Top Foods to Try in Amsterdam

Headed to Amsterdam? These are the top treats, both sweet and savory, you’ll want to try before you leave.

The fries at Vlaams Fraterhuis Vleminckx are top-notch, and you shouldn’t be surprised to see a line winding around the block. The little hole in the wall serves up healthy helpings of homemade fries in a cone, topped with your choice of 25 sauces. Of course, mayonnaise is the Dutch way to go, but you’ll also spot familiar favorites like traditional ketchup and curry ketchup on the menu.

Head to Lanksroon Bakery for stroopwafels. Its menu also includes Dutch pastries, cakes and ice cream in the summer months. Plus, the convenient location means you can enjoy your treat while sitting right next to the canals.

You can’t leave Amsterdam without some Dutch cheese. You’ll see many cheese shops while you’re out and about in the city, but De Kaaskamer claims to be one of the best. Plus, along with a fantastic variety of cheese (be sure to pick up some of the aged gouda with cumin), the shop also sells everything you could ever want to eat alongside your cheese, from mouthwatering salamis to wine and nuts.

If you’ve never had Dutch pancakes, you’re certainly missing out. Try one of three of the Pancakes Amsterdam locations, all conveniently situated. Dutch pancakes are almost crepe-like, much thinner than an American pancake and much larger. Choose from a variety of fillers, cooked right into the pancake itself — ham, cheese, bacon, apples, bananas, pears. You really can’t go wrong!

Last but not least, don’t miss this little shop serving traditional Dutch herring. Frans Haringhandel specializes in raw herring, a local treat. Try the herring sandwich with onions and pickles served on a soft roll.