20 Food of Amsterdam: A Virtual Food Tour of Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the famous capital city of the Netherlands, is the cultural and food hub of the country, with diverse flavors and exciting food delicacies. Be it traditional or contemporary, the dining experiences of the city can be explored through its street food, trendy cafes, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Ancient Dutch flavours from the cuisine like bitterballen, stroopwafel, raw herring, Dutch cheese, etc., are influenced by various multi-varied food flavours of Indonesian and Surinamese cuisine. Whether you are travelling to Amsterdam or live in the city, these 20 culinary delights will uniquely impress your taste buds. 

1. Stamppot

A hearty dish made from mashed potatoes and vegetables, Stamppot is a traditional Dutch dish with its roots in Amsterdam's culinary history. The dish is made commonly from vegetables like kale, endive, carrots, and sauerkraut that are cooked and mashed together with potatoes for a creamy base. This creamy base is accompanied with the flavourful sausage, bacon and gravy giving a true culinary experience. This staple dish of Amsterdam is a blend of different taste and texture making it a perfect Dutch delicacy.

2. Ontbijtkoek

Ontbijtkoek, a breakfast cake is a total ditch delight that is infused with spices and baked making it a flavorful and aromatic delicacy. This breakfast cake is perfectly moist and dense and normally consumed as a midday snack in Amsterdam. Made with rye flour, honey, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg, this cake is baked, sliced and spread with butter to create a smooth mouthfeel. Consume it with your tea or enjoy it with a Dutch cheese, it will tantalize your taste buds in every way. 

3. Dutch Pancakes

Popularly known as pannenkoeken in Amsterdam, Dutch pancakes is a staple dish of Dutch cuisine. The thin pancakes are normally topped with multiple variants of toppings and fillings that make it different from the conventional pancakes. Be it powdered sugar, butter, maple syrup, fruits or some savory accompaniments like cheese, meat, or spices, Dutch pancakes can be served in any way as per the taste preference. These light pancakes are made from flour, eggs, milk and a pinch of salt that is cooked evenly before serving. Hence, the tender Dutch pancakes can never disappoint for its versatility and options. 

4. Raw Herring

Raw herring is a unique Dutch street food that is prepared from the age-old methods of pickling. In this, raw herring is cleaned, deboned, cured in a brine mixture and served with onions and pickles creating an adventurous flavour combination. The taste of the raw herring is buttery and is normally elevated with the sour taste of pickles. This delicacy is generally enjoyed by lifting the tail of the herring and eating it upwards over the mouth to enjoy all the flavours. The pairing of raw herring with vegetables or some pickled beans is also common in the city. 

5. Snert

Served with rye bread, butter and Dutch cheese, Snert is a thick, flavorful soup that is a popular culinary delight in winter. This wholesome soup is also known as erwtensoep and is prepared from peas, vegetables, and various cuts of pork creating a nourishing and yummy dish. Served as a starter, the richness of the soup elevates with the flavours of smoked sausages, bacon and ham. 

6. Bitterballen

Bitterballen is a popular Dutch savoury snack served as bite-sized croquettes filled with Dutch flavours. This is prepared from the filling of a mixture of slow-cooked meat, typically beef, seasoned with herbs & spices. The filling is coated with crispy crumbs and fried until golden brown to make a savoury and rich delicacy smashing a punch of flavours in each bite. In Amsterdam, the bitterballen are served with mustard dip, creating a tangy appetizing experience. Indulge in the crispy delicacy having luscious filling as street food or with your drinks while roaming in Amsterdam. 

7. Stroopwafels

Stroopwafels are sweet, caramel-filled waffle cookies perfect for tasting the captivating Dutch bakery delicacies. There are two thin round waffles that are sandwiched with a sticky caramel syrup known as Stroop. The waffles are not the normal waffles but are infused with the spices like cinnamon and nutmeg making them more aromatic and delicious. Normally served with a cup of coffee or tea in Amsterdam, this sweet culinary delight of the city gives warmth and a burst of spice to every bite. 

8. Dutch Liquorice

Dutch Liquorice is a delightful confectionary renowned for its distinctive taste and texture. Also known as drops in Amsterdam, these candies are flavoured with aniseed and are available in multiple sizes and shapes. The candies are prepared by different methods and ingredients for the assortments, from soft and chewy to hard. Find it in any store or candy shop in shapes like coins, ropes or buttons. There are multiple flavours, from sweet to bold and salty, Dutch liquorice is a fantastic palate cleanser and is also loved by people in Amsterdam as an addition to the desserts and pastries. 

9. Tompouce

Taste the heavenly flavours in this popular Dutch Pastry, Tompouce which is a part of Amsterdam’s holidays and special occasions. This delightful dessert is a rectangular flaky puff pastry filled with creamy, sweet custard filling and topped with smooth, pink icing. The light and crispy texture of the puff pastry complements the velvety custard filling flavoured with aromatic vanilla. This symphony of pink icing with a glossy filling makes it visually appealing. Hence it is always on display in the confectionary shops of Amsterdam.

10. Jenever

A popular liquor in Amsterdam, Jenever is a traditional Dutch spirit with juniper flavours. This gin-based spirit is made by distilling a malt grain liquid with a blend of botanicals and juniper berries that imparts a unique and aromatic character. Available in two types, one is jonge jenever which is a smooth and neutral spirit, and another one is oude jenever which is aged in oak barrels with a complex flavour profile. Have it as a neat shot or in classic cocktails, the notes of juniper, herbs, spices, and malt will give a rich experience in every sip. 

