Dutch Food Delights: What to Eat in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city that captivates with its canals, museums, and vibrant atmosphere. Yet behind the picture-perfect streets and renowned art, there’s something else that brings tourists back again – the food. Dutch food might not always be at the forefront of global culinary appreciation, but in the heart of the Netherlands, it tells a story of history, culture, and local tradition.

From crispy stroopwafels to hearty stamppot, the city offers a mix of sweet and savory treats that are deeply rooted in Dutch heritage. Whether you're strolling through Albert Cuyp Market, sitting in a cozy bruin café, or grabbing a quick bite from a street vendor, there’s no shortage of flavors to explore. But what food is Amsterdam known for, and where should you start?

This guide will take you through the must try food in Amsterdam, breaking down the essentials – from the most famous snacks to the lesser-known local favorites. Whether you're after something indulgent, comforting, or completely unexpected, here’s your inside look at Dutch food in Amsterdam and the best things to eat in Amsterdam.

Dutch cuisine is a reflection of the country’s history – deeply rooted in agriculture, shaped by maritime trade, and influenced by centuries of global connections. Unlike the majority of European countries that focus on immaculate sophistication, Dutch cuisine is rooted in practicality. It sustains generations through providing nourishment and is built around fresh local ingredients.

A few centuries ago, the Dutch dominated global trade routes, establishing ports for the trade of exotic spices, cocoa, and coffee. All of these foreign influences began to gradually work their way into everyday cooking, but typical Dutch meals were always centered around comfort. Typical Dutch food primarily consists of rich stews, dairy, and bread. Those living along the coast perfected fishing, while other Dutch living farms relied on seasonal vegetables, potatoes, and herring to create persistent filling meals.

Nobody can ignore the agricultural strength of this country. The majority of the world knows how superb Dutch dairy and cheeses are – especially Edam and Gouda. Whether young and creamy or aged and sharp, Dutch cheese is best enjoyed with a good drink. While beer is a popular choice, Amsterdam is also home to excellent wine bars that offer perfect pairings for a local cheese-tasting experience. 

Modern international dining in Amsterdam has managed to blend seamlessly with the city's traditions. From a steaming bowl of ‘erwtensoep’ (split pea soup) during the winter to a generous serving of bitterballen with mustard by the canals, Dutch cuisine has managed to remain unchanged. Hearty, simple, and truly Dutch.

Amsterdam is bursting with tastes that reflect the Netherlands – its love of dairy, its nautical background, and its skill at producing decadent delicacies. These are the must-try dishes in Amsterdam you shouldn't miss, whether your taste is savory, sweet, or a touch of both.

Stroopwafels – The Ultimate Dutch Sweet

One of the most recognizable Dutch dishes is stroopwafels. It is crispy, chewy, and loaded with gooey caramel syrup. Originally from Gouda, they now abound in marketplaces and bakeries in Amsterdam. You should get a fresh one from a street vendor while it is still warm for the finest taste.

Haring (Dutch Herring) – A Classic Street Snack

Lightly pickled raw herring is not enjoyed by everyone, but if you are in Amsterdam, you need to at least try it. For the best experience, add onions and pickles on top, and then either eat it with your hands or in a soft bun. People from Amsterdam claim that this dish is at its peak between May and July, so those are the best months to visit the city.

Poffertjes – Fluffy Mini Pancakes

As you wander through Amsterdam, exploring local delicacies, make sure to try out poffertjes. These soft, fluffy snacks that are sprinkled with sugar certainly require your attention. Poffertjes are pancakes that are lightly puffed at the edges due to the use of yeast, which makes them airy. They are usually enjoyed with butter and syrup, and they are immensely popular at food stalls and during festive seasons.

Bitterballen – The Ultimate Bar Snack

If you're drinking beer at a bruin café, you probably will find a dish of bitterballs close by. These crunchy, deep-fried snacks that are stuffed with meat are served with mustard as a dipping sauce in many households. These are an ideal snack to complement the warm pub culture of Amsterdam.

Dutch Cheese (Kaas) – A Nation of Cheese Lovers

You would expect nothing less than superb dairy from a region that is so well renowned for it. With Gouda, Edam, Leyden, and other variants available at almost all specialty stores and supermarkets, Amsterdam is a true cheese lover's dream. Many cheese merchants provide tastings and lessons on how to age cheese and determine perfect pairings, too!

Patat (Dutch Fries) – Not Your Average Fries

Dutch fries are thicker and more plump than fast food fries. They are usually served with toppings that most people have never tasted before. The most famous way to eat them is smothered in mayonnaise, satay sauce, and onions. This specific combination is known as patat oorlog or war fries. They are sold almost everywhere in the city and can often be found in a paper cone.

Erwtensoep (Split Pea Soup) – Winter Comfort in a Bowl

Local residents turn to erwtensoep, a thick green soup created with split peas, pork, and smoked sausage, as the winter sets in. Often eaten with a slice of rye bread on the side, this filling winter meal is a true example of traditional Dutch food.

Kroket – The On-the-Go Snack

Like bitterballen but bigger, krokets are creamy meat-based filling deep-fried buns. For a more conventional experience, purchase one at a café or get one from a fast-food vending machine at a FEBO automate.

Oliebollen – Dutch Doughnuts

Amsterdam in the winter is a wonder to behold, but be sure to try fried dough balls sprinkled with powdered sugar, also known as Oliebollen. Street vendors serve them, and they are best enjoyed around New Year's.

Rijsttafel – A Colonial Influence

Not everything you eat in Amsterdam is of Dutch origin, and rijsttafel (which means "rice table") does deserve mention. This Indonesian feast of seasoned meat, vegetables, and buttered rice, served in a la tapas style, is a relic from the colonial era.

From sweet delicacies to savory pleasures, these meals illustrate what to eat in Amsterdam and the reasons for the worth of investigating the city's food culture. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite from a food stall or sitting down for a full meal, there's always something delicious waiting to be discovered.

Amsterdam’s food scene is an adventure on its own, filled with flavors that tell the history, culture, and love of the people for simple meals. There are plenty of mouthwatering surprises just waiting for you, whether your preferred venue is a little café or a busy market. 

During a visit to the city, it’s important to try the stroopwafels, which are a chewy delicacy with rich caramel. Bitterballen, deep-fried bits containing a rich flavor, have formed a staple in the bruin cafes and are a must try food in Amsterdam for anyone wanting something savory. Dutch fries are also a local favorite, popular for their thick cuts, variety of toppings, and satisfying taste. They surely mark a great street-food experience.

Seafood enthusiasts should definitely try haring- a delicacy enjoyed in Amsterdam seafood restaurants. If you are visiting Amsterdam in winter, you should definitely try a thick and comforting split pea soup known as erwtensoep. And, as a perfect dessert, you need to sample the sweet and fluffy dusted mini pancakes called poffertjes. 

But dining in Amsterdam is an experience molded by where you eat, not only particular meals. While more sophisticated restaurants present updated versions of traditional Dutch cuisine, markets like Albert Cuyp offer the best street food, from freshly fried kroketten to blocks of aged Gouda. Beyond regional favorites, the city celebrates its colonial past with its Indonesian food like Rijsttafel, which stands out as a feast of tastes and spices. 

Knowing what to eat in Amsterdam is more than satisfying your hunger. It is like discovering the city’s history and customs with each bite. From stroopwafels served hot from a market stand, and cheese platters at a cheese-tasting venue, to Dutch stew served in quaint family restaurants, the food culture here is as diverse as the city itself.