Photo by irynamelnyk. Amsterdam is a city of timeless charm , thanks to its canals, green parks, its museums, and its lively , varied and even a little extreme nightlife .
Like the rest of the European capitals, Amsterdam also boasts a rich and multifaceted culinary tradition. Dutch cuisine is not as famous and praised as, for example, the Italian one, but it can certainly reserve pleasant surprises for those who want to taste typical food and savor flavors different from those they are used to.
1 – Dutch cheese
Photo by irynamelnyk. Let’s start with a real Dutch tip, that is the cheese, produced thanks to the large amount of pastures and farms present in the country. In Amsterdam the most famous cheeses are Gouda, coming from the homonymous town located south of Amsterdam, Jonge and Oude. At the Dutch capital you can enjoy it sliced ​​in a sandwich , or in the form of morsels that accompany a cold beer.
- Recommended for : side dish, accompaniment to main courses, appetizer
- Average cost : variable according to the format
- Main ingredients : cow’s cheese
2 – Patatje oorlog
Photo by triple_k_126. The Dutch are particularly proud of their typical French fries , served in thick and very crunchy format, topped with mayonnaise or any kind of sauce. Patatje oorlog (literally meaning “chips at war”) are coated with a sauce made from mayonnaise, peanut butter and onion. They represent the most popular dish of Dutch street food and are sold practically everywhere.
- Recommended for : snack, side dish
- Average cost : €1.50
- Main ingredients : potatoes, sauces
3 – Speculoos
The Nordic countries are famous for their spicy biscuits , typical of the Christmas period. Speculaas is a typical Christmas dessert, made up of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, pepper, nutmeg and cloves.
- Recommended for : breakfast, snack
- Average cost : €5.00
- Main ingredients : shortcrust pastry, spices
4 – Aringa
Photo by irynamelnyk. Dried or raw herring is consumed throughout northern Europe. It is a dish that attracts those who are not afraid of rather strong flavors, but it is a truly unmissable traditional dish. Sandwiches, called broodje haring, made with herring, gherkins and onions, are sold almost everywhere.
- Recommended for : lunch, dinner, snack
- Average cost : €4.00
- Main ingredients : raw or dried herring, bread
5 – Kibbeling
Photo of eDevPark. Another fish-based dish, suitable for those not brave enough to try herring, is this specialty, usually based on cod , which is fried and served with herb , garlic and lemon mayonnaise. It can be eaten both hot and cold and is a very popular street food.
- Recommended for : lunch, dinner, snack
- Average cost : €10.00
- Main ingredients : fried fish (usually cod), mayonnaise, lemon
6 – Stamppot
Photo by fanfo. It is a dish based on smoked sausage , mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables (sauerkraut, carrots, cabbage and onions), all covered with a sauce. This specialty perfectly describes Dutch culinary traditions, it is in fact made from cheap raw materials and is essentially a poor dish .
- Recommended for : lunch, dinner
- Average cost : €15.00
- Main ingredients : smoked sausage, potatoes, seasonal vegetables, sauce
7 – Bitterballen
Photo of ikarahma. It is clear that much of Dutch cuisine is made up of street food , and even this specialty is no exception. They are meatballs that can be eaten as a snack while continuing your visit to the city, perhaps with a beer in the other hand! They consist of flavored beef and then fried, and are finally accompanied by mustard.
- Recommended for : snack
- Average cost : €5.00
- Main ingredients : beef, mustard
8 – Pannenkoeken
Photo of vasiliybudarin. They are the classic Dutch pancakes , in the sweet or savory version, a cross between the American ones (even if slightly larger) and the French crepes (they are thicker).
They are then “seasoned” with syrup and powdered sugar or with bacon and cheese, although the most popular version is the one with bacon plus sweet syrup .
SEE ALSO : WHAT WE EAT FOR BREAKFAST IN THE WORLD
- Recommended for : breakfast, snack
- Average cost : €12.00
- Main ingredients : flour, eggs and milk
9 – Stroopwafel
Photo by leeevgen. True ambassador of Dutch cuisine all over the world, stroopwafel is a biscuit made up of two thin wafers filled with caramel . Consumed freshly made they are a real delight.
- Recommended for : breakfast, snack
- Average cost : €1.50
- Main ingredients : wafer, caramel
10 – Appeltaart
Photo of freepik. And the Dutch apple pie , which is very reminiscent of a tart thanks to the shortcrust pastry base and the typical reticulated covering. And stuffed with slices of apple flavored with cinnamon, sugar and lemon juice. It is usually consumed as an afternoon snack, accompanied by an infusion of fresh mint , a typical Dutch drink.
- Recommended for : snack, breakfast
- Average cost : €5.00
- Main ingredients : shortcrust pastry, apples
Where to eat in Amsterdam: best restaurants, typical bars and street food
Amsterdam, and all of Holland, will also allow you to experience a real journey to discover the flavors and aromas of this country !
As for the places to eat, the city offers a really wide range of places : from the most expensive ones to those where you can eat for a few euros, from restaurants with more courses to comfortable take away if you are in a hurry and have many things. to visit. There is no shortage of cafes and small places where you can relax with a coffee. And if you are a lover of street food, you absolutely cannot miss the De Foodhallen indoor market! Here are the best places to eat in Amsterdam !
1 – Haesje Claes
- Description : a real institution in Amsterdam; restaurant with historic and important interiors offers mainly typical Dutch cuisine, although you can also find international dishes on the menu
- Speciality : stew
- Average price : from € 30.00 per person
- Address : Spuistraat 275 – Get directions – Facebook page
2 – Hap Hhm
- Description : a typical restaurant opened since 1935, it offers traditional dishes at excellent prices, lower than average, without sacrificing quality; It is not possible to book, you have to wait a bit for a seat as the place is very popular
- Specialty : Hap-Hmm Super Chop
- Average price : from € 10.00 per person
- Address : Eerste Helmersstraat 33 – Get directions – Facebook page
3 – Foodware
- Description : takeaway restaurant, few tables to eat on site; food always fresh and prepared on the same day, for this reason there is no fixed menu but every day you will find something new; ideal for a quick and genuine lunch break
- Specialty : news of the day
- Average price : from € 5.00 per person
- Address : Looiersgracht 12 – Get Directions – Website
4 – ‘t Kuyltje
- Description : the number one among Dutch broodjies, ie sandwiches; in this small take away place you can enjoy delicious sandwiches in which all the ingredients used are homemade
- Specialty : homemade sandwiches
- Average price : from € 5.00 per person
- Address : Gasthuismolensteeg 5HS – Get directions – Facebook page
5 – Shop 43
- Description : restaurant in the heart of Amsterdam, with a beautiful terrace open during the summer months; open from early morning until late at night, ideal for stopping off at any time of the day; excellent cakes, typical Dutch cuisine
- Specialty : apple pie
- Average price : from € 15.00 per person
- Address : Noordermarkt 43 – Get directions – Facebook page
