Your Complete Dutch Food Guide: What to Eat in Amsterdam and Beyond
When I first landed in Amsterdam, I wasn’t excited about canals or tulips, I was thinking about food. Not just any food, but real, comforting Dutch food. The kind that locals grab during lunch breaks, share at cafes, and pass down through generations. If you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands and wondering what to eat, this guide is for you.
Dutch cuisine might not always steal the global spotlight, but trust me, it’s a delicious story of simplicity, warmth, and deep cultural roots. From crispy bitterballen to sweet, sticky stroopwafels, Dutch snacks and desserts are as charming and down-to-earth as the people who make them.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything I discovered (and devoured) during my food adventures in Amsterdam. Whether you’re into traditional dishes, street food, or just curious about what’s behind that famous stroopwafel crunch, this is your bite-sized guide to Dutch food in Amsterdam.
Why Dutch Food Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List?
Every country tells its story through food, and the Netherlands is no exception. What makes Dutch cuisine truly special is its honesty. It’s not flashy or overly complicated, but every bite feels like home. You’ll find dishes that were born out of trade, tradition, and practicality—crafted for comfort and packed with meaning.
Dutch Food Culture – Simple, Honest, and Comforting
Dutch meals are shaped by centuries of seafaring, cold winters, and creative use of what was available. That’s why you’ll see hearty stews, pickled fish, buttery pastries, and cheeses that taste like they’ve been aged with care (because they have). Even the simplest Dutch pancake or slice of cake carries the warmth of a recipe that hasn’t changed much in decades.
And while it’s easy to get lost in the big attractions of Amsterdam, sitting down for a simple meal, or even grabbing a warm snack from a market stall, can feel just as memorable. Food here isn’t just about eating. It’s about pausing, connecting, and getting a real taste of Dutch culture.
7 Must-Try Dutch Foods in Amsterdam
If you’re visiting Amsterdam and skipping the local Dutch food, you’re missing half the story. Dutch dishes are rooted in comfort, tradition, and a little surprise in every bite. Below are the must-try classics, some sweet, some savory, and all deeply connected to everyday Dutch life.
Stroopwafel – The Iconic Dutch Dessert
Imagine two thin waffle cookies with a warm, gooey caramel syrup inside. That’s a stroopwafel. You’ll find it everywhere, from street markets to train stations. Locals love placing it over a hot cup of coffee to soften the middle before taking a bite. One word: addictive.
Bitterballen – Deep-Fried Dutch Snacks
Crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, these deep-fried meatballs are typically filled with a slow-cooked beef or veal ragout. They’re served piping hot with mustard and often paired with a cold beer. Try them at a traditional brown café for the full experience.
Haring – The Raw Dutch Tradition
Raw herring might sound bold, but this salty Dutch snack is a local staple. It’s usually served with chopped onions and pickles, either on its own or tucked into a soft bun. Locals tilt their heads back and drop the fish in whole, try it their way at least once!
Poffertjes – Mini Dutch Pancakes
These mini, fluffy pancakes are served hot, topped with butter and powdered sugar. You’ll often find them sizzling on large iron griddles at festivals and food stands. Light, airy, and impossible to eat just one plate.
Patat with Mayo – Street Food Favorite
Dutch fries are thick-cut, crispy, and usually served in a paper cone with a mountain of toppings. Mayo is the classic choice, but you can also try curry ketchup, satay sauce, or the famous “patat oorlog”, fries topped with peanut sauce, mayo, and onions.
Dutch Cheese – Gouda, Edam, and More
The Netherlands is a cheese-lover’s paradise. Visit a cheese shop or market and you’ll see endless wheels of Gouda, Edam, and aged varieties infused with herbs or spices. Don’t just look, sample! Locals often eat slices of cheese with mustard and rye bread.
Holland Butter Cake – A Rich, Sweet Treat
Known locally as “boterkoek,” this cake is dense, rich, and made almost entirely of butter, sugar, and flour. It’s a traditional Dutch dessert often enjoyed with tea or coffee. Simple ingredients, unforgettable taste.
