If you’re new to the Netherlands, you might be curious about what the Dutch eat. While you can find international food in most towns and cities, experiencing traditional Dutch cuisine is a must! From sweet treats to hearty meals, here are five Dutch specialties you should try.
1. Stroopwafel
A stroopwafel is one of the most famous Dutch treats. This thin, round waffle is filled with a delicious caramel syrup. You can find packaged stroopwafels in supermarkets, but the best way to enjoy one is fresh from a street market, where they are warm, soft, and extra tasty. Many Dutch people also enjoy placing a stroopwafel over a cup of hot coffee or tea, letting the caramel filling melt slightly before taking a bite.
2. Stamppot
When the colder months arrive, Dutch people turn to stamppot, a traditional comfort dish made by mashing potatoes with vegetables like kale, spinach, or carrots. A classic version called hutspot consists of mashed potatoes, carrots, and onions. Stamppot is usually served with a smoked sausage – rookworst – and sometimes topped with gravy. It’s a simple yet hearty meal, perfect for warming up after a long day at work.
3. Bitterballen
If you’re out for a drink with friends or colleagues after work or over the weekend, you’ll likely see people ordering bitterballen. These deep-fried, bite-sized snacks have a crispy outer layer and a soft, savory filling made of beef or veal ragout. They are typically served with mustard and are a popular snack in bars, cafés, and social gatherings. If you enjoy croquettes, you’ll love bitterballen!
4. Frikandel
A frikandel is a unique Dutch fast-food snack. This skinless sausage, made from a mixture of meats, is deep-fried and often served with mayonnaise, curry ketchup, and chopped onions. You can find frikandel at snack bars across the Netherlands, where it’s usually eaten with fries. One variation, the frikandel speciaal, comes sliced open with sauces and onions inside.
5. Hagelslag
For those with a sweet tooth, hagelslag is a fun and tasty breakfast treat. These tiny chocolate sprinkles are commonly spread over buttered bread, making for a surprisingly simple but delicious way to start the day. While chocolate is the most popular flavor, you can also find hagelslag in flavors like vanilla, fruit, and aniseed.
Food at a kringverjaardag (circle birthday)
If you attend a Dutch birthday party, you’ll almost certainly experience a kringverjaardag, where guests sit in a circle and enjoy traditional Dutch party snacks. Expect to see cheese cubes, small sausages, and leverworst – liver sausage – on the table.
Crackers with herring or egg salad might also be served. Drinks typically include coffee, beer, or jenever (Dutch gin). While it might be different from parties you’re used to, kringverjaardag are a key part of Dutch culture and a great way to socialize with locals.
Learn more about life in the Netherlands
Dutch cuisine is simple, hearty, and full of tradition! Whether you’re enjoying a stroopwafel at a market or trying bitterballen at a bar, each dish offers a delicious taste of Dutch culture. Want to learn more about living and working in the Netherlands?
Explore other blogs with useful tips and insights into Dutch life: https://www.inaxtion.com/news/
