Dutch food is known for hearty, comforting dishes made with local ingredients. Here are ten Dutch dishes and snacks to try while you are in the Netherlands.
Ten Dutch dishes and snacks to try
- Stamppot: a traditional Dutch dish of mashed potatoes, usually served with sausage, bacon or gravy. Popular variations include stamppot boerenkool (mashed potatoes and kale) and stamppot zuurkool (mashed potatoes and sauerkraut).
- Pannenkoeken: Dutch pancakes, thinner and larger than American pancakes. They can be served with sweet or savoury toppings, such as bacon and syrup or apples and cinnamon.
- Kroketten: deep-fried croquettes filled with meat or vegetables. They are a popular snack and can be found at most snack bars.
- Hutspot: a traditional Dutch mash of potatoes, carrots and onions, often served with meat such as beef or pork.
- Bitterballen: deep-fried balls of beef or veal ragout, usually served with mustard for dipping.
- Rijsttafel: a Dutch-Indonesian meal made up of many small dishes, such as curries, satay and fried rice. It is a popular way to try a variety of flavours.
- Stroopwafels: thin, crispy waffles filled with a sweet syrup made from caramelised sugar. You can find them at most street markets and cafés.
- Kibbeling: fried chunks of fish, usually cod, and a popular street food.
- Kapsalon: a dish that originated in Rotterdam: french fries topped with döner meat and cheese, heated in the oven until the cheese melts and finished with salad.
- Bittergarnituur: a plate of mixed fried snacks, such as bitterballen, small kroketten and frikandellen, typically served with drinks.
Eet smakelijk: enjoy your meal
Dutch cuisine offers a range of hearty dishes and sweet treats. Whether you are in the mood for a comforting stamppot or a stroopwafel, there is something for everyone in the Netherlands.
Read more about life in the Netherlands on our blog, or start with things to do in your first months.