Amsterdam’s food scene is a treasure trove of Dutch delights waiting to be discovered. You’ll be in for a treat as you explore the city’s culinary offerings. From sweet treats to savory snacks, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
The best way to experience Dutch cuisine in Amsterdam is to try local favorites like stroopwafels, bitterballen, and herring. These iconic foods are tasty and give you a taste of Dutch culture. You’ll find them at street markets, cozy cafes, and traditional restaurants throughout the city.
Don’t miss out on seasonal specialties, too. If you visit in winter, you’re in luck.
That’s when you can sample festive treats like oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts) and pepernoten (spiced cookies). These goodies are part of what makes Amsterdam’s food scene so special. So grab a map, bring your appetite, and prepare to eat through the Dutch capital!
Must-Try Dutch Delicacies & Where to Savor Them in Amsterdam
1. Haring And Where To Find It
You can’t visit Amsterdam without trying haring, a beloved Dutch delicacy. This raw herring is a must-try street food that locals adore. Don’t let its appearance fool you – it’s surprisingly tasty!
The best time to enjoy haring is from mid-June to September when it’s freshest and most flavorful. You’ll spot haringhandels (herring carts) all over the city.
Here are some top spots to get your haring fix:
- Frens Haringhandel: Located near the Flower Market, it’s open daily.
- Stubbe’s Haring: A popular stall on busy Haarlemmerstraat.
- Vishandel Molenaar: Find them at Albert Cuypmarkt for a market experience.
When ordering, ask for a “broodje haring” herring on a soft roll with pickles and onions. It’s the classic way to enjoy this Dutch treat.
Pro tip: Eat it like a local by holding the tail and lowering it into your mouth. It might initially feel weird, but you’ll look like an Amsterdam pro!
Remember, haring isn’t just tasty – it’s healthy too. It’s packed with omega-3s and vitamin D.
So go ahead and give it a try. You might just discover your new favorite Amsterdam snack!
2. Poffertjes Hotspots
Ready to dive into Amsterdam’s poffertjes scene? These mini Dutch pancakes are a must-try treat! Here are some top spots to satisfy your craving:
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- Hidden gem in the city center
- Offers both traditional and creative poffertjes
- Try their strawberry-topped version for a fruity twist
Albert Cuyp Market
- Bustling street market with multiple poffertjes stands
- Watch as vendors skillfully flip these tiny treats
- Perfect for a quick snack while exploring
Poffertjes van Wou
- Family-run business with a cozy atmosphere
- Known for their extra fluffy texture
- Don’t miss their special chocolate sauce topping
Poffertjes are sold at many festive markets and food festivals. Look for pop-up stands during your Amsterdam adventures!
Pro tip: Eat them fresh off the grill for the best experience. The warm, buttery goodness is hard to beat.
Pair your poffertjes with a cup of Dutch coffee or hot chocolate for the full local experience. Happy eating!
See Related: Amsterdam on a Budget: Free and Low-Cost Activities for Travelers
3. Bitterballen: The Ultimate Pub Snack
Get ready to sink your teeth into the crispy, savory goodness of bitterballen! These golden spheres of joy are a must-try Dutch delicacy in Amsterdam.
Imagine You’re sitting in a cozy pub, sipping a cold beer. The waiter brings out a piping hot plate of bitterballen. You pick one up, blow on it gently, and take a bite. The crispy breaded exterior gives way to a creamy, meaty filling that explodes with flavor in your mouth.
What exactly are these tasty morsels? Bitterballen are essentially deep-fried balls of beef ragout, coated in breadcrumbs. They’re like little croquettes, but round and packed with even more flavor.
Where can you find the best bitterballen in Amsterdam? Here are some top spots to check out:
- De Ballen Bar in De Hallen food court
- Café De Klos in the Jordaan neighborhood
- The Flying Pig Uptown Hostel bar
Pro tip: Bitterballen is typically eaten between lunch and dinner, from noon to 6 PM. They pair perfectly with beer, wine, or other light alcoholic drinks.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving these addictive snacks long after you’ve left Amsterdam. They’re that good!
