Amsterdam is a city that’s as rich in culinary diversity as it is in history. While many visitors flock to the famous Dutch pancakes and cheese, the city’s food scene offers so much more—from hearty traditional dishes to exciting modern food trends. Whether you're a foodie looking to try something new or a traveler wanting to taste the authentic flavors of Amsterdam, this guide will take you on a mouthwatering journey through the city’s must-try foods.
Stamppot
A quintessential Dutch dish, stamppot is the ultimate comfort food. It consists of mashed potatoes mixed with various vegetables, such as kale (boerenkool stamppot), sauerkraut, or carrots and onions. It’s typically served with a sausage, either a smoked sausage (rookworst) or a thick, hearty Dutch sausage. Stamppot is the perfect dish to enjoy during the colder months and is often found in traditional Dutch restaurants or brown cafés.
Where to try: Head to Moeders, a beloved restaurant where you can try stamppot and other classic Dutch dishes in a cozy, homey atmosphere.
Haring (Dutch Raw Herring)
Raw herring might sound intimidating to some, but it’s a beloved Dutch delicacy. The fish is typically served raw, with onions and pickles, and is usually eaten by holding it by the tail and taking a bite straight from the fish. The freshest herring is caught from May to July, and you can find vendors all over the city selling it, especially near the Noordermarkt or by the famous Fish Company.
Where to try: Visit Kuyt, a popular spot near Centraal Station known for its high-quality herring and traditional preparation.
Bitterballen
If you’re looking for a true taste of Dutch pub food, bitterballen is a must-try. These golden, deep-fried croquettes are filled with a savory mixture of beef ragout and are typically served with mustard for dipping. Bitterballen are perfect for snacking while enjoying a drink in a brown café or a local bar. They’re crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth delicious on the inside.
Where to try: Café de Klos, a famous brown café, serves up some of the best bitterballen in the city alongside hearty Dutch meals.
Dutch Pancakes (Pannenkoeken)
While American-style pancakes are sweet and fluffy, Dutch pancakes are large, thin, and savory or sweet, and can be topped with almost anything from bacon and cheese to apple and syrup. Whether you prefer them salty or sweet, Dutch pancakes are a fun way to enjoy breakfast or lunch.
Where to try: For an authentic Dutch pancake experience, head to Pancakes Amsterdam, a popular spot near Dam Square, where you can enjoy both sweet and savory varieties.
Cheese (Kaas)
The Netherlands is known for its cheese, and Amsterdam offers plenty of opportunities to sample a variety of local varieties. Famous Dutch cheeses like Edam, Gouda, and Leidse are often sold in markets and cheese shops across the city. Cheese lovers should make sure to sample a few different types, whether you’re buying them at a local cheese shop or enjoying them in a traditional Dutch cheese platter.
Where to try: Visit Reypenaer Cheese Tasting Room to sample a range of aged cheeses, or head to Dutch Cheese Museum in Jordaan to learn more about the cheese-making process.
Poffertjes
These small, fluffy pancakes are a Dutch street food favorite. Poffertjes are typically served with butter and powdered sugar, but you’ll also find toppings like Nutella, whipped cream, or syrup. These bite-sized delights are perfect for snacking as you wander the city’s streets or markets.
Where to try: You can find poffertjes stalls at Albert Cuyp Market or at Foodhallen, where you can try them fresh and hot.
Patat (Dutch Fries)
Dutch fries are thick-cut and served with a variety of delicious sauces, making them a must-try when visiting Amsterdam. They’re usually topped with a generous portion of fritessaus (a mayonnaise-like sauce) or a combination of other unique toppings like peanut sauce, onions, or ketchup. The Dutch take their fries seriously, so expect a big portion, often served in a paper cone.
Where to try: For some of the best fries in the city, head to Vleminckx Sausmeesters, a famous fry shop near Spui that’s known for its perfect fries and array of sauces.
Dutch Licorice (Drop)
Dutch licorice, or drop, is something that divides people—either you love it, or you don’t. It’s a salty and sometimes herbal candy that comes in many different shapes and forms. If you’re feeling adventurous, this traditional Dutch snack is worth trying to see if it’s your new favorite treat.
Where to try: Drop can be found at almost every local shop, but a fun place to visit is The Licorice Shop in De Pijp, where you can sample various kinds of licorice and learn more about its Dutch roots.
Kroket
Similar to bitterballen but larger, kroket is another deep-fried Dutch snack filled with meat ragout. The exterior is crispy and golden, while the interior is creamy and savory. It’s usually eaten as a snack or street food, often found at local snack bars.
Where to try: For the best kroket in Amsterdam, visit Febo, a fast-food chain that’s popular for its self-serve snack vending machines offering freshly made kroketten.
Dutch Apple Pie (Appeltaart)
Dutch apple pie is a must-try dessert when visiting Amsterdam. Unlike other apple pies, the Dutch version has a thicker crust and is filled with juicy apples, cinnamon, and sometimes raisins or almonds. The pie is often served with a dollop of whipped cream, making it the perfect treat after a long day of exploring.
Where to try: Winkel 43 in Jordaan is famous for its delicious, mouth-watering apple pie. The café serves a generous slice that’s beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Speculaas Cookies
Speculaas is a spiced shortcrust biscuit traditionally baked for Sinterklaas (Dutch Christmas celebrations) but enjoyed throughout the year. These crisp cookies are flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and other spices. They’re often shaped into intricate forms, such as windmills, animals, and figures.
Where to try: You can find speculaas cookies in local bakeries, but Albert Heijn and Marqt (grocery stores) often stock excellent homemade varieties.