Famous Dutch Cuisine

Traditional, typical & famous...

Haring ‘Hollandse Nieuwe'

Haring, or 'Hollandse Nieuwe' as it's known in Dutch, stands out as one of the most iconic culinary delights of the Netherlands. For fish enthusiasts, it's a must-try experience. This delicacy features raw herring served alongside finely chopped raw onions and gherkins, presenting a harmonious blend of flavors.

Partaking in haring isn't just about the taste; it's a cherished Dutch tradition. In the Netherlands, enjoying new herring involves a distinctive ritual: raising the herring by its tail and taking a satisfying bite upward. Alternatively, you can savor this delicacy in smaller portions or nestled within a 'broodje haring' sandwich.

To earn the label of 'Hollandse Nieuwe,' the herring must be caught between May and July and undergo a meticulous preparation process following Dutch customs. This involves cleaning the fish, removing its head, and preserving it with salt in a specialized manner. Throughout Amsterdam, herring enthusiasts can find this culinary treasure in shops and at street stands, beckoning both locals and visitors alike.

Stroopwafel

Renowned worldwide, the 'stroopwafel' stands as the quintessential pastry hailing from the Netherlands. This unique delicacy takes the form of a waffle-like cookie, crafted from baked batter and sliced horizontally. Between its two thin layers lies a delectable filling of special sweet and sticky syrup, known as 'stroop.'

Originating from Gouda, a town south of Amsterdam, the 'stroopwafel' has a rich history dating back to the late 18th or early 19th century. Legend has it that a resourceful baker concocted it using leftover bakery ingredients, such as breadcrumbs, sweetened with syrup.

These beloved treats are readily available in every supermarket, ensuring easy access for both locals and visitors alike to indulge in this Dutch delicacy.

Kroket

While the Netherlands may not be globally acclaimed for its cuisine, its snack game is unrivalled. Take, for instance, the 'kroket' – a deep-fried roll filled with savory meat ragout and encased in crispy breadcrumbs. Known as croquette in English, the original Dutch 'kroket' typically features beef or veal, though a myriad of flavors abound, including chicken satay, shrimp, goulash, and even vegetarian options.

Enjoyed as a snack in its own right, 'kroket' often finds itself nestled between slices of white bread or within hamburger buns, accompanied by a side of mustard. Caution is advised, as biting into a 'kroket' may unleash a burst of piping-hot filling.

Poffertjes

Poffertjes are a traditional Dutch treat that look like small, fluffy pancakes. Made with yeast and buckwheat flour, they are typically served with a dollop of butter and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. During winter, fresh poffertjes are often prepared at outdoor stands and served on a small cardboard plate with a tiny fork. While butter and powdered sugar are the most common toppings, whipped cream, syrup, and strawberries are also popular options.

Bitterballen

Bitterballen are a favorite Dutch snack, commonly found in nearly every café and bar due to their delicious pairing with beer. These savory, meat-based balls are deep-fried and traditionally served with mustard. Each bitterbal has a crunchy breadcrumb coating and a soft, hot filling inside. The filling consists of a mixture of beef, beef broth, butter, flour for thickening, and spices, resulting in a thick ragout. Bitterballen are similar to kroketten in terms of ingredients, preparation, and flavor.

Kaas

No list of famous Dutch foods would be complete without mentioning cheese. The Dutch have been making cheese since 800 B.C., and the Netherlands is the largest cheese exporter in the world. With an average consumption of 21 kilograms per person per year, it’s clear that the Dutch love their cheese. They enjoy it for breakfast, on sandwiches for lunch, or as a snack (cut into cubes) served with mustard at the end of the day. It pairs beautifully with a glass of wine or beer.

Most Dutch cheeses are semi-hard or hard. Gouda and Edam are the most popular varieties, but there are many other types of Dutch cheese to explore.

You can find these cheeses at a local Dutch cheese shop, market or local store.

Olieballen

Oliebollen are a traditional Dutch treat typically enjoyed on New Year's Eve. Similar in taste to donuts, they are often homemade during the winter holidays but can also be purchased from mobile stands on the streets during this season. Oliebollen are usually dusted with powdered sugar.

Literally meaning "oil balls," oliebollen are deep-fried dough balls made from a mixture of eggs, yeast, salt, flour, milk, and baking powder. There are two common varieties: plain or filled with raisins or currants.