4. Best Cheese Tasting Shops
Amsterdam is a cheese lover’s paradise. You’ll find amazing spots to sample Dutch cheeses all over the city. Here are some top places to indulge your cheese cravings:
Henri Willig Cheese Shops are a must-visit. They have locations on Kaashuis, Kaaskelder, Warmoesstraat, and Singel Streets. You can taste cheeses made right on Henri Willig farms in the Netherlands. They even offer unique flavors like asparagus!
The Old Amsterdam Cheese Store is more than just a shop – it’s an experience. You’ll get to try their award-winning Old Amsterdam Gouda. Its rich flavor and smooth texture make it a standout.
For a cheese tasting tour, check out the one that starts at Dam Square on Saturdays. You’ll see city sights before ending up at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store for an hour of cheesy goodness.
Don’t miss these Dutch cheese varieties:
- Gouda
- Edam
- Leidse kaas
- Massdammer
- Geitenkaas (goat cheese)
- Schapenkaas (sheep cheese)
Pro tip: Try gouda with cumin for a flavor kick! And grab some cheese as a souvenir – it’s travel-ready and makes a great gift.
5. Pancake Boat Cruises
You’ve got to try a pancake boat cruise when you’re in Amsterdam! It’s fun to see the city while eating yummy Dutch pancakes. These special boats cruise along the IJ River, giving you great views of Amsterdam’s modern side.
The cruise usually lasts about 75 minutes. During that time, you can eat as many pancakes as you want! They serve classic Dutch pancakes with toppings like bacon, apple, and syrup. You can even get creative and make your own combos.
Here’s what you can expect on a pancake boat:
- Unlimited fresh pancakes
- Views of landmarks like A’DAM Tower and EYE Museum
- A drink (alcohol or non-alcohol)
- Relaxed, casual atmosphere
Prices are around €34.50 for adults. It’s a good idea to book ahead, especially in busy seasons. Some cruises even offer special themes, like a Sinterklaas (Dutch Santa) cruise in December.
Remember to bring your camera! The views of Amsterdam from the water are amazing, especially at sunset. And don’t forget to save room for lots of pancakes – they’re so good, you’ll want to try them all!
See Related: Exploring the Undiscovered Craftsmanship of Amsterdam: Handmade Souvenirs & Workshops
6. Unique Stroopwafel Locations
Amsterdam’s stroopwafel scene is a treat for your taste buds! You’ll find these gooey delights all over the city, but some spots stand out from the crowd.
Van Wonderen Stroopwafels is a must-visit. They sell over a million stroopwafels yearly! You can customize your waffle with fun toppings like nuts and sprinkles.
For a traditional taste, head to STACH Food. This popular chain has over 10 locations in Amsterdam. You’ll find classic stroopwafels alongside other Dutch goodies.
Want a fresh-made stroopwafel? Some places make them right in front of you. The smell alone is worth the trip! Look for stands or shops with hot plates in the window.
Here are some unique features to watch for:
- Fresh-made vs packaged
- Topping options
- Size choices (small, medium, large)
- Flavored syrups
- Pairing suggestions (like coffee or tea)
Remember, stroopwafels aren’t just for snacking. Many Dutch people bring them to parties and events as gifts. Why not grab a box to share with friends back home?
Happy stroopwafel hunting in Amsterdam! Each bite is a sweet taste of Dutch culture.
7. Where To Try Dutch Apple Pie
Ready to explore Amsterdam’s apple pie scene? You’re in for a treat! The city’s cafes and bakeries serve some of the best appeltaart around.
First stop: Winkel 43 in the Jordaan neighborhood. Their pie is legendary – thick, crumbly crust packed with chunky apple slices. Don’t skip the whipped cream on top!
Cafe de Jaren is another top spot. Their appelschnitt comes from famous Patisserie Kuyt.
The mix of apples, currants, raisins, and almonds is divine. The terrace offers amazing canal views.
