🍽️ 20 Best Typical Dutch Food in Amsterdam: Eat Like a Local
Amsterdam isn’t just about the canals, museums, and endless bikes. It’s also a city with a surprisingly rich food culture. Dutch cuisine may not always get the spotlight like French or Italian, but it’s packed with comfort, heartiness, and quirky traditions. Trying typical Dutch food in Amsterdam is more than just eating; it’s about connecting with the culture and history of the Netherlands. Whether it’s nibbling on a freshly baked stroopwafel, daring to bite into raw herring, or cozying up with a steaming bowl of pea soup, every bite tells you something about Dutch life.
Let’s dive into 20 must-try dishes, why they’re so special, and where you can find the very best versions in Amsterdam.
- 1. 🧇 Stroopwafel
- 2. 🐟 Haring (Dutch Herring)
- 3. 🥔 Patat (Dutch Fries)
- 4. 🧀 Dutch Cheese
- 5. 🍵 Erwtensoep (Pea Soup)
- 6. 🥞 Poffertjes
- 7. 🍖 Bitterballen
- 8. 🍫 Dutch Licorice (Drop)
- 9. 🥔 Stamppot
- 10. 🥞 Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes)
- 11. 🍖 Kroket
- 12. 🍫 Hagelslag
- 13. 🐟 Kibbeling
- 14. 🍰 Tompouce
- 15. 🍏 Dutch Apple Pie
- 16. 🍞 Ontbijtkoek
- 17. 🌭 Rookworst
- 18. 🥘 Hutspot
- 19. 🍪 Speculaas
- 20. 🍩 Oliebollen
- 🗺️ Map of 20 Best Typical Dutch Food to Try in Amsterdam
1. 🧇 Stroopwafel
The stroopwafel is perhaps the most famous Dutch sweet and for good reason. Imagine two thin waffle-like cookies sandwiched together with a layer of gooey caramel syrup. The beauty of a stroopwafel lies in its texture, crisp on the outside yet chewy and sweet in the middle. Traditionally, Dutch people place their stroopwafel on top of a hot cup of coffee or tea, letting the steam soften the syrup until it becomes irresistibly melty. This is the ultimate pick-me-up snack while strolling around Amsterdam’s canals.
🌟 Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels (Albert Cuyp Market): Famous for making stroopwafels fresh on the spot, with an irresistible caramel filling. A true local favorite.
🌟 Croissanterie Egstorf (Kalverstraat): Amsterdam’s oldest bakery, offering authentic stroopwafels with a nostalgic touch.
🌟 Banketbakkerij Lanskroon (Singel): A family-run bakery known for its oversized, buttery stroopwafels packed with rich syrup.
2. 🐟 Haring (Dutch Herring)
Dutch herring is not just food, it’s a tradition. This raw fish, lightly cured in salt, is typically served with finely chopped onions and pickles. The Dutch way to eat it? Hold the herring by the tail, tilt your head back, and take a big bite! Don’t worry if that feels too daring; you can also get it in a soft white bun called a broodje haring. Far from being fishy, the flavor is mild, fresh, and surprisingly addictive. Eating herring is a rite of passage for anyone wanting to experience typical Dutch food in Amsterdam.
🌟 Frens Haringhandel (Koningsplein): A local favorite for fresh and generous portions of herring.
🌟 Stubbe’s Haring (near Central Station): A legendary stall that’s been serving herring for generations.
🌟 Albert Cuyp Market (De Pijp): Grab a broodje haring while exploring one of Amsterdam’s busiest markets.
3. 🥔 Patat (Dutch Fries)
Dutch fries, or patat, are not your average fries. They’re thicker, crispier, and served in a big paper cone with a mountain of sauces. The most classic topping is mayonnaise, but locals love going for “patat oorlog”, fries topped with peanut satay sauce, mayonnaise, and onions. It sounds chaotic but is pure comfort food. Eating patat while strolling through Amsterdam is practically a tradition, and the smell alone will lure you in from blocks away.
🌟 Vleminckx Sausmeesters (Voetboogstraat): Famous for its wide variety of sauces, a must-visit fry spot since 1887.
🌟 Manneken Pis (Damrak): A favorite among tourists and locals for generous cones and crispy fries.
🌟 Fabel Friet (Runstraat): Trendy and beloved for hand-cut fries, perfectly crunchy on the outside and fluffy inside, served with rich, homemade sauces.
