Netherlands
Dutch Food Guide for Travelers
Dutch food is unpretentious, hearty, and full of surprises. Street food (raw herring, stroopwafels, bitterballen) is outstanding, Indonesian-influenced cuisine is unique in Europe, and the cheese needs no introduction.
Dutch Street Food
Raw herring, stroopwafels, bitterballen, and kibbeling (fried cod bites). The FEBO automaat is a Dutch institution.
The Indonesian Connection
Colonial history created unique fusion. Rijsttafel is the showpiece. Nasi goreng, satay, rendang, and sambal are everyday Dutch food.
Cheese: A National Treasure
Gouda ranges from young (jong) to aged caramel-crunchy (oud). Visit Alkmaar or Gouda cheese markets for the theatrical experience.
Brown Cafe Culture
A bruin cafe is the Dutch pub: dark wood, candles, cozy atmosphere. Beer, jenever, and bitterballen. An essential Dutch experience.
Must-Try Dishes
Bitterballen
$Deep-fried crispy balls filled with beef ragout. Served with mustard.
Contains meat, gluten, dairy
Raw Herring (Haring)
$Fresh raw herring with chopped onion and pickles. A Dutch rite of passage.
Contains fish; naturally gluten-free
Stroopwafel
$Two thin waffle layers sandwiching caramel syrup. Best fresh from a market stall.
Contains gluten, dairy, eggs
Rijsttafel
$$Indonesian-Dutch rice table: 15-40 small dishes served with rice.
Varies widely
Stamppot
$Mashed potatoes with vegetables topped with smoked sausage and gravy.
Contains meat, dairy; naturally gluten-free
Poffertjes
$Mini fluffy Dutch pancakes with butter and powdered sugar.
Contains gluten, dairy, eggs
Gouda Cheese
$Aged gouda at a market is a revelation: caramel-crunchy, nothing like supermarket versions.
Contains dairy; naturally gluten-free
Kroket
$Deep-fried ragout croquette. Often from a vending machine wall (automaat).
Contains meat, gluten, dairy
Menu Vocabulary
| Term | Meaning | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Voorgerecht | Starter | Courses |
| Hoofdgerecht | Main course | Courses |
| Nagerecht | Dessert | Courses |
| Gebakken | Fried/baked | Cooking Methods |
| Gestoofd | Stewed | Cooking Methods |
| Kip | Chicken | Proteins |
| Varken | Pork | Proteins |
| Vis | Fish | Proteins |
| Rekening | The bill | Dining |
| Eetcafe | Casual restaurant/pub | Dining |
Dietary Restriction Guide
Vegetarian
Amsterdam is very vegetarian-friendly. Indonesian restaurants have many vegetarian dishes. Cheese shops and pancake houses cater well.
Vegan
Amsterdam is one of Europe's best vegan cities. Indonesian tempeh, salads, and frites with vegan mayo. Traditional food is harder.
Gluten-Free
Many Dutch snacks are fried and breaded. Grilled meats, cheese, stamppot without gravy, and Indonesian rice dishes are safer. Say 'glutenvrij'.
Common Allergies
Peanuts common in Indonesian cuisine (satay sauce). Dairy in cheese and sauces. Fish in herring. Say 'Ik heb een allergie voor...'.
Ordering Tips
- •Try FEBO: the vending machine wall for hot krokets. Uniquely Dutch.
- •At cheese markets, taste before buying. Aged (oud/belegen) has the most flavour.
- •Rijsttafel is best with a group. The Hague has the most authentic Indonesian restaurants.
- •Tipping 5-10% is appreciated. Service charge usually included.
- •Fries are eaten with mayonnaise, not ketchup. Pindasaus (peanut sauce) is the local alternative.