Amsterdam, a city famed for its picturesque canals and rich history, also boasts a vibrant culinary scene that mirrors the Netherlands' cultural heritage and geographical bounty. The essence of traditional Dutch cuisine in Amsterdam is a testament to the nation's past, shaped by various cultural influences. The city's gastronomy is characterized by a wide range of flavours, from robust stews and savoury treats to fresh seafood and indulgent pastries, providing a comforting yet intriguing traditional food of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is a haven for food enthusiasts eager to delve into local gastronomy. The city is dotted with traditional Dutch eateries, each presenting their unique spin on time-honored recipes. Indulge in a hearty bowl of stamppot at 't Heemelrijck, a dish combining mashed potatoes with vegetables and meat, or savour the city's freshest seafood at bustling markets. Amsterdam caters to all palates, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Dutch cuisine stands out for its simplicity and depth of flavour, often featuring locally sourced ingredients that highlight the nation's agricultural and maritime legacy. Cheese, a fundamental element, comes in beloved varieties such as Gouda and Old Amsterdam, enjoyed as both a snack and a key component of traditional meals.
Exploring this local food in Amsterdam, you'll find that the culinary journey extends beyond dinner to include snacks and street food that capture the city's authentic taste. Delight in kibbeling, herring, and bitterballen as you wander through markets like Albert Cuyp or dine at local establishments, offering a genuine slice of Dutch culinary life.
Staple Snacks and Appetizers
1 - Bitterballen
Bitterballen are a cornerstone of Dutch culinary tradition, embodying the quintessence of Dutch snacks. These savory deep-fried meatballs are crafted from a hearty stew, thickened with roux and enriched with beef stock, brimming with chunks of meat, and chilled until set. Once firm, the mixture is shaped into balls, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until they achieve a golden, crispy exterior. Traditionally accompanied by mustard for dipping, bitterballen are a staple of bittergarnituur, an assortment of savory bites designed to complement drinks. Their name hails from the age-old Dutch custom of pairing them with herb-infused alcoholic drinks known as bitters.
2 - Stroopwafels
Stroopwafels, another emblematic Dutch treat, are omnipresent in Amsterdam. These delicate waffle cookies consist of two thin layers of waffle filled with a sweet, caramel-like syrup called stroop. The filling, a blend of molasses, sugar, and butter, lends the wafels their characteristic sweet and slightly adhesive quality. Stroopwafels are typically enjoyed as a snack or dessert, often accompanied by a steaming cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect treat at any time of day. They are available fresh from numerous street vendors and markets throughout the city, including the renowned Albert Cuyp Market.
3 - Kaas (Dutch Cheese)
Kaas (Dutch Cheese) is an essential element of Dutch gastronomy and a culinary experience not to be missed in Amsterdam. The Netherlands boasts a rich variety of cheeses, each distinguished by its distinct flavor and texture. Among them, Gouda stands out as one of the most celebrated Dutch cheeses, offered in a range of ages and tastes. Young Gouda is known for its soft, creamy texture, whereas aged Gouda acquires a robust, nutty flavor. Other notable varieties include Edam, famous for its red wax shell and gentle taste, and Beemster, a cheese made from the milk of cows that graze on the fertile Beemster Polder soil.
Heartwarming Meals
4 - Stamppot (Mashed Pot)
Stamppot is a quintessential Dutch dish that embodies the heartwarming and comforting nature of traditional Dutch cuisine. This hearty meal consists of mashed potatoes mixed with a variety of vegetables and sometimes meat or sausage. The most common ingredients include kale, cabbage, or carrots, along with sausage like rookworst or kielbasa.
The potatoes and vegetables are boiled together until they are tender, then mashed with butter and milk to create a creamy consistency. Stamppot is often served with a side of mustard or gravy, adding an extra layer of flavor to this already satisfying dish. It's a staple in Dutch households, especially during the colder months, and is a must-try when exploring the culinary delights of Amsterdam.
5 - Erwtensoep (Pea Soup)
Erwtensoep, also known as Snert, is a thick and hearty Dutch split pea soup that is a cornerstone of Dutch cuisine. This soup is made with green split peas, pork, and a variety of vegetables such as carrots, onions, leeks, and celeriac. The addition of pork belly, bacon, or smoked sausage gives the soup a rich, smoky flavor.
Traditionally, erwtensoep is so thick that a spoon can stand upright in it, making it more of a stew than a soup. It is often served with slices of rye bread, smoked sausage (rookworst), and sometimes bacon or cheese. This comforting soup is particularly popular during the winter months and is a common sight at Dutch festivals and markets.
6 - Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes)
Pannenkoeken are large, fluffy pancakes that are a beloved part of Dutch cuisine, especially when it comes to breakfast or lunch. Unlike their American counterparts, Dutch pancakes are thicker and larger, often served with a variety of sweet and savory toppings. Traditional toppings include powdered sugar, butter, apples, and even bacon or cheese.
In Amsterdam, you can find pannenkoeken at specialized pancake houses, where they are made fresh to order. These pancakes are not just a treat but also a filling meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. For a unique experience, visit one of the many pancake houses in Amsterdam, such as the famous Pancake Bakery, where you can indulge in a wide range of pannenkoeken flavors and toppings.
