The Dutch food scene is probably not the main reason you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands. After all, you have gorgeous canals, fascinating museums, stunning architecture, and colorful tulips to look forward to!
And let’s be real; the Dutch aren’t exactly famous for their culinary skills. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some seriously delicious dishes and snacks you have to try while you’re here!
So here it is—my list of 15 must-try Dutch foods! I’ve included all the classic traditional dishes you’ll find around the Netherlands, plus a few of my personal favorites that I think you’ll love just as much as I do.
Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase through my links (at no extra cost to you). I only recommend companies that I’ve personally used, love, and trust. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What to Eat in the Netherlands: Famous Traditional Foods & Snacks
Oliebollen
If you’ve ever been to South Africa, you’re probably familiar with vetkoek.
Well, oliebollen is the Dutch version—a deep-fried doughnut that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
While South Africans only enjoy their vetkoek two ways (with apricot jam and cheese or savory mince), don’t expect to find a savory version anywhere in the Netherlands! Instead, oliebollen are usually dusted with powdered sugar and often filled with raisins or apples.
You won’t need to look far to find them, especially during the festive season—just head to any market! And if you’re visiting Utrecht, do yourself a favor and grab one from Graaf Floris Café. Their apple and cinnamon oliebol is next-level, and the setting is beautiful too.
Dutch Cheese
You can’t visit the Netherlands and not have some cheese! It’s one of the most famous things to eat here, and boy, oh boy, are the options endless!
There’s gouda and edam, boerenkaas and maasdam. Then there’s Leidse kaas and geitenkaas. There’s a lot to choose from!
The best part is that you’ll find cheese shops just about everywhere! Whether you’re wandering around Amsterdam or checking out the beautiful villages of Gouda and Edam.
Other great ways to get your cheese fix include joining a cheese-tasting tour, splurging on a canal cruise that includes cheese and wine, or visiting Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm to see how it’s made.
Friet (Dutch Fries)
Ah, friet! If there is only one Dutch snack you try during your trip, let it be this! Dutch fries, or friet, are simply out of this world.
The Dutch version is thicker than regular fries, with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Most places serve it in a paper cone, topped with a sauce of your choice (from a surprisingly long list) and extras like parmesan or chopped onions. I’m a ketchup girl, but the mayo is just as good! If you’re feeling adventurous, try the curry or peanut sauce!
In Amsterdam you’ll find friet shops everywhere. I love Fabel Friet in Jordaan, but Mannekis Pis and Vleminckx are other fan faves.
Dutch Apple Pie (Appeltaart)
Apple pie hardly needs an introduction, but the Dutch version is next-level! It’s packed with sweet, spiced apples, has a buttery crust, and is usually served warm with whipped cream.
Most cafés have it on the menu, but if you can’t find it there, swing by the corner bakery for a slice (or two). I won’t judge, promise! Winkel 43 is the go-to spot in Amsterdam, but just be ready to queue for a while.
Pancakes (Pannenkoeken)
Dutch pancakes aren’t like the fluffy American kind (although you’ll find those too). Think more along the lines of French crêpes—they’re bigger, thinner, and honestly one of the most popular foods to eat in the Netherlands! The Dutch live by their pancakes and eat them any time of day—breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
One big difference is that the Dutch version can be sweet or savory. Think powdered sugar, fruit, chocolate sauce, or even bacon and cheese!
For the best pancakes in Amsterdam, head to Pancakehouse Upstairs. It’s the top-rated spot in the city! Or (and this is a little insider tip) grab a pack from the local supermarket. Albert Heijn is our go-to! You’ll need access to a microwave, and don’t forget to buy some toppings! We love ours with cinnamon and sugar!
Herring
If you thought Japan was the only place known for serving raw fish, think again. Raw herring might not be for the faint of heart, but it’s a true Dutch delicacy, and definitely something worth trying.
The traditional way to eat herring is to grab the fish by the tail and take a bite!! But if you don’t want to get your fingers all fishy, ask for it sliced into bite-sized pieces and eat it with a little wooden fork. Most vendors serve it with chopped onions and pickles for an extra punch of flavor.
We’ve had more refined versions at a few restaurants in Amsterdam, but your best bet is to grab it fresh from a fish stall at a local market.
Stroopwafels
If you have a sweet tooth, you have to try a stroopwafel!
Stroopwafels (or syrup waffles) are a quintessential Dutch cookie that consists of two thin wafers filled with gooey caramel syrup holding them together. Nowadays, they’ve become an IG sensation with colorful toppings like chocolate, marshmallows, or M&M’s. While they make for cool pics, warming a traditional stroopwafel over a cup of tea or coffee is the most authentic way to enjoy them!
So, where can you get your hands on one? Pretty much everywhere! Just pop into a bakery or supermarket! But the best ones are made fresh right in front of you! Try a dedicated stroopwafel shop like Rudi’s in Amsterdam, Kamphuisen Syrup Waffle Factory in Gouda, or simply head to any good old local market! You can even make your own at this workshop!
