Dutch cuisine is unique, falling on both ends of the sweet-salty spectrum. Whether you are adventurous with daring taste buds, or you prefer to stay on the safe side, Amsterdam is sure to have something local that you will enjoy. Here are 7 Dutch foods that you have to try at least once, along with some recommendations on the best places to get them in the city.
Stroopwafels
One of Amsterdam’s most popular treats, stroopwafels are made from two thin wafer cookies stuck together by a caramel filling. The dough used to make the cookies is pressed in a waffle iron, hence the name “wafel”. Freshly made, they are warm and gooey, making them a great snack for the colder months. If you prefer something crunchier, stores often sell pre-made stroopwafels that are more brittle, and even packs of broken wafer pieces for easy snacking.
Visit the Albert Cuyp Market, which has many stalls selling freshly-made stroopwafel. Some stalls offer different fillings, so if caramel isn’t your cup of tea, you can go for chocolate or even Nutella instead. One of the market’s most popular stores is Original Stroopwafels, a family-run operation selling stroopwafels made from their own personal recipe. They pride themselves on making stroopwafels through traditional methods, using freshly-made dough rather than a ready-made mix. If you’re in the market, keep a look out for their food truck!
Address: Albert Cuyp Straat t/o 182, Stand 134, 1073 BL Amsterdam
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday: 11am - 5pm
Saturday: 10:30am - 5:30pm
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, Van Wonderen Stroopwafels offers stroopwafels with a twist. An ordinary stroopwafel is upgraded here as half of it is dipped in chocolate and covered with all kinds of sweet toppings: popular snacks like m&ms and oreos, aesthetically pleasing tiny marshmallows and sprinkles, and healthier options like various types of nuts. With several stores located along the canals, don’t miss out on this chance to get a delicious stroopwafel and a gorgeous instagram picture.
Poffertjes
Don’t let the name scare you; Poffertjes are just miniature versions of the traditional fluffy breakfast pancakes. The standard toppings for poffertjes are simple melted butter and powdered sugar, but some stores offer other options like cut fruit and whipped cream.
If the stroopwafels in the Albert Cuyp market weren’t enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, look out for Poffertjes Albert Cuyp. This bright red food truck sells freshly made pancakes with all types of toppings, including strawberries, chocolate sauce, and even bits of stroopwafel! Try your best to resist ordering a second portion as you watch the pancakes being made in front of you!
For a more unique experience, try Carousel. The name is not just a gimmick, as the restaurant is built to resemble a carousel, with actual carousel horses in the centre! The poffertjes on the menu come with a variety of toppings, namely fruits such as kiwi, banana, and pineapple. If you like a little booze, Carousel also offers whipped cream infused with different types of alcohol, like rum and brandy.
Address and Opening Hours:
Poffertjes Albert Cuyp:
Albert Cuypstraat 161, 1073 BD Amsterdam
Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Carousel:
H.M. van Randwijkplantsoen 1, 1017 SW Amsterdam
Monday - Sunday: 11:30am - 7pm
Dutch Pancakes
Unlike the sweet fluffy poffertjes or conventional pancakes, traditional Dutch pancakes are thinner and larger, topped with either savoury or sweet ingredients. They are quite big, so you can consider sharing a pancake with a friend if you have a small appetite.
Drop by one of PANCAKES Amsterdam’s six outlets to try something from their many sweet and savoury options. None of the combinations to your liking? You can customise your own pancake, choosing from a long list of ingredients which include smoked salmon, camembert, and guacamole. After your meal, you’ll even get a small keychain of the Netherland’s famous wooden clog shoes!
For a more cosy pancake experience, visit Upstairs Pannenkoekenhuis. This tiny store offers a nice selection of sweet and savoury pancakes, made using fresh and mostly organic ingredients. Antique Dutch teapots hang from the ceiling, creating a homely and authentic atmosphere to savour your meal in. This store is at the top of a flight of narrow stairs, so be prepared to work for your meal. As the store only has 5 tables with a seating capacity of around 18 people, be sure to call or email to make a reservation!
