Hearty meat, mashed vegetables, and huge wheels of cheese are just the beginning of the Dutch culinary story. The country boasts a natural larder with lush fields, pastures, coastline, waterways, and an extensive network of high-tech greenhouses.
Influences from European neighbors and a mosaic of cultures—including historical links to merchant trade, imperialism, and immigration—enhance the diverse food scene in the Netherlands. From herring and fries slathered in mayo to spicy rijsttafels (Indonesian-inspired small plates) and refined, increasingly plant-based Dutch cookery, the food experiences in the Netherlands are plentiful and worth exploring.
Snack Your Way Around the Netherlands’ Markets
A fantastic introduction to Dutch flavors is through markts (markets). Fresh produce and colorful flowers abound, alongside stalls selling delectable sweet treats like warm, gooey stroopwafels (wafers filled with sticky caramel syrup) and poffertjes (mini-pancakes dusted with icing sugar). Seasonal bakkerij (bakery) specialties such as speculaas (spiced cookies) and oliebollen (deep-fried dough balls) are popular around the holidays, alongside localized regional specialties and the beloved Dutch salty licorice, known as drop. Savory Dutch snacks (including herring, cheese, and fries) also feature prominently.
Dangle haring (Herring) by the Tail
As a seafaring nation, fish is hugely popular in the Netherlands, with haring (herring) being a standout. The prized Hollandse Nieuwe, a national and EU-protected specialty, is caught seasonally from May to September. The traditional way to enjoy this raw, brine-cured delicacy is to pinch the tail, tip your head back, and let it dangle for a proper bite. Alternatively, it can be chopped into small pieces with uitjes (diced onions) and zuur (sweet pickles) or served in a fluffy white roll as a broodje haring (herring sandwich).
Fork into a Coneful of Vlaamse Frites
Enjoy crispy, fluffy Vlaamse frites (“Flemish fries”; known locally as friet, frieten, or patat) that are thickly cut, twice fried, and slathered in sauces ranging from classic mayonnaise to spicy sambal. Typically served in paper cones with a small fork, everyone in the Netherlands claims to know the best fries, making it a fun culinary adventure to seek them out.
Devour Dutch kaas (Cheese)
The Netherlands is synonymous with kaas (cheese), particularly rich, creamy Gouda, which is classified as jong (young), belegen (mature), or oud (aged). Other varieties include semi-hard Edam, Leiden cheese (with cumin seeds), and Maasdammer, reminiscent of Emmental.
Dig into Dutch pannenkoeken (Pancakes)
In the Netherlands, pannenkoeken (pancakes) can make a whole meal, with establishments specializing in giant, crepe-style pancakes offering both savory and sweet toppings.
Savor Refined Contemporary Dutch Cookery
Innovative Dutch chefs are reimagining traditional recipes by giving them a lighter, contemporary twist, incorporating global concepts while emphasizing locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. The trend towards a circular economy reflects in dining, with organic, farm-to-fork experiences growing in popularity.
Dine on Dutch Comfort Dishes
Chilly winter weather calls for warming comfort dishes such as stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables and sausages), hutspot (a hearty dish of potatoes, carrots, and braised meats), and erwtensoep (split-pea soup). Desserts include classic treats like appeltaart (apple pie) and spekkoek (layered spice cake).
Vegetarians and Vegans
The Netherlands is at the forefront of plant-based cuisine, with a growing variety of vegetarian and vegan options available nationwide. Many cafés and restaurants offer extensive vegetarian and vegan selections, catering to different tastes and budgets.
Share a rijsttafel Indonesian Banquet
Thanks to its colonial past, Indonesian spices and dishes have made their mark on Dutch cuisine. A highlight is the rijsttafel (“rice table”), featuring an array of tiny dishes paired with rice, showcasing the richness of Indonesian flavors.
Scoop Up Surinamese Roti
The vibrant Surinamese cuisine, featuring flavors from the South American country of Suriname, includes savory curries and delightful roti, a soft pancake wrap filled with curried meats and vegetables.
Soak Up Frothy Beers with borrelhapjes (Bar Snacks)
With an exciting beer scene, from historic brands to modern craft brews, Dutch culture embraces borrel (drinks) that perfectly accompany quintessential bar snacks such as kroketten (croquettes) and bitterballen (small meat balls). Numerous bars and pubs across the country offer comfortable settings for indulging in these snacks.
Sip Jenever (Dutch Gin) at a Tasting Room
The iconic Dutch spirit, jenever (Dutch gin), has a rich history. Available in both smooth young and robust barrel-aged varieties, it’s typically served chilled. Tasting rooms offer atmospheric settings for experiencing this traditional drink.