4. 🧀 Dutch Cheese
The Netherlands is the cheese capital of the world, and Amsterdam is the perfect place to taste it. From Gouda to Edam to Beemster, Dutch cheeses vary from young and creamy to aged and crumbly with caramel notes. Pair cheese with mustard or even apple syrup for a true Dutch experience. Sampling cheese in Amsterdam is more than just eating, it’s like diving into the country’s history, as cheese-making has been part of Dutch life for centuries.
🌟 De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam (Runstraat): A specialty shop stacked to the ceiling with Dutch cheeses of every kind.
🌟 Henri Willig Cheese Shops (multiple locations): Offers tasting sessions and lets you try everything before you buy.
🌟 Kaasbar (Leidsestraat): A chic, modern cheese bar offering tastings of local and artisanal cheeses paired with wines and craft beers.
5. 🍵 Erwtensoep (Pea Soup)
Known locally as snert, Dutch pea soup is a hearty, thick soup made with split peas, pork, smoked sausage, and vegetables. It’s so thick you could practically stand a spoon in it. Traditionally eaten in winter, it’s considered the perfect way to warm up after a chilly bike ride along Amsterdam’s canals. Locals say it tastes even better the next day when the flavors have deepened, making it one of the coziest and most comforting dishes in Dutch cuisine.
🌟 Moeders (Rozengracht): A homey restaurant where traditional Dutch dishes shine.
🌟 Stamppot Amsterdam (Leliegracht): A cozy spot specializing in traditional Dutch stamppot dishes, offering both classic and creative variations.
6. 🥞 Poffertjes
Poffertjes are small, fluffy pancakes made with yeast and buckwheat flour. Served with a generous dusting of powdered sugar and melting butter, they’re light, pillowy, and dangerously moreish. These little bites of happiness are often made at markets on special cast-iron pans, which give them their signature round shape. Poffertjes are especially beloved during festivals and winter markets, but you can find them in Amsterdam year-round.
🌟 Pat’s Poffertjes Oude Leliestraat: A cozy, classic spot known for making some of the fluffiest poffertjes in the city.
🌟 The Pancake Club (Multiple locations): Modern pancake house offering both traditional and creative poffertjes options.
🌟 A/CAFÉ (Singel): Trendy café serving perfectly golden poffertjes in a relaxed canal-side setting.
7. 🍖 Bitterballen
Bitterballen are the ultimate Dutch pub snack. These crispy golden-brown balls are filled with a creamy ragout made of beef or veal, then deep-fried until crunchy. Typically served with mustard, they’re the perfect partner to a cold Dutch beer. Eating bitterballen is a social thing, you’ll often see groups of friends ordering a plate while chatting in a café. They’re so much more than just a snack; they’re part of the Dutch borrel culture (drinks with friends).
🌟 Café de Tuin (Jordaan): A classic neighborhood café serving delicious bitterballen.
🌟 Foodhallen (Kinkerstraat): A trendy indoor food market where you can try gourmet versions.
🌟 Café Loetje (multiple locations): Known for its steaks, but also serves excellent bitterballen.
8. 🍫 Dutch Licorice (Drop)
Licorice, or drop, is a love-it-or-hate-it snack in the Netherlands. The Dutch are obsessed with it, eating more licorice per person than any other country. It comes in all sorts of varieties: sweet, salty, double salty, hard, soft, even shaped like coins. For first-timers, it can be a shock, especially the salty kinds, but it’s worth trying at least once. Drop is the kind of typical Dutch food in Amsterdam that makes you feel like a local, if you can handle it.
🌟 Het Oud-Hollandsch Snoepwinkeltje (Rozengracht): A nostalgic candy shop selling traditional Dutch sweets.
🌟 Albert Heijn Supermarket (multiple locations): Easy to grab a bag of drop anywhere in the city.
9. 🥔 Stamppot
Stamppot is a hearty Dutch dish combining mashed potatoes with vegetables such as kale, sauerkraut, or carrots, usually topped with smoked sausage and gravy. Traditionally eaten during winter, it is comfort food at its finest. This dish showcases Dutch resourcefulness, blending simple ingredients into a filling and flavorful meal. Eating stamppot in Amsterdam is like tasting history, as families have passed down these recipes for generations, reflecting the warm, homely side of Dutch cuisine.
