Blog: Food and The Netherlands

Unlike Italy, France, or Greece, The Netherlands isn’t exactly well known for its traditional dishes. With that being said, there are some Dutch delicacies you should definitely try during your stay. Here is a quick collection of some of the most famous (or infamous) Dutch dishes and treats for you to taste.

1. Hagelslag – can you imagine a better way to start the day than with toasted bread spread with an delicious amount of butter and covered in sprinkles? Yes, that’s actually a real thing in here. In fact, hagelslag – the sprinkles – are considered the most popular bread topping in the country among children.
2. Gouda Kaas – this Dutch cheese is one of the most popular cheeses around the world, and when you visit The Netherlands you can even make a trip to the Gouda to see the city where it gets its name.
3. Pannenkoeken or poffertjes – served with both sweet and savoury toppings. The delicious pancakes are thinner than American pancakes, but thicker than French crepes. Poffertjes – these mini pancakes are much more similar to American-style pancakes than pannenkoeken in terms of consistency and taste, however they are much smaller than American pancakes. Poffertjes you eat with butter and sugar. Pannenkoeken with bacon and syrup.
4. Bitterballen a savoury Dutch snack often eaten when having drinks at a pub, these hot balls of meat are deep fried, resulting in a crunchy outer layer and a smooth consistency inside. Best with a cold Heineken or one of the many craft beers from the microbreweries.
5. Stroopwafels 
   These are a typical Dutch cookie made of a layer of stroop (syrup) sandwiched between two thin waffles. Bring a pack home from your visit and surprise your family with how delicious Dutch food can be. You can buy them at any supermarket and they are also available at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.