What to Eat in the Netherlands

If you’re traveling through the Netherlands on any of our river cruises—European Jewels or Tulips & Windmills, to name a couple—you’ll have to enjoy the opportunity to try some local treats. Even better if you’re staying in Amsterdam a little while before or after your cruise, with more time to snack to your heart’s content! Read on for a few classic Dutch bites we think are worth a try during your time in the Netherlands.

 

Pancakes (pannenkoeken and poffertjes)
When you think of Dutch pancakes, a puffy, skillet-baked dish may come to mind. Oddly enough, however, the “Dutch Baby” likely originated in Germany and earned its name from a mistranslation of the word “Deutsch,” meaning “German.”

The Netherlands definitely have their own versions of pancakes, though, and they’re every bit as delicious. Pannenkoeken are a larger, crepe-like variety, and they also have tiny little ones known as poffertjes.

 

Stroopwaffels
Served hot off the street cart, caramel still melting between two super thin cookies, real Dutch stroopwaffels are an absolute delight. Alternatively, you may find a smaller version perched atop or set on the side of your coffee order as a sweet bite to enjoy with your drink. Either way, you don’t want to miss this iconic treat.

 

Pickled Herring
Perhaps for the more adventurous among you, pickled herring is a traditional Dutch staple. Soaked in a salty, slightly sweet brine, this fish is often served with chopped onions, lemon, and pickles.

 

Kibbeling
A less daunting fish snack to try in town? The fried chunks of cod known as kibbeling. Most countries have their own takes on battered and deep fried fish, and the Dutch edition is just as tasty as the rest.

 

Bitterballen
A classic bar food, bitterballen resemble breaded meatballs. In fact, the inside of this bite-sized favorite is much more akin to a very thick gravy or stew. Modern takes abound, especially in Amsterdam, but the classic flavor is beef.

 

Beer
If you enjoy beer, make sure to order some alongside your bitterballen or kibbeling. In addition to brands that have become internationally popular (like Heineken or Amstel), local breweries make a seemingly endless variety of delicious brews.

 

Cheese
Gouda: the creamy cheese that hails from the Netherlands. Many of us may be familiar with a limited variety, associating gouda with a particular taste, but real Dutch Goudas are incredibly diverse. Typically made from cow’s milk, but sometimes sheep and goat as well, Gouda comes plain and flavored, aged and young—though always with a characteristic wax rind.

 

Croquettes
Though not specific to the Netherlands, croquettes are an immensely popular snack here. Find them in all manner of flavors, ready to grab as a bite between meals, anywhere you go.

 

Dutch Apple Pie
The distinguishing difference between a Dutch apple pie and it’s American counterpart is a crumbly topping instead of a pastry one. Try it for yourself to see which you like best.

 

Frites
Famously Belgian, frites (also known as French Fries) are also a Dutch favorite. Thick cut and served in paper cones, they come with a dizzying array of sauce options. Popular choices include mayonnaise, peanut sauce, chopped onions, and curry.

Note: The contents of this article are accurate as of the publication date. Uniworld itineraries and inclusions are subject to change at any time.