Dutch food has a lot more to offer than the bland cheese sandwiches that usually come to mind first. We want to guide you through some classic dishes that give a true taste of Dutch culture and show you where to find them!
Stroopwafels (pronounced strohp-vah-fels) are thin, sweet waffle cookies filled with caramel syrup. You can find them in many places in the Netherlands, like local markets, bakeries, and stores. To enjoy them best, place one on top of your hot tea or coffee so the heat makes the syrup inside gooey and delicious.
Bitterballen and Kroketten (pronounced bit-ter-bah-len and kro-ket-ten) are tasty snacks that you can find in bars, cafes, and restaurants all over the Netherlands. They’re like small, crispy balls with a creamy filling, often made from beef or veal. They are best enjoyed next to a cold beer or soft drink, and dipped in mustard for some extra flavor.
Erwtensoep (pronounced air-ten-soop) is a thick pea soup, perfect for warming up during the cold months. You’ll find it in traditional Dutch restaurants and at winter festivals. It’s usually served with smoked sausage and rye bread with bacon.
Poffertjes (pronounced pof-fur-tyes) are tiny, fluffy pancakes that you can discover at street markets, fairs, and pancake houses. They taste great with powdered sugar and butter, and a cup of something warm. Although widely enjoyed as a breakfast food, don’t be shocked when a Dutch person offers to make you poffertjes or pancakes for dinner!
Haring (pronounced hah-ring) is a unique Dutch experience. It’s raw herring fish, and you can try it at fish stands and seafood restaurants. To eat it like a local, hold the herring by the tail, tilt your head back, and take a bite. Look out for the ‘Hollandse Nieuwe’ which indicates it’s freshly caught during herring season (May – June).
Patat (pronounced pah-taht) are Dutch fries, which you’ll find everywhere, from snack bars to street vendors. You can have them with different sauces like mayonnaise, ketchup, or peanut sauce (known as satay sauce). They often come in a paper cone for easy snacking. Whether to call this snack ‘Patat’ or ‘Friet’ is still a heated debate between the north and south of the country.
Last but not least, don’t forget about Dutch cheese, which is known and eaten all over the world. Gouda and Edam are two well-known types but a walk through any market will show you there are many more types to try out. Buy them in cheese shops, market stands and feel free to sometimes step out of your comfort zone to find a true gem! Feeling extra adventurous? Put it between two slices of brown bread like the Dutch guy at your office, perhaps it’s not as bad as you thought!
So, dive into Dutch cuisine and discover these delicious dishes. Don’t be held back by your Dutch co-workers terrifyingly dry lunch. The Netherlands offers some great flavours if you know where to look. Whether it’s the sweet stroopwafels, savory bitterballen and kroketten, or the rich flavors of Dutch cheese, you’re always going to be in for a treat!
