21 Dutch Tasty Foods and Treats to try in The Netherlands
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I'm tired of all the whining about the Dutch weather, Dutch simplicity, and Dutch food. After living in the Netherlands for four years, I can honestly say I'm so happy with the Dutch way of life. I actually enjoy the sight of the sun peeking through the rain clouds and the down-to-earth lifestyle of the Dutchies. And don't even get me started on their delicious food! Once, a fellow Indian challenged me to name my favorite Dutch dishes, but she ended up feeling embarrassed when I listed off a variety of tasty treats and explained why I loved them. So, I've decided to share my top 21 must-try Dutch foods with you. Sure, it may not compare to the richness of Indian cuisine or the culinary prowess of Italy, but it has its own unique flavors and quirks. I could happily indulge in a stampot any day for comfort or enjoy a Lekkerbek as my Sunday midday meal. And let's not forget about bitterballen, the ultimate go-to party snack. Give them a chance, you might just be pleasantly surprised!
Bitterballen
One of the highlights of the Dutch borrel is the delectable deep-fried golden balls called bitterballen. With a crispy brown breading on the outside and a savory cheese filling, they are simply irresistible.
Dip them in a heavenly mustard sauce and pair them with a refreshing beer, and you've got the perfect combination for a satisfying day.
Stroopwafel
Stroopwafels, the beloved Dutch treat, are circular biscuits with a delightful syrup filling. Available in flavors like chocolate, caramel, and vanilla sugar, these sweet treats originated in Gouda in the 18th century.
Whether enjoyed in bite-sized form or as larger circular discs, stroopwafels make for the perfect souvenir from the Netherlands, capturing the essence of the land of windmills.
Pepernoten and Kruidnoten
The St. Nicolas festive favorite of every Dutch kid are the notens (nuts) in various flavors. Common ones are the cinnamon flavored or the spiced ones. Whether store-bought or homemade, they add a festive touch to the season and are perfect for munching on during holiday celebrations.
Aardappel frites
With potatoes and sweet potatoes making up the largest agricultural produce of the Dutch, it is no surprise that frites or fries are such a hit in this country. Unlike the thin and long French fries, Dutch fries are chunky and substantial, with the flavor of the root vegetable infused into every bite.
For the best fries in Holland, head to Mannenken Pis fries, where they proudly claim to serve the finest fries in the country. I can personally vouch for their claim, as they offer a wide variety of sauces to accompany their high-quality fries. My personal favorite is their kaassaus, or cheese sauce, which pairs perfectly with a medium-sized portion of their delicious fries.
Zoete Aardappel frites
If you prefer a leaner and longer version of fries, then you must try the sweet potato fries. They are a must-try, especially when served with truffle mayo sauce. Once you taste them, you may never want to go back to regular potato fries again. While some may market sweet potato fries as a healthier alternative, I can't say for sure. But regardless of their health benefits, they have definitely won me over with their irresistible taste.
Stamppot
Get ready to unleash your inner Dutchness with the ultimate mash-up of veggies! Mash those potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, onions, cabbage, lettuce, turnip greens, and kale, and top it off with sauerkraut. It's stamppot time! Complete the transformation by adding a smoked sausage called rookworst, drizzling it with white sauce, and seasoning with a sprinkle of pepper and salt. Voila! You'll be feeling more Dutch than ever before. This seasonal dish is perfect for winter, bringing warmth to your soul and making it a kid-friendly favorite with its easy-to-digest mashed goodness.
Kaastengels
Kaastengels, also known as cheese sticks or cheese fingers, are a delightful Dutch snack that perfectly combines the flavors of cheese with a crispy texture. Made with a mixture of flour, butter, and grated cheese, these finger-shaped treats are baked to golden perfection. They are a popular choice for drinks, especially when paired with a tangy honey mustard sauce or a flavorful coriander chutney. As cheese is one of the Netherlands' most important agricultural products, it's no surprise that they have found creative ways to incorporate it into their cuisine. Kaastengels are a delicious example of this, offering a tasty twist on traditional cheese consumption.
Poffertjes
Mini pancakes often served with a topping of powdered sugar, syrup, chocolate or strawberries or a mix is a popular treat for kids and adults alike. Mostly popular at Saturday markets or tourist destinations, these poffertjes finish quickly as they are bite sized and quite addictive. Because of this reason alone, I've taken matters into my own hands and become the poffertjes master of my own kitchen. No more shelling out €6 for a measly plate of 6 poffertjes!
With my trusty poffertjespan, I can whip up a batch of these fluffy delights whenever I please. And let me tell you, the amount of butter and sugar involved is positively scandalous! But hey, who said indulgence couldn't be a DIY project?
Pannenkoeken
In the Netherlands, pancakes are a delightful departure from the thick and fluffy American style. Instead, they are thin, crisp, and flat, reminiscent of French crepes or Indian dosas. These versatile treats can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory variations. For a sweet treat, indulge in poffertjes, small fluffy pancakes topped with butter and powdered sugar. They can be eaten sweet like the poffertjes or regular with stuffings such as ham, mushrooms, pineapple, chicken or veggies only.
To truly experience the best of Dutch pancakes, visit one of the many specialty pannenkoekhuizen (pancake houses) scattered throughout the country, where pancakes are the star of the show.
