Amsterdam is not just famous for its canals, museums, and cycling culture—it’s also home to a rich food scene that blends tradition with modern influences.
Whether visiting for a short layover or spending a full day in the city, experiencing Dutch cuisine is a must.
Dutch food may not be as internationally known as Italian or French cuisine, but it offers unique and comforting flavors that reflect the country’s history and culture.
From crispy bitterballen to the sweet and chewy stroopwafel, there’s no shortage of delicious bites to try while exploring Amsterdam.
If you’re short on time and wondering how to make the most of your visit, check out this 12-hour itinerary in Amsterdam to plan your day efficiently.
Whether grabbing a quick bite from a street vendor or dining at a cozy eetcafé, here’s your guide to the must-try Dutch dishes and where to find them in the city.
Table of Contents
Traditional Dutch Breakfast Dishes
Dutch breakfasts are simple but satisfying, with plenty of bread, cheese, and sweet toppings. Here are a few must-try morning delights:
Hagelslag (Chocolate Sprinkles on Bread)
A classic Dutch breakfast staple, hagelslag consists of buttered bread topped with chocolate sprinkles. It may sound unusual, but it’s a nostalgic favorite among Dutch people of all ages.
➡️ Where to Try: Buy fresh bread from Bakhuys Amsterdam and pick up hagelslag from any Albert Heijn supermarket to make your authentic Dutch breakfast.
Ontbijtkoek (Spiced Breakfast Cake)
This slightly sweet, spiced cake tastes like gingerbread and is often eaten with butter and coffee in the morning.
➡️ Where to Try: Visit De Bakkerswinkel, a cozy bakery in Amsterdam, for a homemade slice of ontbijtkoek.
Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes)
Dutch pancakes are more significant than American pancakes but are thinner and come with sweet and savory toppings. Popular options include bacon, apples, powdered sugar, and stroop (Dutch syrup).
➡️ Where to Try: The Pancake Bakery near Anne Frank House is one of the best places to try traditional Dutch pancakes.
Popular Dutch Lunch & Street Food
Dutch lunches are often light, but the street food scene in Amsterdam is packed with delicious and hearty snacks.
Bitterballen (Deep-Fried Meatballs)
A must-try Dutch bar snack, bitterballen are deep-fried balls filled with a rich, meaty ragout. They’re best enjoyed with mustard and a cold Dutch beer.
➡️ Where to Try: Café de Tuin in the Jordaan district serves some of the best bitterballen in the city.
Broodje Kaas (Dutch Cheese Sandwich)
A simple but delicious cheese sandwich made with freshly baked bread and local Dutch cheese like Gouda or Edam.
➡️ Where to Try: Kaashuis Tromp in Amsterdam offers high-quality cheese sandwiches with fresh, local ingredients.
Haring (Raw Herring with Onions & Pickles)
One of the most famous Dutch street foods, haring is raw herring fish, often eaten with onions and pickles. You can eat it the Dutch way—by holding it by the tail and taking a bite—or in a sandwich called broodje haring.
➡️ Where to Try: Stubbe’s Haring, located near Centraal Station, is one of Amsterdam’s best spots for fresh herring.
Kapsalon (Loaded Fries with Meat & Cheese)
This modern Dutch fast-food dish includes a base of fries, topped with doner kebab meat, melted cheese, fresh lettuce, and garlic sauce. It’s an indulgent and filling meal, especially after a night out.
➡️ Where to Try: Snackbar Van Dobben, a legendary Amsterdam snack bar, serves excellent kapsalon.
Hearty Dutch Dinner Dishes
After a day of exploring Amsterdam, there’s nothing better than a warm, comforting Dutch dinner. Here are some classic dishes to try:
Stamppot (Mashed Potatoes with Vegetables & Sausage)
An authentic Dutch winter comfort food, stamppot is a hearty dish made by mashing potatoes with vegetables like kale, carrots, or sauerkraut. It’s usually served with rookworst, a smoked Dutch sausage.