Address: Grimburgwal 2, 1012 GA Amsterdam
Opening Hours:
Tuesday - Sunday: 12pm - 7:30pm
Contact Details:
Phone: +31206265603
Email
Website
Appeltaart
The traditional Dutch apple pie, also known as Appeltaart, is definitely a must-try. With its crispy pastry, sweet filling, and crumbly top, this dessert is definitely one you cannot miss, and is fortunately on most dessert menu across Amsterdam
The one place that serves the best appeltaart in Amsterdam is Winkel 43. This cafe is famous for their apple pie, with a buttery crust and thick apple centre, each slice served with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Whether you’re sitting inside the cosy cafe, or outdoors enjoying the weather, this apple pie is surely a treat you will not regret.
Address: Noordermarkt 43, 1015 NA Amsterdam
Opening Hours:
Monday: 7am - 1am
Tuesday - Thursday: 8am - 1am
Friday: 8am - 3am
Saturday: 7am - 3am
Sunday: 10am - 1am
Bitterballen
Now onto the truly savoury foods. Bitterballen, contrary to what its name might suggest, is not bitter, filled with rich beef ragu and creamy sauce on the inside, covered with a crispy layer of fried breadcrumbs on the outside. They make for a great mid-afternoon snack, and can be found in markets, pubs, and bars.
While you’re in Winkel 43 enjoying your apple pie, why not order the bitterballen as well? With the cafe offering plates of either 6 or 14 pieces, you can be sure that you’ll get your fill of this delicious Dutch snack.
Bruin cafés, or brown cafes, are traditional Dutch pubs, and one that offers great bitterballen is Café de Tuin, popular amongst the locals. Bitterballen is best enjoyed with beer, so order a glass from their selection of Dutch draft beers as you immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
Address: Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 13, 1015 RX Amsterdam
Opening Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 10am - 1am
Friday - Saturday: 10am - 3am
Sunday: 11am - 1am
Kibbeling
Kibbeling are battered and deep fried bite-sized pieces of fish, traditionally made using cod, but more recently made with whitefish. While it is similar to the British fish and chips, Kibbeling pieces are topped with some spice to give it an extra kick. The fried fish is also served with a side of mayonnaise-based garlic sauce or tartar sauce to create a really flavourful dish.
You can find kibbeling at Frens Haringhandel, a traditional herring stand. Other than kibbeling, the stand sells a variety of seafood bites, including raw herring, another popular Dutch dish. Don’t like raw fish? No worries, as there are also more modern options like salmon wraps to complement your kibbeling.
Address: Koningsplein/Singel, 1017 AW Amsterdam
Opening Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday: 11am - 6pm
Sunday - Monday: 12pm - 6pm
Dutch Fries
Different from your ordinary french fries, Dutch fries, also known as frites or patat, are thicker and are served smothered in sauces, making them that much tastier and unique.
Stop by Manneken Pis, which has been voted the number one fries in all of the Netherlands, an achievement they have proudly put on the storefront and on their packaging. They have a range of 20 sauces to choose from, which include standard ketchup, truffle mayo, and more exotic flavours like satay. Three different serving sizes are available, the biggest being the Obelix, weighing a hefty 1 kilogram! If that is too much potato for you, there are two smaller sizes, perfect for a simple meal or just a quick snack.
Vleminckx de Sausmeester also offers fries with a wide selection of sauces. Don’t let the small size of the store fool you; you can choose from a total of 25 different sauces, ranging from the regulars of mayo and ketchup, to more interesting ones like Hawaiian and yellow curry. Try their Oorlog Mix, a combination of mayo and satay sauce topped with chopped onions, which is an interesting yet original Dutch specialty.
Address and Opening Hours:
Manneken Pis:
Damrak 41, 1012 LK Amsterdam
Monday - Sunday: 12pm - 9pm
Vleminckx de Sausmeester:
Voetboogstraat 33, 1012 XK Amsterdam
Tuesday - Wednesday, Friday - Sunday: 11am - 7pm
Monday: 12pm - 7pm
Thursday: 11am - 8pm
There you have it, 7 Dutch foods that you have to try when you’re in Amsterdam. With treats ranging from the sweet to the savoury, each of these foods will leave you wanting more. Luckily for you, they can be found in almost every part of the city, so you won’t have to look far to satisfy your taste buds.