🌟 Stamppot Amsterdam (Leliegracht): Cozy spot specializing in traditional stamppot dishes.
🌟 Moeders (Rozengracht): Homemade recipes in charming mother-themed décor.
10. 🥞 Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes)
Dutch pancakes are large, thin, and versatile, somewhere between a crêpe and a pancake. Toppings can be sweet, like apples, syrup, or powdered sugar, or savory, like bacon and cheese. They are commonly enjoyed at pancake houses, which range from historic canal-side spots to modern eateries. Pannenkoeken are social and fun, often served stacked and shared, making them a favorite for families and tourists alike. Each bite showcases the Dutch ability to elevate simple ingredients into a satisfying, delicious meal.
🌟 Amsterdam Pancake Boat: Enjoy unlimited Dutch pancakes while cruising the canals, combining sightseeing and culinary fun.
🌟 De Carrousel Pannenkoeken (Weteringschans): Fun themed pancakes in a historic setting.
🌟 The Pancake Bakery (Prinsengracht): Canal-side warehouse with legendary pancakes.
11. 🍖 Kroket
The kroket is a deep-fried snack filled with creamy meat ragout inside a crispy shell. It’s a beloved Dutch classic often enjoyed as street food or in cafes. Eating a kroket is a sensory experience, from the crunch of the golden exterior to the savory, creamy filling. Variations may include beef, chicken, or vegetarian options, each reflecting Dutch innovation in comfort snacks. Kroketten are a staple for locals, proving that simple ingredients can create something deliciously memorable.
🌟 Febo (Multiple locations): Famous self-serve croquettes for a quick snack.
🌟 Van Dobben (Rokin): Iconic bakery with high-quality kroketten.
🌟 Café de Klos (Kerkstraat): Cozy café with fresh, crispy kroketten.
12. 🍫 Hagelslag
Hagelslag are chocolate or fruit sprinkles eaten on buttered bread for breakfast or a snack. Simple, sweet, and nostalgic, they are a staple of Dutch childhood. The Dutch often eat them daily, turning a slice of bread into a fun, indulgent treat. Hagelslag demonstrates the Dutch knack for turning minimal ingredients into something comforting and playful. Enjoying hagelslag is a unique cultural experience, giving you a direct taste of everyday Dutch life.
🌟 Albert Heijn (Citywide): Classic supermarket version for self-serving.
🌟 Hema (Multiple locations): Well-known for chocolate and fruity varieties.
13. 🐟 Kibbeling
Kibbeling consists of bite-sized chunks of white fish, battered and deep-fried, often served with garlic or tartar sauce. The crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior make it perfect as a street snack. It’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike, often enjoyed while walking through markets or along the canals. Kibbeling reflects the Dutch love for seafood and their skill in turning simple ingredients into a delicious, shareable snack.
🌟 Volendammer Vishandel (Albert Cuyp Market): Bustling stand with fresh fried fish.
🌟 Frens Haringhandel (Koningsplein): Famous for herring, also excellent kibbeling.
14. 🍰 Tompouce
Tompouce is a layered pastry with smooth cream sandwiched between puff pastry, topped with pink icing (orange on King’s Day). It’s elegant yet playful, enjoyed as a dessert or treat with coffee. The silky cream contrasts perfectly with crisp pastry, and the colorful topping makes it visually iconic. Eating a tompouce is a small Dutch ritual, and it offers a sweet, delicate glimpse into traditional Dutch baking and pastry artistry.
🌟 Hema (Multiple locations): Delicious fresh pastries.
🌟 Holtkamp (Van Baerlestraat): Historic bakery with high-quality tompouces.
15. 🍏 Dutch Apple Pie
Dutch apple pie is deep, packed with cinnamon-spiced apples, raisins, and a buttery crust. Often topped with whipped cream, it’s a cozy and indulgent treat. Unlike other apple pies, it’s less sweet and more textured, giving a rich, comforting flavor that’s perfect with coffee. Each bite tells a story of Dutch baking traditions, balancing fruit, spice, and pastry into a warm, homely experience that’s ideal for any time of day.
🌟 Patisserie Holtkamp (Van Baerlestraat): Classic, buttery pies.
🌟 Café Winkel 43 (Noordermarkt): Famous for its apple pies with perfect cinnamon flavor.
