• Home
  • U.S. Destinations
    • Midwest
    • Northeast
    • Northwest
    • Southeast
    • Southwest
    • Coastal
  • International Destinations
    • Africa/Middle East
    • Antarctica/Arctic
    • Asia
    • Canada
    • Europe
    • Mexico/Central America/Carribean
    • Oceania
    • South America
  • Food & Drink
    • For the Home
    • On The Town
    • At the Bar
    • Recipes
  • Travel & Lifestyle
    • Getting There
    • Staying There
    • Travel Tips
    • Travel Gear & Gifts
    • People Stories
    • Focus on Photos
  • About
    • Our Site
    • Contributors
    • Write To Us
    • Write For Us
    • Work With Us
    • Disclosure
    • Subscribe
    • Privacy Policy
Confetti Travel Cafe
Celebrate travel, culture, connection
Dutch treats Sharon Kurtz
At the Bar, Europe, Food & Drink, Food And Drink, International Destinations, On The Town 0

Stroopwafels to Bitterballen: 10 Dutch Treats to Try in Amsterdam

By Sharon Kurtz · On November 6, 2019


Tasting my way through local food specialties is one of my favorite ways to experience a new destination.  Learning about the history, culture, and fascinating stories behind the food is one of the joys of travel.  All I knew of Dutch food before I arrived in Amsterdam was cheese and beer, and I happily learned that there are so many more Dutch treats to sample. If you are traveling to the Netherlands, do not return home without trying these traditional tasty delicacies.

hot, buttery poffertjies

Nothing beats a bag of hot, buttery poffertjes from a street market vendor (Photo Sharon Kurtz)

Stroopwafels

Stroopwafel is a delicious Dutch cookie created by first baking pastry dough in a special wafel iron. Once the “wafel” is removed, it is sliced horizontally while it is still warm and stuck together with special sweet and sticky caramel syrup (the “stroop”) in between. If you are in the mood for something really decadent, get them with chocolate drizzled over the top.  The dough is made from butter, flour, yeast, milk, brown sugar and eggs.  The stroopwafel originates from Gouda, a small city south of Amsterdam.  The stroopwafel was first made during the 18th century by a baker using leftovers from the bakery and sweetening it with syrup.

I had the most delicious stroopwafel at Bakkerij Egstorf in the Canal district.  The baker, Mr. Hans Egstorf, started as an apprentice when he was 13 years old, and is still baking 50 years later.  The wafels come two sizes, small or giant, as big as your face.  Of course, I chose the giant.  The charming Mr. Egstorf prepared a “to go” box for me with the remainder of my giant stroopwafel along with several other delectable Dutch cookies tucked inside, perfect for my next day breakfast.  What a sweet man he was.

Stroopwafel at Bakkerij Egstorf

Stroopwafels made fresh day and served warm and gooey at Bakkerij Egstorf in the Canal District (Photo Sharon Kurtz)

Kaas Shop: Cheese, Cheese and More Cheese

gouda

One of the best known cheeses from the Netherlands is Gouda (Photo Sharon Kurtz)

The Dutch have been making cheese, or kaas, since 800 B.C., and The Netherlands is the largest cheese exporter in the world. The majority of Dutch cheeses are semi-hard or hard cheeses.  One of the best-known cheeses is Gouda, a yellow cheese made of cow’s milk that is aged anywhere from about 4 weeks to over a year. Gouda has been produced in the Netherlands since the 12th Century and is one of the world’s oldest surviving types of cheeses.

boerenkass dutch treats

Boerenkaas means farm house cheese. Only Dutch cheese produced on a cheese farm using traditional methods may be called Boerenkaas (Photo by Sharon Kurtz)

Haring ‘Hollandse Nieuwe’

haring herring

Brined haring (Photo Sharon Kurtz)

Haring ‘Hollandse Nieuwe’, or Dutch new herring, is probably the most famous Dutch food. If you like fish – every visitor to Amsterdam should give it a go. This lightly brined raw herring is usually served with chopped onions and pickles. Herring can only be called “Hollandse Nieuwe” if the fish is caught between May and July. It is a special preparation and must be done according to the Dutch tradition.  The herring is cleaned, the head is removed, and it is preserved in a special way with salt.

I was reluctant to try the herring, and I almost certainly wouldn’t have if it hadn’t been included in the All Dutch Food, Walking and Canal tour I participated in. With encouragement from my fellow foodies, I’m glad I tried it.   I was surprised by how good it tasted, light and fresh – not strong and fishy as I imagined it would be.

haring herring

Lightly brined new herring is usually served with pickles and onion (Photo Sharon Kurtz)

Kibbeling  

If you’re not feeling quite brave enough to try raw herring, then you can still get your “fish-fix” from kibbeling – battered and deep-fried morsels of cod, the ultimate Dutch comfort food.   They are usually served fresh out of the fryer with a mayonnaise-based tartar sauce and lemon. As part of the food and canal tour I tried raw herring, kibbling and smoked eel at a fish shop in the 17th century Jordaan neighborhood from a family that opened their first shop in 1880. All three were delicious, be brave … try them!

Dutch treats kibbling

Kibbeling: battered, deep fried cod; ultimate Dutch comfort food (Photo Sharon Kurtz)

Dutch Apple Pie

Dutch Apple Pie is the quintessential of Dutch desserts. It’s been part of the cuisine in the Netherlands for 500 years, making it one of the oldest Dutch foods and Dutch treats.  

dutch apple pie

A slice of Dutch apple pie with a dollop of whipped cream (Photo Sharon Kurtz)

I enjoyed the perfect slice of Dutch Apple Pie at Café Papeneiland, a classic bruine kroeg, or brown café where they have been serving up draft ales and typical Dutch fare since 1642.  Their famed apple pie is still baked on the premises.  With a thick crust below layers of spiced apples and a rich, crumbly topping, it is similar to American apple pie, but not as sweet, the apples are densely stacked and it’s served with a giant dollop of fresh whipped cream.

