquette; and a small side dish, like potato salad…covered in mayo. This popular Netherlands meal is eaten with a fork and knife.

 

Where To Order 12-Uurtje

Although this food of the Netherlands (that basically consists of simple Dutch side dishes) is popular, we struggled to find it on a lot of restaurant menus. That said, the Black Restaurant in Amsterdam serves a refined version of 12-Uurtje that includes steak tartar, poached egg, smoked salmon and soup. 

 

#11 Indonesian Food

It would be impossible to spend any time in the Netherlands and not notice the copious amount of Indonesian food on offer. It’s part of the Dutch cuisine history.

At first, we didn’t make the connection. But, by re-educating ourselves on the 17th century spice trade and the Dutch East India Company, we remembered that Indonesia was colonized by the Dutch. Indonesian cuisine was introduced under colonization and today it remains a staple of what to eat in the Netherlands. In fact, in the Netherlands, the food has morphed into something unique. 

Chicken Satay is a dish we are familiar with, but Bami Goreng was new to us. The stir fried noodles are a meal on their own – and are made even better when covered in satay sauce.

In many Indonesian restaurants in the Netherlands, eating Rijsttafel – which literally translates to Rice Table and is similar to tapas plates – is a fun way to sample the cuisine.  

 

Where To Eat Indonesian Netherlands Cuisine

Sampurna, Mama Makan and Kantjil & De Tijger are all excellent places to sample Indonesian food in Amsterdam – and all serve Rijsttafel, too. 

Pro Tip: Indonesian is not the only international food in the Netherlands. In fact, in cities like Amsterdam, there is a diverse range of eateries from around the world. For a culinary adventure go to Foodhallen – which we feature in our 3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary. The indoor food hall – once a tram depot – boasts the best local and international eats. We feasted on Mexican nachos, Spanish iberico jamon, Japanese sushi and a juicy American burger all under one roof!

 

#12 Bitterballen

Deep-fried Bitterballen is one of the favorite Dutch snacks in the Netherlands. It is especially prevalent at bars and taverns. The Dutch appetizers are little round balls, similar to croquettes. Bitterballen are crispy on the outside and filled with a thick meaty gravy-like mixture. Like most bar food, the Dutch snack food pairs well with beer and mustard.

 

Where To Eat Bitterballen

We think the best Bitterballen are served in pubs alongside a pint of Amsterdam Craft Beer. Cafe de Tuin – which is one of the Amsterdam brown cafes – is famous for their Bitterballen. That said, we absolutely loved the Bitterballen from De Ballenbar at Foodhallen Market. 

Pro Tip: Bar food in the Netherlands extends well beyond Bitterballen. On our recent trip, we noticed that nachos are the current craze and they are delicious. The best outside of the American Southwest, in our opinion! Other typical international food that is featured on Netherlands bar menus are gourmet burgers and rotisserie chicken.

 

#13 Patatje Oorlog (War Fries)

Fried potatoes are international; the Netherlands can hardly take credit for French fries. What makes Patatje Oorlog an authentic Dutch food, however, are the assembly of toppings that are slathered on the fries.

An order of patatje oorlog fries will be topped with a heaping gob of mayo and a peanut satay sauce (nearly drowning the fries). Then raw, diced onions are sprinkled over the sauces. Eating this dish requires a fork (and a strong stomach) – and they are messy! Another version is to use curry sauce instead of satay sauce.

Pro Tip: If the Patatje Oorlog sounds too saucy, then dial it back just a bit and order Friet Mayonnaise – which is simply fries with mayonnaise.

 

Where To Eat Best Dutch Fries

When in Amsterdam, a popular spot for the best patatje oorlog fries is at Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx. This small shop that has been around for more than 50 years. That said, there are shops all over where you can get the classic snack – most often served in a paper cone with a small fork or toothpick. We personally like Heertje Friet, where they make fresh cut fries daily and you pick your sauce.

 

#14 Borrel Nootje (Drink Nuts)

Borrel Nootje are cocktail peanuts with a twist. While they don’t rank as top traditional Dutch cuisine, they should be on your Dutch food list of things to try. Rather than the peanuts being salted, each individual nut is coated with a crispy, spicy layer of flavor. There are several varieties including garlic and paprika. Just a warning: they are highly addictive; once we start eating them, we can’t stop!