If you can, grab a few bags to take home—they’re my go-to souvenir from the Netherlands for friends and fam!
- Data: I use Airalo for eSIMs. It’s easy to set up and works instantly when you land.
- Attractions: I book skip-the-line tickets or tours through GetYourGuide or Viator to avoid queues and last-minute stress.
- Accommodation: I use Agoda and Booking.com to compare prices, location, and cancellation options.
- City Pass: The I amsterdam City Card is a great way to save money if you’re visiting many sights. It includes free entry to top attractions, unlimited use of GVB trams, buses, and metros, and a canal cruise.
- Travel Money: I use Wise to pay in local currency at the real exchange rate and skip hidden bank fees.
Bitterballen
The Dutch love a good borrel (basically a gathering of friends at a café or bar)! And one snack they really love eating during these get-togethers is bitterballen.
Translated to bitter balls (don’t worry, there’s nothing bitter about them), bitterballen is small, bite-sized, crispy, deep-fried bites filled with beef or veal ragout. Most places serve them with mustard, and you’ll find them on practically every café or restaurant menu—even at McDonald’s!
Croquettes (Kroketten)
I’ve already introduced you to bitterballen, so it also makes sense to tell you a little more about croquettes.
Kroketten are very similar to bitterballen. They have the same filling and breadcrumb coating, but they are longer and shaped like cylinders.
Like bitterballen, you’ll find them at most bars and restaurants. FEBO, a famous fast food chain that serves food straight from a vending machine, is another popular spot to grab them.
Poffertjes
Another famous snack-like dessert in the Netherlands is poffertjes.
It’s basically a mini pancake, but it’s fluffy and much thicker. Most places make them with wheat or buckwheat flour and serve them warm with powdered sugar (or syrup sometimes) and butter. They’re almost too cute to eat, but stopping once you start eating will be hard!
You’ll find them on the street, in markets, and even in some cafés.
Kibbeling
Kibbeling is one of my all-time favorite Dutch foods, and I always keep an eye out for it when I’m out and about.
So, what exactly is it?
Basically, it’s small pieces of deep-fried battered fish, typically served with tartar sauce. It’s a delicious snack that’s easy to find at fish stalls and local markets. I’ve had my fair share of kibbeling, but the best kibbeling I’ve ever had was at local markers in Volendam, Almere Centrum, and Westerpark!
Stamppot
South Africans have a dish similar to stamppot, but I must admit, the Dutch version will exceed all your expectations!
In essence, stamppot is a hearty mashed potato dish. Okay, I know that sounds a bit boring. But here, they toss various other veggies into the mix—think spinach, leeks, cabbage, carrots, or even sweet potatoes—anything goes! It’s all cooked, mashed up, and often served with a sausage, like rookworst. It’s one of my favorite comfort foods—especially on colder days!
I can’t say I’ve spotted stamppot on many restaurant menus yet—though, to be fair, I probably wasn’t looking for it. We usually make it at home (this HelloFresh recipe is my fave), but Moeders in Amsterdam is a well-known spot to try traditional Dutch food. You’ll also find ready-made versions in local supermarkets like. Albert Heijn.
Freshly Roasted Nuts
I thought I had had nuts, until I came to the Netherlands and experienced nuts on a whole new level!
It’s one of the most popular snacks here, and you’ll find nut vendors everywhere, especially at local markets. Just follow your nose!
Most stands roast all kinds of nuts (almonds, cashews, macadamias, hazelnuts, you name it) fresh on the spot. Trust me, they’re best when they’re still warm. One more tip: nuts are often flavored with spices, salt, or sugar, so be sure to tell the vendor what you’re after.
Rookworst
If you love a good bratwurst, you’ll definitely enjoy rookworst!
Rookworst is a traditional smoked Dutch sausage. While it is often served with stamppot, it is just as delicious on its own or in a hot dog roll.
It’s made from ground meat mixed with salt and spices, then stuffed into a casing, dried, and smoked in a smoke cabinet. You’ll find it everywhere—from local supermarkets to HEMA, which has been selling this iconic sausage since 1936.
Licorice (Drop)
Honestly, drop is one Dutch snack I’m not super into, but it’s legendary in the Netherlands. And if you love licorice, you’ll be in heaven.
The Dutch love their drop, and although it was once used as a medicine, it’s now one of the country’s most popular sweets.
You can buy it at any local supermarket or candy store, and it comes in all sorts of sizes, shapes, and flavors—whether you’re craving something salty or sweet!
So, What’s My Recommendation?
I’m not going to lie—I’m not a huge fan of drop, bitterballen, and croquettes. But I do love oliebollen, stroopwafels, kibbeling, and pretty much all the other delicious Dutch foods on this list. There’s a lot to try, and hopefully this list has given you a good idea of the most popular foods to look out for in Holland during your trip.
Which Dutch foods are you excited to try? Let me know in the comments below!
