A Taste of Amsterdam: Discover the City Through Its Food

I think I speak for most of us when I say that when visiting a new place, food is one of the first things on our list to discover. Food is such an important part of a country’s culture, telling you something about that place with every bite, spice, and drink. Even if you’re not a foodie, eager to explore new flavours everywhere you go, you should try some of the local dishes to truly experience the city or country you’re visiting. The Netherlands is not a country that stands out in the food department, like Italy is, for example. When researching Dutch food, you might find that the options don’t seem so spectacular. However, there are traditional Dutch foods that you can (and should) try to get a taste of what the locals are eating.

Some Dutch specialties are tied to specific regions, but today we’re focusing on Amsterdam and its surroundings. Amsterdam’s culinary scene reflects its rich history, cultural diversity, and the influence of international flavours that have shaped Dutch cuisine over the centuries.

I have a list of Dutch dishes that I recommend to all my friends who visit Amsterdam, and I thought I should share it with you. Some places (not necessarily serving Dutch food) have become TikTok-famous, attracting long queues all day, and you can try them if you have the patience to wait in line. But I strongly suggest also eating where the locals do. If you don’t want to spend time researching, you could book a food tour like the ones from Eating Europe and let someone guide you through Amsterdam’s culinary delights.

From traditional Dutch favourites like haring and stroopwafels to the Indonesian rijsttafel that came over with colonial history, there’s a surprising variety to explore. What I love most about Amsterdam’s food culture is how it’s a blend of both old and new, classic and contemporary. Sometimes, I think it makes no sense, but there is a harmony in the mix of cuisines and flavours in this city. There are a lot of international influences in Amsterdam’s food, because the city has always been a melting pot, and this shows up in the food. Turkish, Surinamese, Moroccan, and Indonesian cuisines have all found a home here. You can go to a fancy brunch topped with mimosas or a high tea; you can eat oysters in a fancy restaurant or at the market, or try the famous wall food at FEBO; you can get any kind of international food you crave, but you shouldn’t ignore the local specialties.

One of the things I like about Amsterdam is that you can find a big variety of vegetarian and vegan food, and there are veggie options to any of the traditional dishes (except for the raw herring, I guess).

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The History of Dutch Cuisine in Amsterdam

Dutch food might not be as famous as Italian or French cuisine, but it’s deeply rooted in the history of the Netherlands – and Amsterdam is no exception. This city has always been a hub of trade, with ships bringing spices, grains, and ingredients from all corners of the world. As a result, the food in Amsterdam has been shaped by its role as a global port, where both the Dutch and international influences blend seamlessly.

Traditional Dutch cuisine was originally quite simple, based on what could be grown or farmed in the cold, wet climate. Think hearty stews, root vegetables, and, of course, bread and cheese. But the city’s exposure to different cultures over the centuries brought new flavours to the table: spices from the East, Indonesian dishes from colonial times, and more recently, the food of immigrants from Turkey, Suriname, and Morocco.

Amsterdam’s culinary evolution reflects the city’s openness and its willingness to adapt. You can still find the rustic Dutch dishes that were common hundreds of years ago, but you’ll also see how those classic recipes have been influenced by all the cultures that call Amsterdam home. It’s this mix of history and innovation that makes eating in Amsterdam such a unique experience.

Food to try in Amsterdam

Pannenkoeken – or the Dutch pancakes. These are huge pancakes resembling a pizza, with sweet or savoury toppings. When eating them, you’ll be handed a bottle of stroop (sugar syrup), and I recommend you to try it on your savoury pancake as well.

Frietjes – or fries. You have to try them. Buy them on a street shop and choose any sauce you’d like, but I recommend the oorlog sauce which is my favourite. It’s a weird combination of mayo with peanut sauce and chopped raw onions. Yum!

Stamppot – a comforting winter dish made of mashed potatoes with vegetables and rookworst (smoked sausage), often associated with home cooking. It’s a simple and hearty food, perfectly illustrating the no-nonsense spirit of the Netherlands. Usually served in the cold months, to give you the warm feeling after a full day in the cold wind. Vegetarian options are available.

Erwtensoep (Split Pea Soup). Also called Snert. A hearty winter soup that’s been a Dutch staple for centuries. Can be made with or without the smoked sausage mentioned above.

