Iconic Dutch Dishes to Try in Amsterdam
Visiting Amsterdam conjures images of canals, tulips, and windmills. But beyond the picturesque scenery lies a rich culinary heritage just waiting to be discovered. Dutch food often gets a bad rap, dismissed as bland or uninspired. But that’s a gross oversimplification. Amsterdam’s food scene is vibrant and diverse, and at its heart lies traditional Dutch cuisine – hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly delicious. Have you ever wondered what Dutch food is *really* like? This guide will take you on a culinary journey through the city, showcasing the best Dutch dishes Amsterdam has to offer and the perfect places to experience them. Forget the stereotypes; prepare for a taste of Holland that will leave you wanting more.
Amsterdam is a fantastic place to experience Dutch food for the first time. From savory snacks to comforting stews, here are some must-try dishes to add to your culinary bucket list:
Bitterballen: The Quintessential Dutch Snack
Imagine a crispy, golden-brown sphere, perfectly deep-fried to create a delightful crunch. That’s a bitterbal, and it’s a staple of Dutch snacking. Inside, you’ll find a creamy, savory ragout filling, often made with beef, broth, and spices. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the smooth, flavorful interior is simply irresistible. Bitterballen are typically served with mustard for dipping, adding a tangy kick that complements the richness of the ragout.
Taste Profile
Savory, crispy, rich, and utterly addictive.
Where to Find Them
You’ll find bitterballen on almost every bar menu in Amsterdam, especially in the cozy “brown cafes”. Some recommendations include:
- Café de Prins: A classic canal-side cafe with excellent bitterballen and a great atmosphere.
- De Blauwe Theepot: Known for its traditional Dutch snacks and friendly service.
- ‘t Smalle: Another charming brown cafe that offers some of the best Dutch food in Amsterdam.
Haring: A Dutch Delicacy
For the adventurous palate, haring is an absolute must-try. This isn’t your average pickled herring; Dutch haring, or “Hollandse Nieuwe,” is lightly salted raw herring, traditionally served with chopped onions and pickles. The herring is incredibly fresh, arriving each spring after its first catch. The preparation is key; it’s cured in brine, which gives it a unique texture and flavor.
Taste Profile
Salty, fishy, briny, and surprisingly mild.
Where to Find Them
Herring stands are ubiquitous throughout Amsterdam. Look for the ones with long queues; that’s usually a good sign of quality.
- Stubbe’s Haring: A legendary herring stand that has been serving Amsterdam for decades.
- Frens Haringhandel: Another popular spot known for its fresh haring and friendly staff.
Tips for Eating it Like a Local
The proper way to eat haring is to grab it by the tail, dip it in onions, and slide it down your throat. Don’t be intimidated; it’s a truly unique experience!
Stamppot: Hearty Comfort Food
When the weather turns cold, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of stamppot to warm you from the inside out. Stamppot is essentially mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables, most commonly kale (“boerenkool”), sauerkraut (“zuurkool”), or endive (“andijvie”). It’s typically served with a smoked sausage (“rookworst”) or bacon, adding a savory and smoky element to the dish. Stamppot is the ultimate Dutch comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening.
Taste Profile
Hearty, comforting, savory, and filling.
Where to Find Them
While not as common in restaurants as some other Dutch dishes, you can find stamppot in traditional eateries, especially during the winter months.
- Moeders: Known for its home-style Dutch cooking and quirky decor. Moeders is a great place to find various types of stamppot.
- Haesje Claes: Serves traditional Dutch dishes in a cozy and historic setting.
Poffertjes: Miniature Pancakes of Delight
If you have a sweet tooth, you absolutely cannot miss poffertjes. These are small, fluffy pancakes, cooked in a special pan with shallow indentations. They’re traditionally served with melted butter and a generous dusting of powdered sugar. Poffertjes are light, airy, and incredibly addictive. They’re the perfect treat for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a sweet ending to a meal.
Taste Profile
Sweet, light, airy, and buttery.
Where to Find Them
Poffertjes are readily available at markets, pancake houses, and street vendors throughout Amsterdam.
- Original Stroopwafels: While specializing in stroopwafels, this stand also serves delicious poffertjes.
- Upstairs Pancake House: This restaurant serves poffertjes along with a great selection of pancakes and other Dutch dishes.
- Numerous stands at Albert Cuyp Market.
Stroopwafels: The Sweetest Dutch Souvenir
Stroopwafels are perhaps the most well-known Dutch treat. These thin, crispy waffles are made with two layers of baked dough, sandwiched together with a sweet caramel syrup filling. The syrup is warm and gooey, making the stroopwafel a perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.
Taste Profile
Sweet, chewy, caramelly, and comforting.
Where to Find Them
You can find stroopwafels in virtually every supermarket, bakery, and market in Amsterdam. However, nothing beats a freshly made stroopwafel.
- Original Stroopwafels (Albert Cuyp Market): As mentioned before, this market stall makes stroopwafels right in front of you.
- Van Wonderen Stroopwafels: A popular chain known for its visually stunning and delicious stroopwafels, including unique flavor combinations.
The Difference Between Fresh and Pre-Packaged
While pre-packaged stroopwafels are convenient souvenirs, a freshly made stroopwafel is a completely different experience. The warmth and chewiness of the freshly made version elevate it to another level.
