Holland is not very well known for its cuisine, but you should try at least some of these 6 typical Dutch food items in the list below when you are visiting the lovely country called The Netherlands. Or Holland, it's the same country!
We love typical Dutch food and you will too.
Say cheese!
Cheese is called ”Kaas” in Dutch and probably most famous known as typical Dutch food. Holland is the largest cheese exporter in the world. And the Dutch have been making cheese since 800 B.C.! ‘Gouda', ‘Edam', and ‘Old Amsterdam' are typical dutch cheeses. But there are also many other types of cheese available in Holland. The Dutch eat cheese on their bread, sprinkled over food, or as a tasty snack over drinks. Experience the best Dutch cheeses and have a drink in Amsterdam at the delicious Kaasbar.
Stroopwafels
What is a stroopwafel? A stroopwafel is a crisp and dry biscuit made from two thin layers of baked dough joined by a caramel filling. Stroopwafels are a sweet and popular cookie in Holland. And you can taste the original Stroopwafels at the food stand at the Albert Cuypstraat 180, see the image below. And more unique stroopwafels are from Van Wonderen Stroopwafels you can read our review of this hotspot in Amsterdam. But you cannot leave the Netherlands without tasting this delicacy!
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Fries and fried snacks from the FEBO
The FEBO is a well-known fast-food chain in Holland. In any major city, you will find these fast food joints with a very unique and typical Dutch hole-in-the-wall service. Head into the FEBO and you’ll see an array of hot snacks including hamburgers, kroketten, and many other greasy snacks displayed behind the little glass doors. You put coins into the slot and voila; your dinner or snack is served.
The fries in Holland are thicker and like in the image can be served with mayonnaise, peanut sauce, and union, known as a ‘patatje oorlog‘. Our personal favorite!
Kroket
The ‘kroket’ is a deep-fried roll with meat ragout inside, covered in breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture. The English translation of kroket is croquette. The original Dutch kroket is made from beef, but nowadays there are many different flavors like chicken satay, shrimps, or even a vegetarian kroket. You can buy a kroket at the vending machine at FEBO or in many restaurants or cafés. It also goes great with mustard and a cold beer!
Bitterballen
‘Bitterballen’ are a very popular Dutch snack and can be ordered in almost every café and bar. This is because of its real tasty combination with beer (trust us, it's true!). Bitterballen are almost the same as croquettes/kroketten in terms of ingredients. Only now they are small round fried balls. And just like croquettes, bitterballen are now available in many flavors.
Raw herring
Raw herring is probably more for the daring, but if you like to eat fish you should give it a go. All over the city, you will find different herring carts – so go ask for a ‘Nieuwe haring’ to get the fish served with pickles and onions. The best time to eat raw herring is between May and July when the herring is fresh and called ‘Nieuwe haring/new herring'.
Don't be scared of it, because it's pretty tasty, healthy and good. Its public image may be a bit off, but's it is a very nice delicacy!
Enjoy it like a Dutchie
The Dutch always say right before you start eating; ‘Eet smakelijk‘, meaning; ‘enjoy your meal'. So, eet smakelijk!
Did we inspire you to go to Holland and eat all these delicious snacks? Well, great! Let´s check flight prices!
More cool fun activities, events, and bucket list locations in this amazing region with GetYourGuide.
More Travel Inspiration: Visit The Van Gogh Museum, the most popular museum in Amsterdam!