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.