Amsterdam’s culinary taste

The Netherlands is known for its beers, no doubt about that. However, Amsterdam’s cuisine has plenty to surprise food lovers as well! Among the local specialties, one of the most intriguing is the raw herring sandwich, sold in haringhandels, which are typical Dutch fish stalls. It may not be for everyone, but there’s nothing more authentic than raw herring when beginning your culinary experience here. Another speciality is cheese, with absolute musts such as Gouda, Maasdam and Geitenkaas, a form of goat cheese.

Before trying these, though, you might want to start with some Bitterballen, deep-fried meatballs served with mustard; thick Dutch fries, topped with mayonnaise, onions, and peanut sauce; or Stamppot, a traditional dish made of mashed potatoes and vegetables, served with sausage. Know that Amsterdam’s food scene is heavily influenced by Indonesian cuisine. This is explained by the fact that Indonesia was a Dutch colony for several centuries. Therefore, dining at an Indonesian restaurant is a must during your visit. Now that you’ve tried the main course and cheese, let’s move on to dessert! If you have a sweet tooth, Amsterdam won’t disappoint you. You must absolutely try Stroopwafels—which consists in two thin waffles stuck together with a delicious layer of syrup filling. They’re sold everywhere, so you’ll have no trouble finding some! If you prefer something softer, try Poffertjes, a form of fluffy mini pancakes made of rich batter, or Tompouce, a Dutch version of the mille-feuille with signature pink icing. Of course, don’t miss out on a Dutch apple pie, that looks just like apple crumble, sometimes mixed with ingredients such as hazelnuts, raisins, or spices. All that paired with nice Dutch beer—choose either Heineken, Amstel, or Bavaria—and there you have it: the perfect lineup for a truly authentic Amsterdam dining experience!