Haring (Herring). The famous raw fish often eaten with onions and pickles. If you’re not scared off by the idea of raw fish, try this. The Dutch love to eat it with a handful of raw onions and pickles, and while it might seem a bit intimidating at first, it’s a true taste of local life (or so they say!). You’ll often see people grabbing one from a herring stall and tilting it back into their mouths. It’s almost a rite of passage for visitors (or those who get their Dutch citizenship).

Kibbeling – deep-fried morsels of white fish, usually cod, served with sauce. The best ones can be found at the street markets like Albert Cuyp or Dappermarkt.

If you’re more into snacks, bitterballen and kroketten are must-tries. These deep-fried bites have a crispy golden shell and are filled with a soft paste whose composition people always joke about. It’s actually made of meat, mushrooms or vegetables. They are the go-to snack when enjoying a beer, and they are eaten with a mustard or sweet-and-sour sauce. Bitterballen are round and the kroketten have a larger, elongated form. Kroketten are sometimes Dutch people’s choice for a lunch: they take two slices of bread and cut the kroket in two, then smear it on the bread. Some mustard can be added, and your lunch is ready! Other two famous snacks that can usually accompany these are frikandellen and kaassouflé (more deep-fried stuff!).

Cheese – you will inevitably try cheese in Amsterdam, in various flavours and dishes, but I want to recommend getting a cheese snack with your beer at a bar. It comes in cheese cubes that you eat dipped in Dutch mustard and they are delicious.

Indonesian food. I think none of the international influences are so prominent like the Indonesian cuisine here in the Netherlands. Or maybe I’m biased because I absolutely love it. When you visit Amsterdam, you have to go to an Indonesian restaurant! The best way to try is by asking for a rijsttafel (rice table) – a mix of various dishes that comes for 2 or more persons, to share. This was developed especially for the Dutch colonists, so they can sample the local food. You have the vegetarian option too.

Oysters – a dish that can be found in various places in Amsterdam, and very delicious (from what I understood, as I don’t eat it). Try it at a restaurant or at a market like Noordermarkt or Pure Markt – served standing and accompanied by a Prosecco.

FEBO – like vending machines for fried food. Usually a go-to after a night of partying, when there’s nothing open. You can find frikandellen, kroket, kaassouflé, fries or even burgers there. I never tried though, but it can be a cheap or just a fun option.

On the sweet side, Amsterdam has a few delicious traditional options to choose from.

Appeltaart (Dutch Apple Pie) – this is something that you have to try. It’s served simple or with a dollop of cream on top. Have a fresh ginger or mint tea with it. You don’t have to go to the famous places where you have to stay in line to get one. Most appeltaarts in the city are delicious.

Poffertjes. Mini fluffy pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar (or other various toppings from which I love the chocolate and raspberry sauce). They’re a popular street food, especially during festivals or at markets.

Stroopwafels: syrup-filled waffle. Best to get at a local market, warm and fresh. But you’ll find them in the supermarkets as well, so you can take them home with you. If you visit Zanse Schaans, close to Amsterdam, make sure to buy some stroopwafels there; they taste amazing!

Tompouce – a cream-filled rectangular pastry with a layer of smooth pink icing on top. It’s hard to eat and locals offer various tips and tricks for that (like removing the top layer and place it under the bottom one). Around King’s Day in April, the tompouces in the supermarket have an orange icing.

Oliebollen – a traditional deep-fried doughnut-like treat, which can be find especially around winter holidays. It’s traditional for Dutch people to eat oliebollen on New Year’s Eve, so you’ll see long queues that day and everyone is carrying home big bags filled with the greasy treats.

Dutch liquorice (or drop) – if you dare, try this special black candy. Go to a snoepwinkel (candy shop) to sample various options. First time I tried it, I immediately spat it out and swore never to try it again, but now I’m a big fan of the salty liquorice.

Now that you’ve got your food list, it’s time to get to know Amsterdam by eating your way through it. From crispy fries with oorlog sauce to a spicy Indonesian plate or a comforting bowl of erwtensoep, every dish has a story to tell. Some flavours might surprise you, and others might become favorites. But that’s the fun of it – trying new things, discovering hidden gems, and experiencing the city in the most delicious way possible. So go ahead, take a bite, and enjoy Amsterdam one dish at a time!

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