Dutch Cuisine

Traditional food in the Netherlands might not have the same global fame as France or Italy, but there are a number of delicious dishes to try.

First up is bitterballen, deep fried meatballs that usually come with mustard for dipping. It’s a traditional pub snack that has kept many a drinker on their feet when the 8 percent beers start to kick in.

For a sweet treat, try stroopwafel. It consists of two waffles bonded by a layer of syrup, traditionally placed over a cup of coffee to warm up.

If you like fish, you will love the raw herring in the Netherlands. Herring carts are a common feature in Amsterdam, serving raw herring sandwiches known as broodje haring. Ask for one and you will get raw herring, pickles and onions in a sandwich.

Those that don’t fancy eating raw fish could opt instead for kibbeling. These deep fried morsels of white fish can be bought from street markets and food trucks, and usually come with herb mayonnaise.

For novelty value, it’s worth trying one of the hole-in-the-wall cafés where you can buy a hot snack from a vending machine. The hamburgers and sandwiches aren’t going to win any awards, but it’s an experience.