11. Kaas

In Dutch, Kaas is a name for cheese that is known for its diverse flavours and exceptional quality, available in various types and distinct characteristics. Be it the mild, nutty flavour of Gouda, the tangy flavour of Edam or the unique characteristic of Old Amsterdam, Leerdammer and Maasdam, Kaas or Dutch cheese is one of a kind in the world. Additionally, the cheese in Amsterdam is infused with herbs, spices, and other flavours giving a distinctive taste. Pair it with fruits, or with sandwiches. The craftsmanship of Dutch cheese can be tasted in every bite and is a true delight for cheese connoisseurs. 

12. Oliebollen

Oliebollen is a deep-fried pastry in the shape of doughnuts that is a must part of the festivals in Amsterdam. The delicious golden pastries are made from a yeast-fermented dough kneaded with ingredients like flour, milk, eggs, raisins, and currants. The dough is shaped and fried until golden and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. With the blend of sweetness, warmth, and a hint of citrus zest, this festive dessert imparts authentic Dutch flavours. 

13. Kibbeling

Popular as a Dutch street food, Kibbeling is a delectable fried fish with a combination of flavours and texture offering the taste of seafood in Amsterdam. This dish is made from bite-sized pieces of white fish, normally a cod or haddock, dipped in a batter and fried until golden and crispy. Tender fish is also seasoned with sea salt and tangy sauces like tartar sauce and garlic mayonnaise, creating a satisfying dish. Have it while sitting on the beach or strolling around in the impressive cone packaging as a casual snack. 

14. Patat Friet

Patat Friet, which translates as "fries" in Dutch, is a beloved fast food staple and a symbol of Dutch culture. Typically twice-fried, Patat Friet is made with thick-cut potatoes that are crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Fried potatoes are seasoned with salt and topped with delicious toppings such as ketchup, curry sauce, or the traditional Dutch recipe of satay sauce. In addition to its versatility and delicious taste, Patat Friet is also widely used as a side dish at street food stands and a complement in hearty Dutch meals. In addition to its versatility and delicious taste, Patat Friet is also widely used as a side dish at street food stands and a complement in hearty Dutch meals.

15. Gehaktballen

Gehaktballen, or Dutch meatballs, are hearty and flavorful dishes that hold a special place in Dutch cuisine. Served with a side of potatoes, these succulent balls of seasoned ground meat make for a satisfying meal. To make Gehaktballen, ground beef and pork are combined with breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, herbs, and spices. Round meatballs are formed and then baked, braised, or pan-fried until cooked through. This savory dish is a popular accompaniment with every hearty Dutch meal that imparts the true fusion flavours of the city.

16. Herring Sandwich 

Commonly known as haring broodje in Dutch, the Herring sandwich is an iconic dish of Amsterdam that highlights the flavours of the city's beloved fish, Herring. As the name suggests, the herring sandwich is made by putting the raw herring fillets sandwiched in bread rolls and accompanied by raw onions, and pickles that add a tangy and crunchy element to the sandwich. The bold and balanced flavours of the herring with the buttery soft slices of bread make it a quick-bite snack in the city. 

17. Poffertjes

Poffertjes, or mini Dutch pancakes are common in Amsterdam as a beloved sweet snack. These pancakes are prepared from flour, yeast, milk, and eggs making fluffy and bite-sized cakes. Poffertjes are commonly flavored with vanilla and are served with powdered sugar and butter as the toppings. Some variants of Poffertjes are also enjoyed with syrups, fruits, compote, and whipped cream. Available both with street vendors and in a la carte restaurants, Poffertjes is an irresistible delicacy that is a must-try in Amsterdam. 

18. Rijsttafel

Inspired by Indonesian culture, Rijsttafel, or rice table, is a rice feast offering a symphony of aroma, texture, and taste with varied dishes. Typically featuring dishes like meat, fish, vegetables, and spices that are served with a bowl of steamed rice, making it a perfect main course meal. The tender beef curry, rendang, or the skewered meat with peanut sauce as accompaniments to the spicy sambals and vegetable dishes create a combination of varied textures and tastes. Not only a dish, Rijsttafel, or rice table in Amsterdam is a culinary experience in itself that is must try. 

19. Surinaamse Broodjes

Popularly known as Surinaamse Sandwich, Surinaamse Broodjes is a blend of Dutch and Surinamese cuisine that reflects the diversification in the cuisine of Amsterdam. The sandwich normally consists of bread and a filling that is grilled to perfection. The filling is made from a variety of ingredients like spicy marinated chicken, curry, tender beef and other vegetables. The sandwiches are served with a medley of toppings like fresh herbs, sauces, and pickled vegetables creating a layer of textures and flavours in the Surinaamse Broodjes. 

20. Appeltaart, or Apple Tart

A symbol of Dutch tradition and hospitality, the Apple tart, or Appeltaart is a comfort dessert with layers of sliced apples, fragrant spices and some puree in a buttery crust. With varied flavours and textures, crumbly pastry, cinnamon, sugar, and zesty lemon add to the deliciousness of the dish. Apple Tart is usually served with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adding an extra dimension to this culinary delight. Enjoy it at any cafe in Amsterdam as it is a staple dessert in every menu of the city. 

The fascinating journey of the culinary delights of Amsterdam takes the tourist on a ride of Dutch flavours with an essence of Indonesian and Surinamese cuisine with its wholesome stamppot, savoury bitterballen and sweet Dutch apple tart. Enjoy the ride of fusion flavours and hearty delicacies of Dutch cuisine in Amsterdam as the city never fails to interest food enthusiasts with its options.