5 must-try Dutch food for your stay in Amsterdam 🍛
Most visitors to Amsterdam know very little about Dutch food before they arrive. Depending on where they’re from, they may have tried some rubbery imitation Gouda or Edam cheese, or they might be under the illusion that everyone eats hash brownies for breakfast. Luckily, neither of these are the reality. And while Dutch food is still pretty undiscovered internationally, this only makes it more of an adventure for the first-time visitor to try it… So if you’re coming to Amsterdam, here are five foods you simply can’t leave without trying.
Let’s dive into some must-try local food in Amsterdam!
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1. Stroopwafels 🧇
Let’s start with dessert. Or rather, a sweet snack you can find an excuse for at any time of the day. Stroopwafel literally means “syrup waffle” and is essentially a spiced wafer split in half and sandwiched with a layer of caramel. You may have had them abroad in cafes, but you probably haven’t had one fresh from the waffle press, with caramel still warm and oozing out of the sides. You can find them at Lanskroon bakery on the Singel canal, or at various market stalls. They’re way better than the plastic-wrapped supermarket versions and are the perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Best places to try waffles in Amsterdam
🧇 Lanskroon Bakery (near Singel canal)
🧇 Wonder Waffle at Lindengracht market
Staying at MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam City West? Here’s a local fave you’ve gotta try:
🧇 Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels at Albert Cuyp Market: Handmade, warm, gooey, and super authentic. They bake them right in front of you.
🧇 Melly’s Stroopwafels near Dam Square: Lots of toppings (Oreo, white choc, vegan options too!)
🧇 Van Wonderen Stroopwafels on Kalverstraat: Insta-famous for a reason and so tasty
2. Bitterballen
Searingly hot in the middle, bitterballen are the kings of Amsterdam bar snacks. Bitterballen are hard to describe because their recipe is rather mysterious: picture a round, crunchy beef meatball filled with creamy stew. The breadcrumbs on the outside are deep-fried to golden perfection, while the mushy, beefy inside heats up to nuclear temperatures. Almost every brown café serves these popular beer snacks, so you’ll have no problem finding them. Dip them in mustard and enjoy them with a beer (and maybe a burned tongue if you’re too eager).
3. Gouda (the real deal!) 🧀
It’s not until you come to Holland that you will try real-deal Gouda, matured for up to two years to give it that salty, grainy, almost crystalized texture that can resemble the best Parmigiano-Reggiano. If that’s a little strong for your taste, there are plenty of younger, more accessible versions available that are creamy and moreish (nothing like the plasticky stuff in the supermarkets back home). Again, the Dutch love their cheese dipped in mustard alongside a beer (sounds familiar?).
4. Herring
If you’re a fan of sashimi, you’ll love the raw herring that’s sold at fish stalls and fishmongers throughout the city. Dutch herring is brined, not pickled, so it doesn’t have that vinegary flavour you associate with rollmops or bismarck herring. And it’s not as salty as you’d think, either. The best time to eat herring is when the Hollandse Nieuwe (new herring) comes in from the North Sea (usually in early June) but it’s good any time of year. The Amsterdammers eat it with raw onions – definitely not a first date food.
5. Indonesian rijsttafel
While this may not sound very Dutch, it’s a speciality you absolutely must try when in Amsterdam. Indonesia was a colony of the Netherlands for many years, which means the city has a high concentration of Indonesian restaurants serving up a so-called “rijsttafel”. Although it’s something of a Dutch invention (locals in Indonesia aren’t eating rijsttafels), it’s a great way to try lots of dishes in one meal. Literally translating as “rice table”, you’ll be presented with dozens of small dishes, ranging from mild to super-spicy, to eat with rice. As we say in Dutch, eet smakelijk!
Bonus: Patat (Dutch fries) 🍟
You haven’t done Amsterdam properly until you’ve eaten patat (which is probably the most famous Dutch food)—thick, crispy fries with toppings that go way beyond ketchup.
Must-try combos:
🍟 Patat met – classic with mayo
🍟 Patat oorlog – “war fries” with satay peanut sauce, mayo, and raw onions
🍟 Patat speciaal – curry ketchup, mayo, and onions
You’ll find patat at every corner: food stalls, “Patatzaak” shops, and market fry stands. It’s probably the best street food in Amsterdam for a quick, hot, budget-friendly snack.
Must-try Dutch food in Amsterdam: FAQs
What are some must-try traditional Dutch snacks in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam offers a variety of tasty Dutch snacks. Some top recommendations include:
> Stroopwafels (syrup waffles)
> Poffertjes (mini fluffy pancakes)
> Bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs)
> Kroketten
> Haring (raw herring with onions and pickles)
> Patat (Dutch fries with various toppings like mayo or peanut sauce)Where can I try authentic Dutch cheese in Amsterdam?
Head to the Amsterdam Cheese Museum, Henri Willig Cheese Shops, or Old Amsterdam Cheese Store to sample iconic cheeses like Gouda and Edam. Many of these shops offer free tastings.
What is a stroopwafel and where should I try one?
A stroopwafel is a thin waffle sandwich with sweet syrup filling. Try them fresh at Albert Cuyp Market or Van Wonderen Stroopwafels for a warm, chewy treat.
Is raw herring really popular in the Netherlands?
Yes, raw herring is a Dutch delicacy. You can enjoy it from traditional herring carts around the city, often served with pickles and chopped onions. It’s especially popular in the summer months.
What is the best place to try Dutch fries in Amsterdam?
Check out Vleminckx Sausmeesters, one of the city's most famous fry spots, or Manneken Pis. Dutch fries (patat) are thick-cut and typically served in a paper cone with a variety of sauces.
Are there vegetarian-friendly Dutch food options in Amsterdam?
Yes! Try vegetarian poffertjes, cheese-filled kaassoufflés, or fries with sauce. Many modern eateries offer vegetarian versions of traditional Dutch snacks as well.
What drink pairs well with Dutch snacks?
Dutch beers like Heineken, Amstel, or local craft brews are great with snacks like bitterballen or cheese. For non-alcoholic options, try Chocomel (Dutch chocolate milk) or local sodas.
What is the difference between bitterballen and kroketten?
Both are filled with a savory meat ragout, but bitterballen are small, round, and served as bar snacks. Kroketten are cylindrical and often eaten in sandwiches or from vending machines like FEBO.
Are Dutch markets a good place to try local food?
Absolutely. Markets like Albert Cuypmarkt, Noordermarkt, and Ten Katemarkt offer a wide range of traditional Dutch bites, from fresh stroopwafels to pickled herring and cheese.
Can I try all these foods on a budget in Amsterdam?
Yes! Many Dutch snacks are street food staples and very affordable. Visit local markets, snack bars, or vending machine spots like FEBO to taste a variety without breaking the bank.
Wanna get ready for your next trip to the Netherlands? Check out our blog posts for some inspo:
🌷 King’s Day in the Netherlands
🌷 Fun facts about Amsterdam
🌷 Amsterdam Light Festival
🌷 Amsterdam shopping guide
🌷 Amsterdam on a budget
🌷 Dutch carnival vibes
🛏️ Where to stay: MEININGER Hotels in Amsterdam
MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam City West
📍 Right by Sloterdijk Station – perfect connection to the airport & city center
✨ Modern, clean, social vibes with shared kitchen & game zone
MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam Amstel
📍 Located by Amstel Station – quieter but still central
✨ Stylish rooms, comfy beds, great for groups or families
Both are budget-friendly and perfect bases for your Amsterdam food adventure!