Where to Eat Dutch Food in Amsterdam?
You don’t have to book a fancy restaurant to enjoy real Dutch food. Some of the best bites in Amsterdam are found in markets, neighborhood cafés, and tucked-away stalls you might walk past without noticing. Here’s where to go when you’re hungry for something truly Dutch.
Amsterdam Food Markets to Explore
Markets are a food lover’s playground in Amsterdam. Albert Cuypmarkt in De Pijp is one of the most popular. Grab a fresh stroopwafel made right in front of you or a cone of hot fries. Another must-visit is Foodhallen, an indoor food court where traditional Dutch snacks meet modern twists. You can try bitterballen, poffertjes, and even Dutch-style fusion food—all under one roof.
Brown Cafés & Eetcafés for Dutch Snacks
If you want a slow meal in a cozy setting, head to a local eetcafé or brown café. These are the soul of Dutch casual dining. The wooden interiors, low lighting, and friendly faces make the experience feel warm and local. You’ll find dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with veggies), meatballs in gravy, and, of course, bitterballen with beer.
Best Places for Dutch Desserts
If you have a sweet tooth, Amsterdam won’t disappoint. For the freshest stroopwafels, head to Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels at the Albert Cuypmarkt. They press them warm, and you can literally watch the caramel melt.
Craving poffertjes? Try De Vier Pilaren, a cozy spot near Vondelpark known for these fluffy mini pancakes. They come with butter, powdered sugar, or Nutella if you’re feeling extra.
And don’t leave without trying boterkoek, Holland butter cake. Bakeries like Patisserie Kuyt in the east of Amsterdam sell rich, authentic versions that melt in your mouth.
Vegan & Halal Dutch Food Spots
Amsterdam is one of the most inclusive cities when it comes to food. For vegan Dutch food, Vegan Junk Food Bar serves plant-based takes on Dutch classics like kapsalon and bitterballen. Even their mayo is dairy-free!
If you’re looking for halal options, head to Bazar Amsterdam in De Pijp. While not strictly Dutch, they offer halal-friendly meals with a Dutch twist, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. You can also find halal Dutch snacks like fries and cheese sandwiches in many cafes—just ask when ordering.
Dutch Drinks and Liquor You Should Try
Dutch food is only half the story, the drinks complete the picture. Whether you’re sipping something strong in a historic bar or enjoying a slow coffee at a canal-side café, the Netherlands has its own flavorful way of serving up refreshment. Here are a few must-try Dutch drinks that add a cultural twist to your foodie adventure.
Jenever – Classic Netherlands Liquor
Before there was gin, there was jenever. This juniper-infused spirit is the original Dutch liquor and a true cultural experience. It comes in two main styles: jonge (young) and oude (old), but don’t let the names fool you, they refer to distillation methods, not aging.
The traditional way to drink jenever? Served in a tulip glass, filled to the brim, and sipped hands-free for the first sip. Visit Proeflokaal Wynand Fockink, a 17th-century tasting room near Dam Square, to try it in an authentic setting.
Dutch Coffee Culture and Dutch Bros Food
Coffee in the Netherlands is strong, straightforward, and social. Locals love their “koffie verkeerd” (coffee with lots of milk), and you’ll often see them enjoying it with a slice of butter cake or a small cookie on the side.
Now, if you’re thinking of Dutch Bros Food, that’s actually a popular U.S. coffee chain, not part of traditional Dutch cuisine. Still, Amsterdam has no shortage of cool cafés and roasteries if you’re craving something trendy. Try Bocca Coffee or Scandinavian Embassy for serious beans and good vibes.
Local Dutch Beers to Sip
While the Netherlands gave us Heineken, there’s way more to Dutch beer than the big names. Microbreweries and craft beer bars are everywhere in Amsterdam. Look for local labels like Brouwerij ‘t IJ, which brews next to a windmill, or Oedipus Brewing, known for bold, creative flavors.
