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Dutch delicacies gives one thing you possibly can’t discover wherever 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 will help you hit the bottom operating, I assumed I’d take a better take 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 usually have a construction that displays the Netherlands’ pragmatic and no-fuss method to eating. Understanding it slightly bit higher will make it easier to 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. Individuals usually drink espresso, tea, or recent fruit juice.  

Lunch usually consists of sandwiches and soups. Fast snacks like broodje kroket, crispy meat-filled rolls are additionally frequent. These mid-day meals are typically quick and fewer elaborate than the lavish, gradual lunch experiences you discover in nations like France and Italy.  

Dinner, or “Avondeten” is probably the most substantial meal. There’s normally a big portion of roasted or braised meat, with potatoes, and greens. Stamppot of mashed potatoes blended with greens is quite common within the chilly months of the yr.

Iconic Dutch Dishes

You’ll be able to look forward to finding among the following iconic Dutch dishes on most conventional restaurant menus.

Stamppot is a basic Dutch consolation meals of mashed potatoes blended with greens like kale, sauerkraut, or carrots. You’ll usually 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 are usually served as a bar snack, however you’ll additionally discover them in cafés and informal eateries. They’re usually 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 in style 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 probably the most well-known Dutch cheese that you simply’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, usually present in sandwiches, cheese boards, and even melted into conventional dishes. So, be ready to attempt a number of instances to develop a deeper appreciation.

Edam is definitely acknowledged by its spherical form and crimson wax coating. It has a gentle, barely nutty taste and a agency texture. It’s a well-liked alternative for snacking and pairs properly 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 usually 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 are price attempting 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 finest loved heat and recent from a road market vendor. On chilly days the native trick to protecting this dessert tender is to position it over prime of a sizzling cup of espresso, cocoa or tea.

Oliebollen is often loved round New 12 months’s, these deep-fried dough balls resemble Dutch-style donuts. Dusted with powdered sugar, they arrive plain or crammed with raisins and apples for further sweetness.

Appeltaart is basically 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 slightly messy.

Dutch Model Quick Meals And Savory Snacks

The next are some in style Dutch savory snacks and fast-food objects you’re more likely 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 exchange the mayo with distinctive toppings like oorlog peanut satay sauce, or a thick curry sauce.  

Kroketten are deep-fried, golden-brown croquettes crammed with a wealthy, creamy ragout of beef, veal, and even greens. They’re a well-liked 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 recent lettuce, tomatoes, and garlic sauce. It’s a late-night favourite in Amsterdam.

Seafood Favorites

The Dutch have a powerful relationship with the ocean, which is mirrored within the in style 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 in style throughout the summer season months.

Mussels are a staple of Dutch coastal delicacies. They’re usually steamed in white wine, garlic, and herbs, and served with fries and a aspect 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 components of Southeast Asia, which proceed to encourage the delicacies of Amsterdam.

Rijsttafel is an Indonesian-inspired Dutch specialty that you simply usually discover at rijsttafel rice tables. It consists of an expansion of small dishes like satay, rendang, and sambal.

Satay in Amsterdam is marinated, skewered hen 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, usually 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 usually on holidays and particular events.

Oliebollen are primarily deep-friend doughnut holes dusted with powdered sugar. They’re usually served throughout the vacation season and New 12 months’s Eve.

Kerststol is a spiced Christmas bread crammed with dried fruits and marzipan, and is loved throughout the vacation season.

Speculaas cookies are made with a heat spice mix, and are in style 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/international/tourism/discover-the-netherlands/visit-the-cities/amsterdam

Britannica. (n.d.). Britannica. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Indonesia/Progress-and-impact-of-the-Dutch-East-India-Firm