➡️ Where to Try: Moeders, a cozy restaurant known for its traditional Dutch home-cooked meals, serves one of the best stamppots in Amsterdam.
Hutspot (Carrot, Onion & Potato Mash)
Like stamppot but with a sweeter taste, hutspot is made with mashed carrots, onions, and potatoes. This dish dates back to the 16th century and is a must-try for history-loving foodies.
➡️ Where to Try: The Pantry is a small, authentic Dutch restaurant in Amsterdam where you can enjoy a delicious hutspot.
Erwtensoep (Dutch Pea Soup)
A thick and hearty pea soup, erwtensoep, is traditionally eaten in winter and is packed with split peas, smoked sausage, and vegetables. It’s perfect for warming up on a cold day.
➡️ Where to Try: Hap-Hmm, a classic Dutch restaurant in Amsterdam, serves an excellent version of this traditional soup.
Kibbeling (Fried Fish Bites with Sauce)
Crispy, battered, deep-fried kibbeling is a popular Dutch seafood dish. It’s usually made with white fish, served with garlic or tartar sauce, and is an excellent alternative to British fish and chips.
➡️ Where to Try: Frens Haringhandel, located near the Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market), is one of the best places in Amsterdam to try fresh kibbeling.
Dutch Desserts & Sweet Treats
Dutch people love their sweets, and Amsterdam has some of the best bakeries and street food stalls to satisfy your cravings.
Stroopwafels (Caramel Syrup Waffles)
One of the most famous Dutch sweets, stroopwafels, are thin waffles with a gooey caramel syrup filling. They’re best eaten warm, when the caramel is soft and sticky.
➡️ Where to Try: Visit Van Wonderen Stroopwafels in Amsterdam for freshly made stroopwafels with various toppings.
Oliebollen (Dutch Doughnuts)
A traditional winter treat, oliebollen are deep-fried dough balls, often dusted with powdered sugar. They’re typically eaten around New Year’s, but you can find them at food stalls year-round.
➡️ Where to Try: During winter, try oliebollen at street markets like Albert Cuyp Markt or seasonal food stalls around the city.
Poffertjes (Mini Dutch Pancakes)
Fluffy, bite-sized Dutch pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar—poffertjes are a must-try dessert or snack.
➡️ Where to Try: Poffertjes Albert Cuyp at the Albert Cuyp Market serves some of the best poffertjes in Amsterdam.
Vlaai (Limburg-Style Fruit Pie)
Originally from the Limburg region, vlaai is a sweet fruit pie with a thin crust and various fillings like cherries, apples, or custard.
➡️ Where to Try: Winkel 43, famous for its apple pie, also serves delicious Limburg-style vlaai.
Bossche Bol (Chocolate-Covered Cream Puff)
A giant cream puff covered in a thick layer of chocolate, this Dutch pastry is rich, indulgent, and delicious.
➡️ Where to Try: Patisserie Holtkamp in Amsterdam is known for its incredible Bossche Bol.
Dutch Candy & Snacks
The Dutch love their unique sweets and snacks, many of which might surprise visitors.
Liquorice (Drop)
Dutch liquorice (drop) comes in many varieties, from sweet to extremely salty. It’s an acquired taste, but trying it is a fun experience for adventurous foodies.
➡️ Where to Try: Jamin, a candy store in Amsterdam, has a wide selection of Dutch liquorice.
Speculaas (Spiced Dutch Cookies)
These spiced shortbread cookies are often enjoyed with coffee and have a rich cinnamon flavor. They are especially popular during the Sinterklaas holiday season.
➡️ Where to Try: Lanskroon Bakery, near the city center, serves delicious homemade speculaas.