Seafood Delights
7 - Haring
Haring, or Hollandse Nieuwe, stands as a prime example of Amsterdam's deep-rooted love affair with herring. This traditional delicacy features raw herring preserved in salt, a practice that has been cherished for centuries. It is customarily served with chopped raw onions and, occasionally, pickled cucumbers.
In a nod to tradition, it was once common for locals to enjoy herring by dangling it by the tail and lowering it directly into their mouths. However, this practice has become less prevalent, giving way to more contemporary methods such as eating it in bite-sized pieces or within a sandwich known as broodje haring.
The onset of June heralds the best time to savor Hollandse Nieuwe, coinciding with the celebration of the season's first catch. Vlaggetjesdag (Flag Day) is a vibrant cultural event in the Netherlands, marking the arrival of the new herring, distinguished by its pale-pink hue and a tender texture that effortlessly dissolves in the mouth. Though an acquired taste for some, trying this authentic Dutch seafood is highly recommended for those eager to delve into the local cuisine.
8 - Kibbeling
Kibbeling offers another enticing seafood option in Amsterdam, known for its delightful taste and ease of consumption. This dish comprises bite-sized pieces of white fish, typically cod or whiting, coated in a light, delicate batter and deep-fried to a crisp, golden perfection. This Dutch version stands out from the British fish and chips, thanks to its lighter batter.
Accompanied by dipping sauces such as a mayonnaise-based remoulade or garlic sauce, kibbeling is elevated to a new level of deliciousness. Available at various fish stands and markets throughout the city, including the Noordermarkt in Jordaan or at renowned fish shops like Volendammer Vishandel P. Bond & Zonen, kibbeling is a superb choice for those preferring their seafood cooked, offering a convenient snack for city explorers.
Why Discovering Amsterdam Through a Food Tour Is the Wisest Choice
Exploring Amsterdam via its culinary delights offers an immersive way to engage with the city's rich culture, history, and flavours. The Amsterdam Private Experience by Sherpa Food Tours elevates this concept by providing a bespoke, private food tour tailored to your preferences.
Unlike conventional tours, this exclusive experience enables you to delve deeper into Amsterdam’s gastronomic scene at your own pace. Whether you wish to sample local delicacies such as bitterballen, stroopwafels, or raw herring, or uncover hidden culinary treasures known only to locals, the tour adapts to your interests. Your guide will not only introduce you to the city’s most renowned dishes but will also share the stories and traditions that make Amsterdam’s culinary heritage truly distinctive.
This personalized approach guarantees that your experience is as enjoyable as it is enlightening. Ideal for food enthusiasts, families, or those with specific dietary needs, the Amsterdam Private Experience offers a remarkable way to discover the essence of Amsterdam—one delectable bite at a time.
3.5 Hours
+10 dishes & drinks
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The Flavours of Amsterdam
In conclusion, Amsterdam's culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of traditional Dutch flavours, global influences, and innovative dining experiences. From the hearty stamppot and erwtensoep to the crispy kibbeling and fresh herring, each dish offers a unique glimpse into the city's rich culinary heritage.
Don't miss the opportunity to try iconic snacks like bitterballen and stroopwafels, or indulge in a slice of authentic Dutch apple pie. Whether you're exploring the city's historic restaurants like De Silveren Spiegel and 'd Vijf Vlieghen, or discovering new gems like Cue Amsterdam and Kazue, every meal in Amsterdam is an adventure. So, embark on this gastronomic journey, explore the local markets, and savor the diverse flavors that make Amsterdam a culinary paradise.
FAQ About Traditional Food in Amsterdam
Where Can I Try Bitterballen and Dutch Cheese?
When visiting Amsterdam, you can try Bitterballen at these places:
- Deballenbar at Food Hallen, Bellamyplein 51, Amsterdam.
- Winkel 43 at Noordermarkt 43, 1015 NA Amsterdam
- Cafe de Tuin at Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 13, 1015 RX Amsterdam
And for some cheese shops you can find these places at Amsterdam:
- Old Amsterdam Cheese Store at Damrak 62, 1012 LM Amsterdam
- Fromarie Kef at Marnixstraat 192B, 1016 TJ Amsterdam
- Amsterdam Cheese Company at Leidsestraat 2, 1017 PA Amsterdam
Where Can I Find The Best Places To Try Raw Herring (Haring) In Amsterdam?
For an authentic taste of raw herring in Amsterdam, visit these renowned spots:
- Stubbe’s Haring: A celebrated stand near Central Station, praised for its fresh herring and storied history.
- Haringhandel Frens: A family-operated business near the Bloemenmarkt, known for its friendly service and fresh offerings.
- Vishandel Albert Cuyp: Situated at the Albert Cuypmarkt, this vendor has been serving high-quality herring since World War II.
- Vishandel 't Centrum: A quaint fishmonger's shop in the Jordaan, offering on-the-spot cleaned and served herring.
Are There Any Unique Or Local Desserts That I Should Not Miss When Exploring Amsterdam's Food Scene?
Amsterdam offers a variety of unique and local desserts that are a must-try. Highlights include:
- Dutch Apple Pie (Appeltaart) at Winkel 43, celebrated for its thick crust and served with whipped cream.
- Pannenkoeken at The Pancake Bakery, offering a wide array of toppings on these thick, hearty pancakes.
- Appelflappen at Bertram & Brood, featuring deep-fried apples coated with powdered sugar.
- Stroopwafels at Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels, where thin waffle cookies are filled with a luscious syrup.