16. 🍞 Ontbijtkoek
Ontbijtkoek is a spiced gingerbread cake traditionally eaten for breakfast with butter. Dense, flavorful, and mildly sweet, it’s rich in cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The Dutch enjoy it as a morning staple or midday snack, often paired with coffee or tea. This simple yet aromatic cake showcases Dutch spice traditions and their ability to create comfort with modest ingredients. Eating ontbijtkoek feels like tasting Dutch mornings themselves.
🌟 Albert Heijn (Citywide): Widely available pre-sliced and ready to eat.
🌟 Jumbo Supermarket (Multiple locations): Freshly stocked with various flavors.
🌟 Lidl (Citywide): Affordable option with classic spiced cakes.
17. 🌭 Rookworst
Rookworst is a traditional Dutch smoked sausage, usually served warm alongside stamppot or hutspot. It’s made from seasoned pork or beef, smoked to perfection, giving it a deep, savory flavor that’s both smoky and slightly sweet. Rookworst is a winter favorite in the Netherlands, often paired with mashed potatoes or vegetable stews. Its rich aroma and tender texture make it a comforting, hearty dish, and it embodies the Dutch talent for turning simple meat into a flavor-packed culinary staple.
🌟 Stamppot Amsterdam (Nieuwmarkt): Traditional Dutch dishes including rookworst with fresh sides.
🌟 HEMA (Multiple locations): Pre-cooked rookworst and Dutch classics available for take-home or casual dining.
🌟 Albert Heijn (Citywide): Pre-cooked rookworst for at-home enjoyment.
18. 🥘 Hutspot
Hutspot is a classic Dutch dish made of mashed potatoes, carrots, and onions, often served with rookworst. Traditionally eaten during colder months, it’s hearty, filling, and comforting. The vegetables are boiled and mashed together, giving a naturally sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with savory sausage. Hutspot reflects Dutch home-cooking traditions, combining simplicity, nutrition, and robust flavors in a dish that’s been enjoyed for centuries, especially on national celebrations like Leidens Ontzet.
🌟 Stamppot Amsterdam (Nieuwmarkt): Fresh, traditional hutspot with authentic flavor.
19. 🍪 Speculaas
Speculaas are spiced cookies traditionally enjoyed during Sinterklaas celebrations but beloved year-round. Made with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, they are crunchy, aromatic, and slightly sweet. These cookies showcase Dutch spice trading history and their talent for simple yet flavorful baked goods. Perfect with tea or coffee, speculaas are a snack that’s both cozy and indulgent. Eating them in Amsterdam feels like tasting centuries of tradition in a single, crisp bite.
🌟 Albert Heijn (Citywide): Widely available pre-packaged or freshly stocked in-store.
🌟 Jumbo Supermarket (Multiple locations): Affordable and convenient with several varieties.
🌟 Lidl (Citywide): Classic Dutch spiced cookies at a budget-friendly price.
20. 🍩 Oliebollen
Oliebollen are Dutch deep-fried dough balls, often filled with raisins or apple bits, dusted with powdered sugar. They are traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve but are available year-round at markets and fairs. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, oliebollen are sweet, indulgent, and comforting. They capture the festive spirit of Dutch celebrations and are a nostalgic treat for locals. Eating oliebollen fresh from a market stall in Amsterdam is a sensory experience: warm, aromatic, and utterly irresistible.
🌟 Olliebollenkramen on the streets in December-January typically.
🗺️ Map of 20 Best Typical Dutch Food to Try in Amsterdam
Exploring typical Dutch food in Amsterdam is like taking a delicious journey through the city’s history and culture. From sweet stroopwafels to crispy patat, savory kroketten to comforting stamppot, every dish tells a story. Eating like a local means savoring these flavors in the cafés, markets, and bakeries that make Amsterdam so unique. So grab your appetite, follow your taste buds, and enjoy the full spectrum of Dutch culinary delights.
📖 Amsterdam Travel Guide
See my full Amsterdam Travel Guide for more tips on what to do, where to eat, where to stay, day trips and itineraries!
Join Mailing List
🌍 Stay in the Loop! ✈️
Love travel, food, and discovering hidden gems around the world? Join my mailing list to get exclusive travel tips, foodie finds, behind-the-scenes moments, and updates from my latest adventures, straight to your inbox.
No spam, just wanderlust. 💌