Famous Dutch Cheeses
The Netherlands is world-famous for its cheese, and Amsterdam is the perfect place to taste some of the best varieties. Here are the must-try Dutch cheeses:
Gouda
One of the most popular Dutch cheeses, Gouda is creamy, slightly sweet, and comes in both young (mild) and aged (strong) varieties.
➡️ Where to Try: Visit Henri Willig Cheese & More, a specialty cheese shop in Amsterdam, for free tastings and a wide selection of Gouda.
Edam
This small, round cheese with a red wax coating has a mild, slightly nutty flavor. It’s firmer than Gouda and perfect for snacking.
➡️ Where to Try: De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam, a famous cheese shop in the city, offers high-quality Edam cheese.
Leidse Kaas (Leiden Cheese)
A unique spiced Dutch cheese, Leidse Kaas is flavored with cumin seeds, giving it a warm and slightly peppery taste.
➡️ Where to Try: Check out Amsterdam Cheese Museum, where you can learn about Dutch cheese history and sample Leidse Kaas.
Unique Dutch Drinks
While exploring Amsterdam, don’t miss out on these traditional Dutch beverages:
Jenever (Dutch Gin)
The Dutch gin version, Jenever, has a smooth, malty flavor. It’s best enjoyed in a tulip-shaped glass and is traditionally sipped alongside a beer (a combo called a kopstootje).
➡️ Where to Try: Proeflokaal A. van Wees, a historic tasting room in Amsterdam, offers authentic Jenever experiences.
Koffie Verkeerd (Dutch Latte)
A Dutch twist on a latte, koffie verkeerd is half coffee, half steamed milk—perfect for a relaxed café break.
➡️ Where to Try: Café de Jaren, a beautiful waterfront café in Amsterdam, serves a fantastic koffie verkeerd.
Chocomel (Dutch Hot Chocolate)
This rich, creamy hot chocolate is a Dutch favorite, especially in colder months.
➡️ Where to Try: Order a warm Chocomel at Ice Bakery Amsterdam, where you can pair it with stroopwafels or poffertjes.
Where to Try Authentic Dutch Food in Amsterdam
If you want to experience authentic Dutch cuisine, here are some of the best places to eat in Amsterdam:
Traditional Dutch Restaurants
- Moeders – Famous for its cozy home-cooked Dutch meals, including stamppot.
- The Pantry – A great spot for classic Dutch dinners like hutspot and erwtensoep.
Best Street Food Spots
- Albert Cuyp Market – A lively street market offering fresh stroopwafels, kibbeling, and poffertjes.
- Stubbe’s Haring – This is The best place in Amsterdam to try fresh Dutch herring.
Cheese Tasting Experiences
- Amsterdam Cheese Museum – Learn about Dutch cheeses and sample Gouda, Edam, and more.
- Reypenaer Cheese Tasting Room – A guided tasting experience with aged Dutch cheeses.
Dutch food is all about comfort, tradition, and unique flavors. Whether indulging in a warm stroopwafel, trying a plate of stamppot, or sipping on a glass of Jenever, Amsterdam offers an incredible food experience for every traveler.
As you explore the city, visit local markets, snack bars, and traditional Dutch restaurants to taste the Netherlands. Happy eating!
FAQs
1. What is the most famous Dutch food in Amsterdam?
The stroopwafel is one of the most famous Dutch treats, while bitterballen is a must-try snack in Amsterdam bars.
2. Is Dutch food spicy?
Dutch cuisine is generally mild, focusing more on creamy, savory, and sweet flavors.
3. Where can I find Dutch food outside the Netherlands?
Some Dutch foods like Gouda cheese and stroopwafels are available in international supermarkets, but for an experience, visit a Dutch café or specialty shop.
4. What is a traditional Dutch dinner?
A classic Dutch dinner might include stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables), erwtensoep (pea soup), or fried fish like kibbeling.
5. Do Dutch people eat a lot of cheese?
Yes! The Dutch are one of the world’s biggest cheese consumers, and cheese is a staple in breakfast, lunch, and snacks.