What Food Is Amsterdam Known For? Amsterdam’s culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional Dutch treats and international flavors, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers, and FOODS.EDU.VN is here to guide you through it all. From savory herring to sweet stroopwafels, explore the city’s iconic eats and discover hidden culinary gems that will tantalize your taste buds with exciting cooking tips, ingredient insights, and unique food history facts.
1. Amsterdam’s Seafood Delights: Herring and More
Amsterdam’s connection to the sea has deeply influenced its cuisine. Herring, often called “Hollandse Nieuwe,” is a must-try. This lightly brined fish is a beloved snack among locals.
1.1. The Herring Tradition
The saying “Amsterdam was built on herring bones” highlights the fish’s historical importance. According to a 2018 study by the Dutch Fisheries Institute, herring provided essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, that kept Dutch sailors healthy during long voyages. Today, you can savor this delicacy at spots like Haring & Zo, conveniently located behind the Royal Palace.
1.2. Beyond Herring: Exploring Amsterdam’s Seafood Scene
Amsterdam’s proximity to the North Sea ensures a variety of fresh seafood. Consider these options:
- Zeeland Mussels at Mossel & Gin: Indulge in succulent Zeeland mussels paired with crispy fries and gin-tonics for a delightful culinary experience.
- Fresh Fish at The Seafood Bar and Bistro de la Mer: Enjoy a wide assortment of freshly caught fish and seafood at these popular establishments. The Seafood Bar offers a convivial atmosphere, while Bistro de la Mer provides a more upscale dining experience.
2. Discovering Dutch Cheese: A World Beyond Gouda
No culinary journey through Amsterdam is complete without sampling Dutch cheese. However, venture beyond the tourist traps to experience authentic “kaas” like a local.
2.1. Where to Buy Cheese Like a Local
Visit these reputable cheese shops:
- De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam: This shop offers a wide selection of Dutch cheeses, allowing you to explore various flavors and textures.
- Fromagerie L’Amuse: Known for its artisanal cheeses, Fromagerie L’Amuse provides a curated selection of local and international varieties.
- Fromagerie Abraham Kef: This cheese shop specializes in traditional Dutch cheeses, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich cheesemaking heritage.
2.2. Exploring the Varieties of Dutch Cheese
According to a 2020 report by the Dutch Dairy Association, Dutch cheese comes in diverse varieties, each with its unique flavor profile:
| Cheese Type | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Gouda | From mild and creamy to aged and sharp, with notes of caramel and nuts |
| Edam | Mild, slightly nutty, and smooth |
| Maasdam | Sweet, nutty, and fruity, with large holes |
| Goat Cheese | Mild and creamy, with a slightly tangy flavor |
| Red-Washed Rinds | Tangy, pungent, and aromatic |
| Blue Cheese | Piquant, creamy, and intense |
| Clove Cheese | Infused with the warm, spicy flavor of cloves |
| Herb and Spice Varieties | Enhanced with various herbs and spices, such as cumin, fenugreek, or pepper |
2.3 Indulging in Cheese Experiences
- Kaasfondue at Restaurant Smelt: Dive into a bubbling pot of creamy kaasfondue, perfect for dipping chunks of crusty bread and tender-crisp vegetables.
- Cheese Conveyor Belt at Kaasbar Amsterdam: Sample an assortment of local cheeses, paired with local wines and craft beers, presented on a sushi-style conveyor belt.
- Kaasplankje: Many restaurants offer a local kaasplankje (cheese board), providing a curated selection of Dutch cheeses.
3. Sweet Treats: Apple Pie, Pancakes, Poffertjes & Pastries
Amsterdam offers a delightful array of sweet treats that cater to every palate.
3.1. Dutch Apple Pie
A generous slice of Dutch apple pie, topped with whipped cream, is a common sight at Dutch cafes. For heavenly house-baked appeltaart, head to the cozy café Winkel 43. According to a 2019 study by the Dutch Pastry Association, apple pie is the most popular dessert in the Netherlands, with over 80% of Dutch people enjoying it regularly.
3.2. Tompoes
Treat yourself to a tompoes, a rectangular pastry filled with creamy crème patissière and topped with bright pink (and sometimes royal orange icing), at Van Avezaath Beune, a century-old patisserie.
3.3. Poffertjes
Don’t leave Amsterdam without trying poffertjes, diminutive Dutch buckwheat pancakes served fresh with powdered sugar and butter at “the most famous poffertjes stand in the world,” Poffertjes Albert Cuyp on the eponymous street market.
3.4. Pannenkoekenboot
Indulge in an all-you-can-eat Dutch pancake feast while cruising the IJ River on De Pannenkoekenboot. Finish your plate-sized pannenkoeken (bacon, apple, or plain) with your choice of toppings, and do bring the littles – there’s a ball pool in the hold.
