food
in amsterdam
food
in amsterdam
five dishes you have to try
food in amsterdam
I bet you’re expecting this list to be full of cheese. Sure, they do like to eat cheese in the Netherlands. But it’s more likely to be a snack to go with a refreshing beer. You’re not likely to find cheese actually in traditional Dutch dishes.
When you eat traditional Dutch food, you can see that it has been influenced by rustic farm life. But also by the golden years of this seafaring nation, when ships would arrive in the local harbours packed with all kinds of exotic delicacies.
These days, menus in Amsterdam reflect the diverse mix of people and cultures living in the city.
There’s something to suit every taste and budget… Looking for vegetarian or vegan options, or something meatier? Craving something savoury or sweet? Feeling fancy or prefer to keep it simple? Dreaming of eating in a high-end restaurant or hoping to grab something from the local snack bar?
You won’t be disappointed in Amsterdam! Whatever food you have your heart set on, make sure you don’t miss out on our five favourites…
OUR DELICIOUS
5 TIPS
STAMPPOT
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Kip Sate
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Herrings
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Bitterballen
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Tampouce
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Tip 1
STAMPPOT
Imagine it’s a cold winter’s day and the bitter wind is blowing over Amsterdam’s canals. You feel a drop of rain landing on your skin. It must be time for a hearty home-cooked meal… How about a good stew?
The traditional Dutch equivalent is a Stamppot made from potatoes and kale. Everything is cooked up and mashed to create a deliciously creamy and calorie-dense meal. There are so many vitamins in the veg that you may even make it through the winter without catching a single cold.
A Stamppot is usually served with a spicy smoked sausage and mustard. But there are so many different options. Sometimes the dish comes with carrots and bacon lardons. Vegetarian versions are available too.
Tip 2
KIP SATE
Now, you might be a bit irritated to see chicken skewers with satay sauce on the menu in a traditional Dutch restaurant. But wait a minute!
It’s time for a quick history lesson… You see, the country now known as Indonesia was a Dutch colony for a long time. Once you’ve tried the sweet yet spicy sauce served, you’ll have no trouble understanding why the Dutch decided to add the dish to their own repertoire.
It’s usually served with rice or those thick-cut chips you’ll end up seeing everywhere you go in the Netherlands. Either way, you’re in for a delicious taste of South-East Asia.
Tip 3
Herrings
You can’t explore Dutch cuisine without coming across some fish. As you’re wandering through the city or strolling along the nearby coast, you’ll come across loads of little trucks selling herring, or Matjes as it’s called in Dutch.
After the fish has been soaked in brine for five days, it has a subtle salty taste and melts in the mouth. Dutch herring is served in a bread roll with onions and pickles as a delicious snack and source of energy to keep you going as you explore Amsterdam and the surrounding area.
The majority of Dutch fisheries have MSC certification, meaning they meet international best practice for sustainable fishing. So, you can enjoy your snack with a clear conscience.
Tip 4
Bitterballen
The perfect snack to enjoy with friends over a beer or three, Bitterballen are a Dutch take on meatballs. They’re essentially a thick stew (usually beef or veal) that has been rolled into balls, coated in breadcrumbs and fried. You can also find chicken Bitterballen and vegetarian versions made with mushrooms. They might make you think of traditional Spanish croquettes. Except they come with a spicy mustard.
Lots of bars, bistros and restaurants in the Netherlands have a Borrel menu filled with little snacks that go perfectly with a few drinks of an evening. Bitterballen are a firm favourite on these menus.
I do have one quick warning for you… The breadcrumb coating cools down quickly, but the same cannot be said for the filling. And, speaking from experience, a cold beer doesn’t help cool down a burnt tongue 😉
Tip 5
Tampouce
This traditional Dutch cake is one for you if you have a sweet tooth. A light and airy vanilla cream sandwiched between two slices of crisp puff pastry with a pink icing topping.
Lots of pastry chefs go for a patriotic orange icing on special occasions (like on King’s Day, a Dutch national holiday on 27 April).
You don’t want to even think about how many calories are in this treat, which is known for being a bit on the messy side. Sometimes you just have to treat yourself, though, right? I say you should enjoy every mouthful and then burn off the calories right away by walking through the city. You could even hire a bike and explore on two wheels. You know where to look if you need some inspiration 😉
Other popular sweet treats include Poffertjes (mini pancakes topped with icing sugar), classic pancakes (Pannenkoeken) and Stroopwafels.
Summery
I just love traditional Dutch food. It’s hearty and authentic, exotic yet simple, fried and sweet. While I was forced to eat my spinach when I was younger, the most popular side in the Netherlands is chips with mayo.
What’s not to like?!
Now all that remains is for me to say bon appétit. Or, as they say in the Netherlands, Smakelijk!
All the best,
Boris
Text and image rights: © Céline Mülich, 2021 – 2024
With the support of Boris Hermann. Thanks for cooking and feasting!
