Amsterdam offers a buffet of typical foods that define the city and its inhabitants. Visitors should be open to trying as many of these tastes as they can, from sweet treats and salty frites to traditional Dutch fish and imported spicy dishes.

Dutch Cheese

Cheese-lovers will marvel at the predominance of kaas in Amsterdam. The Dutch take pride in their delicious cheeses, the most common of which are Gouda and Edam. The jong (young) variety is mild and creamy, while the oud (old) is mature and has a sharper taste. It’s fair to say all Amsterdam cafés offer some sort of kaas broodje (cheese on a bread roll), and a common happy hour snack is a plate of Dutch cheese bites served with mustard. Goat cheese is also popular and often found on a tasty salad of mixed greens, walnuts, and honey. Alternatively, buy hand-crafted farmer’s cheese at an Amsterdam market stand. Regardless of how you choose your cheese, ensure that you don’t leave without tasting this Dutch specialty. Cheese also makes a great gift for foodies.

Stroopwafels

For sweet-toothed visitors to Amsterdam, this sinful, unexpectedly rich Dutch cookie is a must. The stroopwafel (syrup waffle) is actually a thin sandwich of two buttery waffle layers stuck together with a sweet, gooey molasses. You’ll find them at grocery stores, small corner markets, and souvenir shops, including those at the airport so you can take home a stash. For a special experience, have a warm stroopwafel made right in front of your eyes at the open-air Albert Cuypmarkt. This treat will surely please your senses!

Pannekoeken and Poffertjes

Dutch pancakes, known as pannekoeken, bear similarities in texture and taste to French crepes; they’re thin and made with a buttery batter that is neither sweet nor savory. The most traditional way to serve this plate-sized treat is with Dutch syrup, which has an interestingly sour twist. Alternatively, you can enjoy it with warm cherries, ice cream, and whipped cream, or customize it with meal-worthy toppings like bacon and cheese. At The Pancake Bakery in Amsterdam, you’ll discover dozens of topping combinations to cater to every palate. They also offer poffertjes, which are much smaller, puffed pancakes typically served with butter and powdered sugar. During the winter holidays, poffertjes stands are prevalent in popular squares throughout the city.

Vlaamse Frites

Don’t dare call the tasty taters you’ll see in Amsterdam “French fries.” Here, we refer to them as either patat (pronounced “pah TAHT”) or Vlaamse frites (pronounced “FLAHM suh freets”). The latter denotes “Flemish fries,” paying homage to the northern Dutch-speaking region of Belgium, where these beloved snacks originate. Surprisingly, the most common condiment for dipping is mayonnaise, rather than ketchup. It’s worth trying—the Dutch mayonnaise tends to be sweeter and creamier compared to most American varieties. If you decide to visit arguably the most popular frites stand in Amsterdam, Vleminckx Sausmeesters (located at Voetboogstraat 31, near the major shopping street Kalverstraat), you can choose from a variety of sauces including curry and peanut sauce.