Oliebollen: A New Year’s Tradition
Oliebollen are deep-fried dough balls, similar to doughnuts, that are typically eaten around New Year’s Eve. They are often filled with raisins, currants, and apple pieces, and then dusted generously with powdered sugar. The perfect oliebol should be crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.
Taste Profile
Sweet, doughy, festive, and indulgent.
Where to Find Them
You’ll find oliebollen stands popping up all over Amsterdam in the weeks leading up to New Year’s Eve.
- Look for stands with long lines – this is a good sign of quality!
Erwtensoep (Snert): A Winter Warmer
Known locally as Snert, Erwtensoep is a thick pea soup that epitomizes Dutch winter cuisine. This hearty soup is made with split peas, pork, vegetables (like celery, carrots, and leeks), and often contains rookworst (smoked sausage). Erwtensoep is so thick that a spoon should stand upright in it, making it a filling meal on its own.
Taste profile
Savory, smoky, hearty, and intensely flavorful.
Where to Find them
Head to traditional Dutch restaurants during the winter months.
- Moeders: Known for its home-style Dutch cooking, this popular establishment often serves Erwtensoep in the colder months.
- Haesje Claes: This restaurant is a great place to immerse yourself in traditional Dutch culinary experiences, and Erwtensoep is typically on their winter menu.
Where to Find the Best Dutch Food in Amsterdam
Amsterdam offers a variety of places to experience authentic Dutch cuisine, catering to different tastes and budgets.
Traditional Restaurants: A Taste of Authentic Holland
For a formal dining experience and a wide selection of Dutch dishes, traditional restaurants are your best bet. They offer a more refined atmosphere and often showcase regional specialties.
- Moeders (Rozengracht 251): As mentioned, Moeders is a popular choice for its home-style cooking and quirky decor (the walls are covered in photos of mothers). Price range: €€-€€€.
- Haesje Claes (Spuistraat 273-275): Housed in a historical building, Haesje Claes serves classic Dutch dishes in a cozy and charming setting. Price range: €€-€€€.
- Restaurant d’Vijff Vlieghen (Spuistraat 294-302): A more upscale option, d’Vijff Vlieghen offers a modern take on Dutch cuisine in a unique and historic setting. Price range: €€€€.
“Brown Cafes” (Bruin Cafés): The Heart of Dutch Social Life
“Brown cafes” are traditional Dutch pubs, characterized by their dark wood interiors, cozy atmosphere, and extensive beer selection. They’re the perfect place to relax, socialize, and enjoy some classic Dutch snacks and meals. Many brown cafes also serve hearty soups and stews during the colder months. Finding some of the best Dutch food in Amsterdam can often be done by finding a cozy Bruin Café.
- Café de Prins (Prinsengracht 124): A classic canal-side cafe with a great atmosphere and a solid menu of Dutch snacks.
- In ‘t Aepjen (Zeedijk 1): One of Amsterdam’s oldest bars, In ‘t Aepjen offers a historic setting and a selection of Dutch beers and snacks.
- ‘t Smalle (Egelantiersgracht 12): Another charming brown cafe that serves a variety of Dutch snacks and beers.
Markets: A Feast for the Senses
Amsterdam’s markets are vibrant and bustling, offering a wide array of fresh produce, local delicacies, and international cuisine. They’re a great place to sample Dutch food and experience the local culture.
- Albert Cuyp Market (Albert Cuypstraat): This is Amsterdam’s largest and most famous market. Here, you can find everything from fresh herring and stroopwafels to cheeses, produce, and clothing. It’s a must-visit for any foodie.
- Noordermarkt (Noordermarkt): This market specializes in organic produce and local specialties. It’s a great place to find artisanal cheeses and other Dutch products.
Street Food Vendors: Quick and Delicious Bites
Street food vendors are a ubiquitous sight in Amsterdam, offering a quick and convenient way to sample Dutch snacks on the go.
- Look for herring stands throughout the city.
- Stroopwafel carts are also common, offering freshly made stroopwafels.
Tips for Eating Dutch Food in Amsterdam
To make the most of your culinary experience in Amsterdam, here are a few helpful tips:
- Be open to trying new things: Dutch cuisine may not be as well-known as other European cuisines, but it has a lot to offer. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations: Locals are usually happy to share their favorite Dutch dishes and restaurants.
- Learn a few basic Dutch phrases: Knowing a few basic phrases like “Alstublieft” (please) and “Dankjewel” (thank you) will go a long way.
- Consider taking a food tour: A food tour can be a great way to sample a variety of Dutch dishes and learn about the local food culture.
- Be aware of seasonality: Some dishes, like stamppot and oliebollen, are more common in certain seasons.
Conclusion
Dutch food is more than just windmills and cheese. It’s a reflection of the country’s history, culture, and resourcefulness. From the savory bitterness of bitterballen to the sweet delight of stroopwafels, Amsterdam offers a diverse and delicious culinary experience. So, ditch the preconceived notions and embark on a tasty adventure through the city’s vibrant food scene. By following our guide, you’re sure to discover some of the best Dutch food Amsterdam has to offer! So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Dutch food adventure in Amsterdam today! Explore the flavors, embrace the traditions, and experience the true taste of Holland. You won’t be disappointed.