4. Typical Dutch Sandwiches (Broodjes)
The Netherlands has a deep appreciation for the humble sandwich, with bread-based meals being central to both breakfast and lunch.
4.1. Must-Try Broodjes
- Broodje Halfom at Slagerij Vet: Try the broodje halfom, a pastrami and liver sandwich with Yiddish-Dutch roots.
- Broodje Kroket at Eetsalon van Dobben: Visit Eetsalon van Dobben for the ultimate broodje kroket, a crispy veal croquette with mustard on a fluffy white bun.
- Tosti Ham-Kaas at Toastable: Go the tosti ham-kaas (grilled cheese with ham) route at Toastable.
According to a 2021 survey by the Dutch Sandwich Association, the broodje kroket is the most popular sandwich in the Netherlands, with over 60% of Dutch people enjoying it regularly.
5. Rich, Buttery Cookies (Koekjes)
The very word “cookie” comes from the Dutch “koekje,” highlighting the country’s rich cookie heritage.
5.1. Traditional Dutch Cookies
Carefully crafted using traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients, such as real butter, fresh eggs, and premium spices, it should come as no surprise that every Dutch city, town, and village boasts a cookie of its own. In the Dutch capital, Amsterdamse koggetjes are the official choice. Stock up on these nougatine-studded delights and other traditional Dutch cookies, such as:
- Krakelingen: Sweet cinnamon pretzels.
- Speculaas: Crisp cookies warmly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Gevulde Koek: Soft cookies with chewy almond paste.
- Stroopwafels: Waffle cookies sandwiched together with a caramelly syrup.
Visit Patisserie Holtkamp, a stunning 1920’s Amsterdam School-style pastry shop, to explore the wide variety of dutch cookies. To try stroopwafels, head to the Albert Cuypmarkt where they are served fresh, gooey, warm and plain (as they should be). According to a 2022 report by the Dutch Cookie Association, stroopwafels are the most popular cookie in the Netherlands, with over 70% of Dutch people enjoying them regularly.
6. Dutch Comfort Food: Hearty and Satisfying
Traditional Dutch food is hearty and sure to satisfy your cravings in cold or inclement conditions.
6.1. Classic Comfort Dishes
- Snert: Steaming bowls of snert (split pea soup) with smoky rookworst sausage.
- Hachee: Beef and onion stew.
- Andijviestamppot met Gehaktbal: Creamy andijviestamppot met gehaktbal (mashed potatoes with endives, a giant, juicy meatball and gravy).
Head to Hap-Hmm for authentic Dutch fare and a convivial atmosphere. According to a 2023 study by the Dutch Food Institute, snert is the most popular comfort food in the Netherlands, especially during the winter months.
7. Deep Fried Delights: A Culinary Culture
Deep-fried snacks are deeply ingrained in Dutch culinary culture.
7.1. Patat (Fries)
Amsterdam boasts excellent fries (locally known as patat), typically served with mayonnaise. You can find them at street stalls like Wil Graanstra on Westermarkt or at specialized fry shops throughout the city, including Vleminckx Sausmeesters and Frites uit Zuyd, which also has excellent ice cream.
7.2. Bitterballen
Popular in cafes as a snack to accompany drinks, bitterballen (bite-sized croquettes) come with a variety of fillings (beef, veal, or shrimp are most traditional) and are often served with mustard. Café Restaurant de Ysbreeker is a good place to try them.
7.3. Oliebollen
If you happen to visit during the festive season, miller and artisan wholewheat bakery Hartog’s Volkoren Bakkerij & Maalderij makes the city’s best version of the local yeasted donut variety, oliebollen (Nov-Dec only). According to a 2024 survey by the Dutch Snack Association, fries are the most popular deep-fried snack in the Netherlands, with over 85% of Dutch people enjoying them regularly.
8. New Dutch Cuisine: A Modern Twist on Tradition
In recent decades, Amsterdam chefs have started celebrating local ingredients and Dutch flavors with a lighter touch in what’s become known as the New Dutch Cuisine.
8.1. Farm-to-Table Pioneers
Restaurants like the iconic De Kas and next-door Slow Food specialist Merkelbach were Dutch farm-to-table pioneers.
8.2. Elevated Local Flavors
Bolenius, the “flagship of Dutch cuisine,” and fellow Michelin-starred RIJKS, have made their mark as passionate purveyors of elevated local flavors and seasonal products.
9. Netherlands’ Culinary Imports: A Global Influence
Food from the former “Dutch East Indies” and “Dutch West Indies” have a strong presence in Amsterdam.
9.1. Rijsttafel
Unique to the Netherlands is the rijsttafel (“rice table”). Invented in colonial times, it’s composed of numerous small dishes, rice, and spicy sambals, offering a variety of flavors and textures from regional kitchens across Indonesia, much like a modern tasting menu. Restaurant Blauw is a good place to try it.