 

Where To Find Borrel Nootje in the Netherlands

Some bars have Borrel Nootje as a bar snack, but you can also find these tasty morsels at the grocery and convenience stores. They are great to bring along when exploring Amsterdam on foot and for long travel days, too. 

 

#15 Netherlands Stroopwafel (Dutch Waffle)

Not everything in the Netherlands is savory – and stroopwafels are proof of that! These sweet traditional Dutch cookies are made of two thin, Netherlands waffle wafers stuck together with just a bit of caramel syrup in between them. When heated slightly they become gloriously gooey – and rank as one of our favorite Netherlands desserts!

The delicious desserts are sold at bakeries and cafes around the country. In some sweet shops they take their stroopwafels to the next level by dipping them in chocolate and topping them with shaved chocolate, cookie bits or chocolate dots.

 

Best Stroopwafels in Amsterdam

There is no doubt about it, the best place in Amsterdam for Stroopwafels is van Wonderen Stroopwafels. They make stroopwafels fresh and feature creative toppings (be aware, their famous Dutch cookies are on the expensive side!). There is often a queue for fresh stroopwafels, but be patient – it’s worth the wait! Stach coffeeshops make excellent stroopwafels as well, if you’re in a rush.

 

#16 Hagelslag (Sprinkles)

Remember as a kid, how sprinkles made ice cream so much better? Well, in the Netherlands, sprinkles – which they call hagelslag – aren’t reserved for kids or ice cream. Hagelslag is consumed – usually topping a slice of buttered bread – as a snack or at any meal; it is even eaten as a typical Dutch breakfast.

We, however, would smear peanut butter on sweet Dutch pastries then top it with chocolate hagelslag. There are no rules…and sprinkles are fun!

 

Hagelslag Sweet Treat in Amsterdam

Hagelslag is often used to top sweets from bakeries, but a hagelslag sandwich – which is how it is typically eaten by the Dutch – is not a popular Netherlands menu item. Instead, this a Dutch food to try from the grocery store. 

 

#17 Appeltaart (Dutch Apple Pie)

When it comes to Dutch desserts, none is perhaps more famous than apple pie. The popular food in the Netherlands, however, is not like American apple pie.

Appeltaart is made in a spring-form pan, not a pie dish. The consistency is more cake-like than pie. The apples are sliced thicker and stacked high and the filling is sturdy, not runny. It’s a dessert that is comforting, yet exquisite. 

 

Where To Eat Appeltaart Netherlands Food

The Appeltaart Netherlands pastry is a staple of Dutch food and can be found on almost every menu and in every grocery store. That said, the most famous restaurant in Amsterdam for Appeltaart is Winkel 43. They serve slices of appeltaart topped with a dollop of cream – and the taste is simply out of this world! 

 

#18 Dutch Ice Cream

Summers in the Netherlands can be hot – and there is no better cure than ice cream! While there does not seem to be a definitive answer to what makes ice cream ‘Dutch,’ it is certainly prevalent throughout the country. Some ice cream makers offer unique flavors – such as Dutch Apple Tart and an inventive (but we think perhaps not-so-tasty) Raw Herring Ice Cream.

 

Where to Eat Dutch Ice Cream in Amsterdam

While unique flavors with local Dutch ingredients are always fun to try, we also like traditional Dutch eats. 

At Van der Linde, the most famous ice cream shop in the Netherlands, they make a classic ice cream treat in one classic flavor: Vanilla. The family-run Amsterdam ice cream shop features fresh-made frozen cream, which is closer to cold whipped cream than traditional ice cream – and has earned it the nickname of Mr. Whippy. Regardless, a scoop of the creamy concoction certainly satisfies the sweet tooth!

Pro Tip: The Van der Linde ice cream shop is featured on our Amsterdam Walking Tour! 

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Dutch Cuisine For The Holidays

In the Netherlands, particular foods are only consumed during specific holidays. From November until the New Year, there are three distinct holidays to be celebrated: Sinterklaas, Kerst (Christmas in Dutch) and the New Year.

 

Kruidnoten (Ginger Nuts)

According to Dutch traditions, Sinterklaas, the man who brings presents to Dutch girls and boys, arrives in the Netherlands by boat. He then visits children and appears in parades until the presents are delivered on St. Nicholas Day, which is December 6.

Kruidnoten, which translates to Ginger Nuts, go hand-in-hand with the Sinterklaas celebrations – and is one of our favorite Dutch food traditions.

