Food in the Netherlands: Top 10 Traditional Dishes to Try in Amsterdam
INTRODUCTION
The Netherlands is more than tulips and canals — it’s a country full of comfort food and heartwarming flavors. Whether you’re exploring Amsterdam or smaller Dutch towns, these ten traditional dishes will give you a real taste of Dutch culture!
🧀 1. Stroopwafel – The Sweetest Dutch Treat
Where: Albert Cuyp Market, De Pijp, Amsterdam
Info: Thin waffle cookies with gooey caramel syrup inside
Crispy on the outside and soft inside, stroopwafels are a must-try! 🍯 Place one over your coffee cup to let the syrup melt — that’s how locals enjoy it. The smell alone will make your day sweeter.
- Perfect with hot drinks
- Sold at most markets
- Portable and delicious
- Classic Dutch street snack
🐟 2. Haring – Dutch Raw Herring
Where: Stubbe’s Haring, near Central Station
Info: Lightly salted herring fish served with onions and pickles
A true Amsterdam tradition! 🐠 Locals eat it by holding the fish by the tail and taking a bite. Sounds bold? Try it once — the soft fish and crunchy onion mix is unforgettable.
- Served raw, lightly salted
- Often with pickles and onions
- Seasonal specialty (May–July)
- Healthy and rich in Omega-3
🥔 3. Stamppot – Dutch Comfort Food
Where: The Pantry, Leidseplein
Info: Mashed potatoes mixed with kale, carrots, or sauerkraut
A warm and filling dish loved during cold months. 🥘 Topped with smoked sausage (rookworst), stamppot is the definition of Dutch comfort food — simple, hearty, and satisfying.
- Classic winter meal
- Often includes smoked sausage
- Vegetarian options available
- Best enjoyed on cold evenings
🧈 4. Poffertjes – Mini Dutch Pancakes
Where: Poffertjeskraam, Museumplein Market
Info: Small fluffy pancakes served with butter and sugar
Tiny, soft, and addictive — poffertjes are pure happiness on a plate. 🥞 These bite-sized pancakes are made fresh and dusted with powdered sugar. Don’t miss them at festivals or Christmas markets!
- Light and fluffy texture
- Served with butter or syrup
- Popular with kids and adults
- Street food favorite
🍟 5. Patat – Dutch Fries with Sauces
Where: Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx, Voetboogstraat
Info: Thick-cut fries with creative toppings and sauces
Dutch fries are serious business! 🍟 Try patatje oorlog (fries with peanut sauce, mayo, and onions) for the real deal. Each city has its favorite combo — Amsterdam loves it rich and messy.
- Thick and crispy fries
- Many sauce options
- Patatje oorlog = Dutch classic
- Perfect late-night snack
🍢 6. Bitterballen – Savory Dutch Snack
Where: Café de Klos, Kerkstraat
Info: Deep-fried meatballs with creamy ragout filling
The ideal bar snack! 🍻 Crunchy outside and soft inside, bitterballen are best enjoyed with mustard and a cold beer. Don’t confuse them with meatballs — they’re creamier and richer.
- Served hot with mustard
- Common pub appetizer
- Made from beef or veal ragout
- Great with Dutch beer
🧀 7. Dutch Cheese – Say “Gouda!”
Where: Café Winkel 43, Jordaan
Info: Aged cheese varieties like Gouda, Edam, and Leyden
Cheese is part of Dutch culture! 🧀 From mild young cheese to aged oude kaas, the Netherlands produces some of Europe’s best. Many shops offer free tastings — say “lekker!” (tasty) and enjoy.
- Free samples in markets
- Buy by weight or wheel
- Great souvenir idea
- Try with mustard or beer
🥧 8. Appeltaart – Dutch Apple Pie
Where: Moeders Restaurant, Rozengracht
Info: Deep pie with chunky apples, cinnamon, and cream
Dutch appeltaart is thicker and heartier than the American version. 🍏 It’s usually served warm with whipped cream. Try it at Winkel 43 in Amsterdam — locals swear it’s the best in town!
- Sweet cinnamon aroma
- Served warm with cream
- Popular afternoon dessert
- Great with coffee or tea
RECIPE: Appelflappen
🥣 9. Erwtensoep – Dutch Pea Soup
Where: Stubbe’s Haring, near Central Station
Info: Thick split pea soup with sausage and vegetables
Also called snert, this soup is a winter staple. 🫛 It’s thick enough to stand a spoon in! Perfect after a chilly day exploring canals or skating.
- Traditional winter dish
- Hearty and nutritious
- Usually includes smoked sausage
- Served with rye bread
🥖 10. Kroket – Fried Croquette Roll
Where: Febo Automat, various locations
Info: Crunchy roll filled with meat ragout
Crispy, hot, and satisfying — kroketten are the Dutch version of croquettes. 😋 Found everywhere, even in vending walls! Fast, cheap, and tasty.
- Great on-the-go food
- Filled with beef or veal
- Common lunch snack
- Try it with mustard
🚲 Explore Amsterdam with Bike Taxi
After your Dutch food adventure, relax and see the city in style! 🚲 Take a Bike Taxi Amsterdam ride through the canals, markets, and foodie streets. Enjoy local sights without walking fatigue — private, eco-friendly, and fun.
Note: Bike Taxi rides are private and must be booked in advance via WhatsApp.