Many brown cafés serve regional beers on tap, and it’s the perfect way to pair your bitterballen with something cold and foamy. Not into alcohol? Try a Dutch apple juice or fresh mint tea, both surprisingly popular.
Amsterdam Neighborhoods for Authentic Dutch Food
Amsterdam is more than just a collection of sights, it’s a patchwork of neighborhoods, each with its own rhythm, vibe, and flavor. If you want to eat like a local and skip the tourist traps, these three neighborhoods offer some of the best, most authentic Dutch food experiences in the city.
Jordaan – Cozy Local Cafés
Once a working-class neighborhood, Jordaan is now one of the most charming areas in Amsterdam, and a goldmine for cozy Dutch cafés. Stroll through its narrow lanes and you’ll find snug eetcafés serving homemade stamppot, rich erwtensoep (pea soup), and buttery apple pie.
What makes Jordaan special is its slower pace. You can sip your coffee by a canal, try a slice of boterkoek, or enjoy a warm meal without the rush. Stop by Café Sonneveld or Café Thijssen for traditional dishes served with heart.
De Pijp – Dutch Food Meets World Cuisine
De Pijp is buzzing with color, energy, and multicultural influences. Here, traditional Dutch food shares space with flavors from Suriname, Turkey, Indonesia, and more. But Dutch roots are still strong, especially at Albert Cuypmarkt, where you’ll find iconic Dutch snacks, stroopwafels made on the spot, and fresh cheese vendors.
This area is great if you want variety. You can enjoy a cone of patat one minute, then sip on fresh jenever the next. De Pijp reflects the evolving identity of Amsterdam—proudly Dutch, but open to the world.
Noord – A New Take on Tradition
Across the IJ River, Amsterdam Noord feels like a different city. Once an industrial zone, it’s now a creative district full of surprises, including modern takes on Dutch classics. Think smoked herring sliders, vegan bitterballen, and upscale spins on poffertjes.
You’ll find hidden gems like Coba Taqueria and Pllek, where local ingredients meet global techniques. Noord is perfect for adventurous eaters who want to experience how Dutch food is evolving without losing its soul.
Tips for Enjoying Dutch Food Like a Local
Eating Dutch food isn’t just about what’s on your plate, it’s about how, when, and where you enjoy it. These tips will help you blend in, avoid awkward moments, and get the most out of your culinary experience in Amsterdam.
When to Eat What
The Dutch keep it simple and structured. Breakfast is light, usually bread with cheese or hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles). Lunch often includes sandwiches, soups, or salads. Dinner is the main meal and usually happens early, between 6 and 7 PM.
If you’re looking for Dutch snacks, try mid-morning or mid-afternoon when locals grab a quick bite at a bakery or street stall.
How to Order Dutch Food
In most cafés, you’ll get table service. Just say “Mag ik de menukaart, alstublieft?” (May I have the menu, please?) if you’re feeling polite. Many places also have counter service, especially in markets or casual spots.
Menus are usually in Dutch and English, but don’t hesitate to ask questions. Amsterdam is incredibly tourist-friendly, and most staff speak English.
Dutch Food Etiquette
The Dutch are down-to-earth, so don’t expect fancy presentations or long meals. You’ll rarely see someone rushing, though, meals are relaxed and social. Say “eet smakelijk” (enjoy your meal) before eating, and don’t be surprised if you’re expected to split the bill (“going Dutch” isn’t just a saying—it’s a lifestyle).
Also, don’t skip the mustard with your bitterballen or the pickles with your herring—they’re essential, not optional.
Budget-Friendly Options
You don’t need to spend a fortune to eat well in Amsterdam. Street food, local markets, and neighborhood eetcafés offer delicious meals without the tourist markup. Avoid restaurants right in the city center, especially near major attractions—they tend to be overpriced and underwhelming.
Look for places where locals are eating. If there’s a line, it’s usually worth the wait.