The Ginger Nuts are not actually nuts at all. Kruidnoten are dollop-sized spiced typical Dutch cookies, often coated in chocolate (milk, dark and white). Kruidnoten is only available until St. Nicholas Day – after Sinterklaas delivers presents, these Dutch Christmas food treats are no longer available!

 

Gourmetten

We wanted to eat traditional Dutch Christmas food for our holiday meal. When we asked, “What do Dutch people eat at Christmas” everyone told us: Gourmetten!

The popular Netherlands Christmas food tradition is similar to that of a fondue dinner. Small portions of raw meat and vegetables are prepared in advance then a tiered skillet is placed in the center of the table and each diner has an individual tray they use to cook their own meal. 

 

Oliebollen (Dutch Donuts)

Oliebollen makes an even shorter appearance than Kruidnoten – and are available between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The dough is deep-fried and then coated in sugar – and, obviously, delicious. Need we say more? 

 

Dutch Banketstaaf

Another popular Christmastime dessert is Banketstaaf, a Dutch almond paste-filled pastry. Also called the Dutch Christmas Log because it is often made as a long roll that is cut into pieces. The pastry has a butter, flakey exterior and a sweet creamy filling. Some variations have powdered sugar sprinkled on top or sliced almonds…but anyway you eat it, it’s exquisite.

 

Bisschopswijn (Bishop’s Wine)

Bisschopswijn is the Dutch version of mulled wine. These Dutch drinks are popular at Christmas markets to help stay warm while outside in the chilly air. The spicy concoction is fairly simple to recreate at home, as it comes with a pretty basic recipe. Red wine, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon and a little sugar heated for 30 minutes and then served.

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Planning a Trip to the Netherlands

We have highlighted the best Dutch things to eat on a trip. From savory Dutch meals to sweet Netherlands treats. However, we know there is a lot more to planning a trip than deciding what to eat in the Netherlands! 

Those visiting Amsterdam can use our specific Amsterdam restaurant recommendations. Furthermore, our Amsterdam travel guides to help plan your trip. 

• Self Guided Amsterdam Walking Tour
• Amsterdam Itinerary for 3 Days
• Best Craft Beer in Amsterdam
• How To Spend Christmas in Amsterdam
• Take a Day Trip to Haarlem

Travelers to the Netherlands from abroad can also find useful tips in our article on Planning a European Vacation. 

Looking for a guide to lead the way to the most delicious Dutch cuisine? Embark on an incredible discovery of must-try Dutch food on a highly-rated Amsterdam Food Tour. Just book in advance, only 12 participants per tour!

As you begin to make bookings and reservations, stay on top of all the details with our Printable Travel Planner.

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Stamppot Recipe

Hungry for delicious Dutch cuisine? There’s no better way to satisfy a craving for Netherlands food than to feast on the iconic Dutch national food dish: Stamppot. The Dutch meal uses ingredients that are readily available so you can make it wherever you are in the world!

 

Ingredients

• 1 lb white potatoes
• 1 large sweet potato
• 2 large carrots
• 2 medium yellow onions
• ½ lb fresh cabbage
• 1 garlic clove
• ½ red pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 package smoked sausage (rookworst if you can find it!)
• ½ stick of butter
• ½ cup of milk
• salt and pepper

 

Preparation

Peel and cut potatoes into 1 inch cubes. Peel and slice the carrots, then cut the rounds into halves or quarters. Thinly slice the onions in rings. Wash and shred the cabbage. In a large pot, put the potatoes in first, followed by carrots, then onion, then cabbage. Fill with water until is just covers the cabbage. Add salt and pepper. Place on high heat until it starts to boil and then reduce to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for 20 – 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the sausage according to package instructions. Once it is heated, slice into rounds or short links.

Mince the garlic and dice the red pepper. In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add garlic and cook until brown. Add pepper and cook for 3 – 5 minutes.

Drain the vegetables from the pot and shake excess water from the strainer, then pour the vegetables back into the pot or into a mixing dish. Add the butter and milk (which I heated in the microwave for 30 seconds, but can be added cold, too). Use a masher to mash the vegetables, but don’t over mash. The mixture should be thick and chunky.

Spoon into bowls. Top with sausage and the garlic and pepper mix and serve!

Note: The milk is optional. If no milk, I use more butter. The garlic and pepper mixture is optional, but it adds nice flavor. A small sprinkle of cheese on top also adds a nice touch!

 

Start planning your trip to the Netherlands! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

 

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