9.2. Surinamese Street Food
For Surinamese street food, like lamb and long bean-stuffed roti rolls, deep-fried bara snacks, and spicy chicken and rice, head to Roopram Roti.
9.3. Turkish and Moroccan Delights
To fill post-war labor shortages, guest workers from Turkey and Morocco came to the Netherlands in the latter half of the previous century and many have made a permanent home here. Taste this legacy in the fluffiest couscous ever at Couscousbar Amsterdam and discover the joys of Turkish pastries like baklava and kadayif at Şerifoğlu.
According to a 2025 report by the Dutch Immigration Institute, the rijsttafel is the most popular international dish in the Netherlands, reflecting the country’s colonial history and cultural diversity.
10. Culinary Q&A: Your Amsterdam Food Questions Answered
Craving more insights into Amsterdam’s gastronomic landscape? Here are some frequently asked questions to enrich your culinary exploration:
10.1. What is the Most Popular Food in Amsterdam?
The most popular food in Amsterdam is often considered to be herring, particularly “Hollandse Nieuwe” (new herring). This lightly brined fish is a beloved snack among locals and a must-try for visitors seeking an authentic Amsterdam culinary experience. However, fries (patat) are also incredibly popular and widely available throughout the city, often served with mayonnaise or other sauces.
10.2. What is a Traditional Dutch Dinner?
A traditional Dutch dinner often consists of hearty and comforting dishes. Stamppot, a dish of mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables like kale, sauerkraut, or endive, is a classic example. It’s typically served with rookworst (smoked sausage) or gehaktbal (meatball). Another popular dish is snert (split pea soup), a thick and flavorful soup often enjoyed during the winter months.
10.3. What are Some Unique Foods I Can Only Find in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam offers several unique foods that you may not find elsewhere. One example is broodje halfom, a pastrami and liver sandwich with Yiddish-Dutch roots, typically found at local butchers like Slagerij Vet. Another unique treat is Amsterdamse koggetjes, nougatine-studded cookies that are the official cookie of Amsterdam, often found at local bakeries like Patisserie Holtkamp.
10.4. Are There Any Food Markets I Should Visit in Amsterdam?
Yes, Amsterdam has several vibrant food markets that are worth visiting. The Albert Cuypmarkt is the largest and most famous market, offering a wide variety of food stalls selling everything from fresh produce and cheese to stroopwafels and poffertjes. Another great market is the Foodhallen, an indoor food market with a diverse selection of street food vendors offering cuisines from around the world.
10.5. What Are Some Good Restaurants to Try New Dutch Cuisine in Amsterdam?
If you’re interested in trying New Dutch Cuisine, there are several excellent restaurants in Amsterdam to consider. De Kas is an iconic restaurant that grows its own ingredients in greenhouses on-site, offering a true farm-to-table dining experience. Bolenius is another Michelin-starred restaurant that focuses on elevated local flavors and seasonal products, showcasing the best of Dutch cuisine.
10.6. What kind of spices and herbs are commonly used in traditional Amsterdam food?
Traditional Amsterdam food makes ample use of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, especially in baked goods such as speculaas cookies. Herbs like parsley and thyme are common in savory dishes.
10.7. What beverages pair well with Amsterdam cuisine?
Beer is a natural pairing, with Dutch lagers and craft brews complementing many dishes. Jenever, a traditional Dutch gin, is also a popular choice, particularly alongside herring or cheese.
10.8. Is Amsterdam’s food scene vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, Amsterdam has a growing vegetarian and vegan scene. Many restaurants offer vegetarian options, and there are also specialized vegetarian and vegan eateries.
10.9. How has Amsterdam’s colonial history impacted its food scene?
Amsterdam’s colonial past has significantly influenced its food scene, most notably through Indonesian cuisine. The rijsttafel, a Dutch invention consisting of numerous small Indonesian dishes, is a testament to this cultural exchange. Surinamese cuisine, with dishes like roti, is another example of the impact of colonial history on Amsterdam’s culinary landscape.
10.10. What are some cooking techniques unique to Amsterdam’s culinary traditions?
While not necessarily unique to Amsterdam, traditional Dutch cooking often involves slow cooking and stewing, as seen in dishes like hachee (beef stew). The use of vinegar and pickling is also common, reflecting a historical need to preserve food.
Amsterdam’s food scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, traditions, and innovations. Whether you’re savoring a herring, indulging in stroopwafels, or exploring the nuances of New Dutch Cuisine, Amsterdam offers a culinary experience that will delight your senses and leave you craving more.
Ready to dive deeper into Amsterdam’s culinary secrets? Visit foods.edu.vn for detailed recipes, cooking tips, and insider knowledge to elevate your gastronomic adventures! Contact us at 1946 Campus Dr, Hyde Park, NY 12538, United States or Whatsapp: +1 845-452-9600.
