There are plenty of reasons to love Amsterdam, from the tree-lined canals to the vibrant art and history to the abundance of, ahem, greenery. And while Amsterdam may not have the culinary reputation as Paris or Florence, there is an area in which Amsterdam’s cuisine really shines: snacks! And good thing, too, because we’re sure there’ll come a point in your trip where your cravings take over. Read on to learn about the best munchies you’ll find in the Dutch capitol.
Stroopwafel
Stroopwafels are a simple concept that is deceptively addictive: two thin waffles joined in the center by a layer of caramel syrup. You’ll find them everywhere in Amsterdam, and they’re best enjoyed heated up a bit, just enough to warm and soften them. They come in different sizes and variations, too – some have jam or even nutella sandwiched between the two waffles.
Bitterballen
Bitterballen is actually not bitter at all – it’s a savory, crunchy treat made of mixed meat ragout (usually beef, veal and/or pork) covered in breadcrumbs and fried. It’s usually enjoyed fried fresh with mustard or mayo on the side. You can find Bitterballen pretty much everywhere, which is great because they’re the perfect quick snack to fill you up on the go.
Dutch Fries
Sure, you can find fries all over the world – but have you ever had dutch fries? They are slightly thicker than the thin ones we’re used to in the States, and are traditionally enjoyed topped with a heap of Dutch mayo. Even if you’re not a fries-with-mayo fan, you’ve got to try this popular treat, which is usually presented in an overflowing paper cone (perfect to eat while wandering the canals!)
Poffertjes
Pronounced like “puffer cheese,” you might be surprised to find that this snack is sweet, not savory. Poffertjes are easiest compared to pancakes, though they’re much smaller and thicker, only slightly bigger than a dollar coin. They’re served fresh off the griddle and covered in whatever toppings you’d like: drizzled with nutella or jam, covered in sprinkles or candy, or the classic style – and my personal favorite – topped with butter and powdered sugar. You’ll never forget your first bite of poffertjes.
Dutch Cheeses
Did you know Dutch cheese is considered some of the best in the world? Some cheese you may have heard of, like Gouda or Edam, are actually named from the Dutch towns they originate from. The best way to experience Dutch cheese is to get a cheese plate at a restaurant, or head to the Cheese museum, where you can taste many of the offerings from around the country and learn about them, too.
Oliebollen
You’ll commonly find this delicious snack eaten around New Years, but you can find them year round in some temporary fairgrounds and snack stands. The oliebollen is a fried yeast ball, kind of like a donut hole, but bigger, crispier, and covered in sugar. You can get them with or without raisins.
Tompouce
Tompouce is a pastry consisting of two layers of puff pastry with a thick layer of vanilla custard between them, and often topped with pink icing, or orange icing during King’s Day. This is a favorite sweet treat for many Dutch locals. Head to the Dutch store HEMA for a delicious (and insanely cheap) rendition.
FEBO
Technically FEBO isn’t a specific snack, but a machine where you can get a variety of snacks on the go. You can find them scattered all around the Dutch capitol. These are popular with the late-night crowd, as they’re fast, cheap and open 24 hours. Here you can get anything from hamburgers and sausages, to dutch Krokets (croquettes), to sweets and candy. And, despite the fact that everything comes from a machine, it still tastes as warm and fresh as can be.
What’s your favorite Dutch snack? Try all of our picks and more during our Dutch weekender! Learn more or book your spot here – and contact us for promos and discounts on all of our trips!
