Here’s a delicious guide to the Top 10 Foods to Try in the Netherlands, featuring iconic Dutch dishes and street snacks that offer a true taste of the country’s culinary heritage. Whether you’re wandering through local markets or dining in a traditional eatery, these are must-tries for any foodie traveler:
Top 10 Must-Try Foods in the Netherlands
1. Stroopwafel (Syrup Waffle)
- What It Is: Two thin waffle layers filled with warm caramel syrup.
- Why Try It: Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside—best enjoyed fresh from a street vendor.
- Where: Albert Cuyp Market, supermarkets, bakeries.
2. Bitterballen
- What It Is: Deep-fried, crispy meat-filled balls, typically served with mustard.
- Why Try It: A classic Dutch bar snack—crispy, creamy, and comforting.
- Where: Traditional cafés and pubs (brown cafés) across the country.
3. Haring (Raw Herring)
- What It Is: Raw herring fish served with onions and pickles.
- Why Try It: A bold Dutch delicacy—try it the Dutch way by holding it by the tail and taking a bite!
- Where: Street stalls, especially near harbors (Volendam, Rotterdam, Amsterdam).
4. Poffertjes
- What It Is: Small, fluffy pancakes served with powdered sugar and butter.
- Why Try It: Sweet, soft, and beloved at fairs, markets, and festivals.
- Where: Food stalls, pancake houses, and Christmas markets.
5. Patat (Dutch Fries)
- What It Is: Thick-cut fries often served in a cone with a variety of sauces.
- Why Try It: The Dutch love their fries—especially with mayo, satay sauce, or curry ketchup.
- Where: Snack bars (called “frietkoten”) and food trucks.
6. Erwtensoep (Dutch Pea Soup)
- What It Is: Thick green pea soup with sausage and root vegetables.
- Why Try It: Hearty and perfect for winter—typically served with rye bread and bacon.
- Where: Winter cafés, traditional restaurants, family kitchens.
7. Kibbeling
- What It Is: Deep-fried battered cod nuggets served with garlic sauce or tartar sauce.
- Why Try It: A crunchy, flavorful seafood snack popular at markets and fish stands.
- Where: Outdoor markets, seaside towns, and fish shops.
8. Dutch Cheese (Gouda, Edam, Leyden)
- What It Is: Iconic cheeses ranging from mild and creamy to sharp and aged.
- Why Try It: Cheese is a national pride—often paired with mustard or apple syrup.
- Where: Cheese shops, street markets (Alkmaar, Gouda), and supermarkets.
9. Dutch Apple Pie (Appeltaart)
- What It Is: A thick pie with spiced apples, raisins, and a crumbly crust.
- Why Try It: Warm and filling—best enjoyed with whipped cream and coffee.
- Where: Local cafés, especially in Amsterdam and Utrecht.
10. Oliebollen
- What It Is: Dutch-style deep-fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar (like doughnuts).
- Why Try It: A festive treat traditionally eaten around New Year’s Eve.
- Where: Street stalls during winter and holidays.