Plan Your Own Dutch Food Tour
Exploring Dutch food doesn’t need a strict itinerary or a tour group, though you can do that too! Whether you’re wandering solo or traveling with friends, planning your own Dutch food tour through Amsterdam is easy, fun, and tasty.
Walking Tour Route Ideas
Start in De Pijp with a warm stroopwafel from Albert Cuypmarkt. Head toward the Museumplein for a midday snack, maybe some poffertjes from a nearby café. Walk north toward the Canal Belt and pop into a brown café in Jordaan for bitterballen and a cold beer.
As evening falls, cross over to Amsterdam Noord by ferry and end your day with a modern take on a classic dish at one of the trendy riverside restaurants. That’s a full day of culture, food, and local color, on your own terms.
Cooking Classes for Dutch Recipes
Want to bring a piece of Amsterdam back home? Join a local cooking class! You can learn how to make boterkoek, Dutch pancakes, or even homemade bitterballen. These classes aren’t just about technique, they’re a window into Dutch culture and storytelling.
Look for small-group experiences through platforms like Airbnb Experiences or local cooking studios. You’ll often cook in someone’s home kitchen and leave with recipes you’ll actually use again.
Best Time to Visit for Seasonal Foods
While Dutch food is available year-round, certain treats are seasonal. Erwtensoep (pea soup) and oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts) are winter staples, perfect for cold days. New herring season begins in June, and it’s a big deal—locals celebrate the first catch with festivals and fresh street servings.
For the fullest experience, visit during spring or early summer. Markets are livelier, terraces are open, and ingredients are fresher. Plus, you can walk and snack without freezing!
My Dutch Food Journey – Personal Tips and Stories
No guide would feel complete without a few personal bites, right? Here are some moments from my Dutch food journey that made me fall in love with Amsterdam, not just as a city, but as a place that feeds both your stomach and your soul.
What I Loved (and What Surprised Me!)
I’ll be honest, when I first heard “raw herring,” I hesitated. But once I tried it (the Dutch way, head tilted back, onions on top), I was hooked. It was salty, tender, and surprisingly fresh.
And the stroopwafel? I thought it was just a sweet snack. Turns out, placing it over your coffee cup to warm the caramel is a ritual. One that I now bring home with me.
What surprised me most was how simple many dishes were. No fuss. No drama. Just honest food with layers of comfort.
Hidden Gems I Found in Amsterdam
One morning, I wandered into a tiny bakery near Jordaan with no name on the door. An older woman served me a slice of butter cake and a coffee for under five euros. We didn’t speak the same language, but she smiled and said, “home taste.”
That’s what Dutch food is to me now, home taste in a place far from home.
Another favorite? A little stand in De Pijp that served spicy, cheesy kaassoufflé—a deep-fried pocket of molten cheese. I almost missed it, but the smell led me there.
What I’d Try Again
Honestly? Almost everything. But especially the bitterballen, poffertjes, and aged Gouda with mustard. I’d also love to take another cooking class to master Dutch pancakes—the thin, crepe-like kind that feel like breakfast and dessert in one.
Oh, and next time? I’m giving Jenever another chance. Maybe this time I’ll sip it like a true local—hands off, head down.
Finally, Dutch Food Is a Delicious Journey
Dutch food isn’t about lavish presentation or over-the-top flavors—it’s about comfort, culture, and community. From the first bite of warm stroopwafel to the bold sip of Jenever, every taste tells a story. Whether you’re wandering through Amsterdam’s markets or relaxing in a hidden café, there’s always something new (and delicious) to discover.
So go ahead, take the bite, try the unfamiliar, and embrace the simple, hearty joy of Dutch cuisine. Because in the Netherlands, food isn’t just a meal, it’s a memory waiting to happen.
Planning your trip to Amsterdam? Bookmark this food guide, share it with your fellow travelers, and make sure your taste buds are ready. Got a favorite Dutch dish or spot to recommend? Drop it in the comments, I’d love to hear from you!