Pompoensoep
As autumn arrives in the Netherlands, pumpkins take center stage as one of the abundant vegetables of the season. And with that comes the preparation of pompoensoep or pumpkin soup, which is wondrous during the cold days. Perfect for warming up on chilly days, this soup is a delightful blend of flavors that showcases the natural sweetness and earthiness of the pumpkin. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a main course, pompoensoep is a must-try Dutch dish during the autumn months of September and October.
Lekkerbek and Kibbeling
In the Netherlands, the local version of the beloved fish and chips is known as Lekkerbek and frites or Kibbeling and frites. Made with cod sourced from the seas surrounding the country, this dish is a favorite among locals.
Whether served as a whole fillet (Lekkerbek) or as bite-sized pieces (Kibbeling), you can find it at fish stalls and restaurants near the beaches. It's a delicious and popular food that captures the essence of Dutch coastal cuisine.
Herring (Hollandse Nieuwe or Haring)
If you haven't seen it already, there's a unique Dutch tradition of enjoying raw herring by tilting your head back and devouring it in one bite, holding it by its tail.
This iconic dish, often served with onions, is a must-try when visiting the Netherlands. In fishing towns, you can find freshly caught herring sold by fishermen for just a euro or two, and locals love to savor it raw. It's a cultural experience that shouldn't be missed!
Kip saté or Chicken Satay
Indonesian cuisine has had a significant influence on Dutch food, and one dish that perfectly showcases this fusion is the delectable chicken satay.
These skewered chicken cubes, coated in a sweet and savory satay sauce, are a must-try for anyone visiting the Netherlands. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack, paired with a refreshing drink, or served as party appetizers, chicken satay is a crowd-pleaser that will leave you craving for more.
Oliebollen and Krentebollen
As December approaches and Christmas draws near, you'll find stalls popping up all over the Netherlands selling olliebollen and krentbollen. These delightful treats are golden-fried balls of dough, either plain or filled with raisins, apples, or chocolate. They are dusted with powdered sugar and pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee.
While olliebollen are typically enjoyed with sweet fillings, have you ever tried them with savory veggie fillings? It's a unique twist on a classic Dutch treat that is definitely worth a try! If the filling is currants then that’s the krentenbollen.
Frikandel
A hit with the kids and adults alike, frikandel is a beloved Dutch snack that can be enjoyed in various ways. These fried sausages, filled with either meat or cheese, are eaten with a bun (broodje) and are a popular choice for a quick and tasty meal. For the little ones, pairing frikandel with a refreshing glass of applesap (apple juice) is a winning combination. On the other hand, adults can savor the flavors of frikandel with a cold, frosty beer, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
Hagelslag
While I wouldn’t really suggest it as a breakfast choice, but one more item added to the list on sweet breakfast options that line up the supermarket shelves in Netherlands is the hagelslag. It is basically chocolate sprinkles that is spread on bread creating a sandwich like treat. The epitome of yumminess! But should be eaten in moderation and not like a breakfast item that’s my personal opinion. In Dutch culture, hagelslag is not only enjoyed as a sweet treat on bread but also used in unique ways, such as during baby showers. It has become a tradition to use blue or pink hagelslag to reveal the gender of the baby.
Kroketten
Kroketten, the Dutch take on croquettes, are a delightful snack that combines a crispy, golden coating with a mouthwatering filling of meat, seafood, or cheese. These delectable treats are deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a satisfying crunch that gives way to a burst of flavor. Whether enjoyed as a quick bite or as part of a larger meal, kroketten are a must-try for those seeking a taste of Dutch culinary creativity.
Erwtensoep
If you've ever experienced winter in a cold country, chances are you've indulged in the comforting goodness of split pea soup. This hearty winter dish is made with a base of peas, root vegetables, and flavorful smoked pork. It's the perfect remedy for chilly days, warming both the body and the soul with its rich and satisfying flavors.
Appeltaart
I knew in an instant that appeltaart (applecake) is famous in Netherlands when my Luxembourg based cousin stated that she wanted to try this really awesome appeltaart that she’d seen on Instagram on her first visit to Netherlands. And why not? A delicious heavenly dessert made with cinnamon-spiced apples, raisins and piled up with a dollop of slagroom (cream) is made to tease every human’s sweet tooth.
Drops (Licorice)
While I haven't had the pleasure of indulging in them myself, the Dutch are absolutely wild about their licorice-flavored candies. These little drops come in all sorts of shapes and are available in two distinct flavors. Some are soft and sweet, while others are hard and salty, earning them the charming names of Zoute Drop (salted licorice) and Doubbel Zoute Drop (double salted licorice). The Dutch hold the title for the largest producer of licorice in the EU.
Gouda Kaassoep
I highly recommend making a trip to Gouda to experience the incredible Gouda kaas (cheese) soup.
This rich and flavorful soup is made by slow boiling Gouda old cheese, potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic, resulting in a dish that nourishes both the body and the soul. The taste of Gouda cheese in this soup is truly exceptional and will leave you craving for more.
If you need a nudge, get hold of me in Holland and you surely would need no more motivation to get your hands on these fine Dutch treats. Would you let me know when you’ve tried these Dutch delicacies?
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