For a cozy vibe, try Koffiehuis de Hoek. This charming spot on Prinsengracht bakes fresh pies daily. The warm, spiced aroma will draw you in.
Patisserie Holtkamp offers a more upscale take. Their elegant apple tart is a work of art. Perfect for a fancy afternoon treat.
Here’s a quick rundown of top spots:
- Winkel 43 – Classic favorite
- Cafe de Jaren – Great views
- Koffiehuis de Hoek – Cozy atmosphere
- Patisserie Holtkamp – Fancy option
Pair your pie with coffee or tea for the full Dutch experience. Happy tasting!
8. Proeflokaal Bars For Jenever
Ready to sip some Dutch courage? Amsterdam’s proeflokaal bars are the perfect spots to try jenever, the juniper-flavored ancestor of gin. These cozy tasting rooms offer a unique drinking experience you won’t want to miss.
Wynand Fockink is a must-visit. This 17th-century distillery and bar lets you taste jenever the traditional way—by bending down and slurping from a filled-to-the-brim glass without using your hands. It’s trickier than it sounds!
At De Drie Fleschjes, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The sand-covered floors and antique decor transport you to the 1650s. Try their house specialty, the “kopstootje” – a shot of jenever paired with a small beer.
Proeflokaal A. van Wees offers a modern twist on tradition. Their extensive jenever selection includes unique flavored varieties. Don’t miss their beer and jenever pairing, known as a “headbutt.”
For a quirky experience, head to Olofspoort. This bar occupies a former city gate, and often hosts live performances. The passionate owner can guide you through their housemade spirits.
Tips for your jenever adventure:
- Sip slowly to savor the complex flavors
- Try both oude (old) and jonge (young) styles
- Pair with traditional Dutch bar snacks
- Ask bartenders for recommendations – they’re usually happy to share their knowledge
See Related: A Local’s Guide to Amsterdam’s Seasonal Highlights: What to Do Year-Round
9. Surinamese & Indonesian Fusion Cuisine
Amsterdam’s food scene is a melting pot of flavors, and you can’t miss the unique blend of Surinamese and Indonesian cuisines. This fusion reflects the city’s colonial history and diverse population.
Try the roti, a popular dish that showcases this culinary mashup. Thin flatbread is wrapped around curried chicken, potatoes, and green beans. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Head to Albina in the De Pijp neighborhood to taste this fusion. They serve a mix of Surinamese and Chinese dishes that’ll make your taste buds dance. Don’t miss their jaw Minh—thin noodles with meat and veggies.
Another must-try spot is Roopram Roti. Locals swear by their roti, claiming it’s the best in Amsterdam. You might have to wait in line, but trust us, it’s worth it.
Here are some dishes to look out for:
- Gado gado: Veggies smothered in peanut sauce
- Bami: Indonesian-style noodles
- Pom: A Surinamese casserole with chicken and root veggies
Remember, these restaurants are often no-frills and focused on flavor rather than fancy decor. But that’s part of the charm! You’ll get authentic tastes and great value for money.
10. Food Tours & Local Market Visits
Ready to indulge in Amsterdam’s tasty treats? Food tours are a great way to sample Dutch delicacies while exploring the city. You’ll try local favorites like stroopwafels, herring, and Gouda cheese.
Many tours take you through the charming Jordaan neighborhood. You’ll stop at family-run shops and hidden gems. Some tours even include visiting a historic brown café for a typical Dutch experience.
Want to see where locals shop? Check out the Albert Cuyp Market.
It’s the biggest outdoor market in Amsterdam. Here, you can find everything from fresh produce to stroopwafels made right before your eyes.
Here are some popular food tour options:
- 4-hour walking tours (max 10 people)
- Tours of the Jordaan district
- Market visits on Saturdays
- Wine and cheese tastings
Food tours usually include 5-6 stops. You’ll get to sit down and relax at some spots. Don’t worry about the weather – tours run rain or shine! Most tours last about four hours and cover around 2 km of easy walking.
Remember to come hungry! The food on these tours adds up to a full meal. You’ll leave with a happy belly and lots of fun food facts about Amsterdam.