My favorite of all the Dutch treats I tasted, the apple pie is an absolute must on any trip to Amsterdam.

Dutch treats apple pie

Dutch apple pie from Cafe Papeneiland, with its traditional thick crust and mountains of apples (Photo Sharon Kurtz)

Snert

Snert is Holland’s version of pea soup. It is a thick green stew of split peas, pork, celery, onions and leeks.  It has a terrible name, but it is completely delicious and filling, especially served with warm brown bread and butter. A staple Dutch dish, you’ll find this served at many cozy Dutch bars that serve food and it’s a nice hearty dish in winter.

split pea soup

Snert: Holland’s version of split pea soup (Photo Sharon Kurtz)

Poffertjes (PO-fer-jus’)

Poffertjes (PO-fer-jus’) are mini Dutch pancakes, generally made with buckwheat flour.  This yeasty batter is baked in a special pan with little circular depressions and flipped with a special-two-pronged fork.  These little fluffy clouds of battery goodness are served up at restaurants and pancake houses all over Amsterdam, but nothing can beat a bag of hot, buttery poffertjes from a street market vendor.  Sprinkled with powdered sugar and a squeeze of lemon – can you say yummy?

poffertjies

Poffertjes are mini Dutch pancakes served with powdered sugar and butter ; fluffy clouds of goodness (Photo Sharon Kurtz)

Patat Frites

patat fries

Thick Dutch fries, served hot in paper cone with toppings (Photo Sharon Kurtz)

Patat frites are thick Dutch fries, but not just any fries, trust me. The line for these fries at popular snack shop called Manneken Pis snaked down the block, but was definitely worth the wait!  They are served piping hot in a paper cone slathered with all kinds of tasty toppings.  Ask for “patatje oorlog’ (‘fries at war’) – a dollop of peanut satay sauce, mayo and onions, or the ‘patat special’ – a mix of curry ketchup, mayonnaise and onions.

frtes at Mannekan Pis

The line for these patat fries at Manneken Pis stretch around the block. (Photo Sharon Kurtz)

Bitterballen

Bitterballen Served piping hot, these deep-fried crunchy meatballs are traditionally served with mustard for dipping. Made of bits of pork or beef in a ragout mixture and covered with bread crumbs, they are the ultimate Dutch pub snacks and can be found on the menu at most Amsterdam drinking establishments. They are delicious served with cold beer and are often very hot inside, so be careful with that first bite!

bitterballen dutch treats

Bitterballen are the ultimate Dutch pub snack (Photo by Sharon Kurtz)

Genever, More Dutch Treats to Try

Genever

Genever is a juniper-flavored liquor of the Netherlands (Photo Sharon Kurtz)

These last Dutch treats to try in Amsterdam are actually beverages. Genever (also known as Jenever) is the juniper-flavored traditional liquor of the Netherlands.  This clear, malted grain-based spirit is a blend two or more distillates – think of a mashup of whiskey and gin. There are tasting rooms throughout the city that date back centuries for an authentic Genever experience.

There are three traditional kinds of genevers – old (oude), young (jonge) and premium.  We tried a sampling of the three types of Genever on the final stop of our food and canal tour of Amsterdam at Café Papeneiland, along with their famous apple pie.

 

What? – You don’t normally drink liquor in the middle of the day with apple pie?  “When in Amsterdam…”

Genever Dutch treats

A Generver tasting at the historic Cafe Papeneiland, the spirit of the Netherlands (Photo Sharon Kurtz)

For More:

  • Amsterdam Food Tours  https://amsterdamfoodtours.com
  • Amsterdam Tourism  https://www.iamsterdam.com/en
  • Bakkerij Egstorf, Spuistraat 274 Amsterdam, Netherlands 1012 VW,  +31 20- 623 2386
  • Café Papeneiland, Prinsengracht 2 Amsterdam, Netherlands 1015 DV, +31 20 624 1989
  • Manneken Pis, Amsterdam
  • On our site: More on Europe!
  • Holland Tourism, official

Note: The Amsterdam Food & Canal Tour experience https://amsterdamfoodtours.com was generously hosted by iamsterdam.com.  The stops on this tour partially contributed to my article.

-All photos by Sharon Kurtz. Cover photos depicts Baker Hans Egstorf with his giant stroopwafels at Bakkerij Egstorf. (Photo Sharon Kurtz)

Download PDF
AmsterdambitterballenDutch dessertsDutch snacksherringkibbelingpatat fritespoffertjesSharon Kurtzsnertstroopwafelsthe Netherlands
Share Tweet

Sharon Kurtz

Sharon Kurtz is a freelance travel writer who shares her passion for travel and food by exploring unique customs, culture and flavors from around the globe. She lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and three dogs, but her carry-on is always packed ready for the next adventure. Follow her on her travels on Instagram and Facebook.

You Might Also Like

  • thrilling activities in Dubai Dune Bashing Shutterstock Africa/Middle East

    Adventure-Seekers: Try These Thrilling Activities in Dubai

  • Africa/Middle East

    The Cliff Guest House: Stay in an Ancient Village in Oman

  • La Casa Dona Lupe International

    Calafia, Valle de Guadalupe: Mexico’s Napa Valley

No Comments

Leave a reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search

Like What You See? Write For us!

We're always interested in publishing new stories that celebrate travel, culture and connection. Take a look at our Submission Guidelines and pitch your story.

Follow Us on Instagram

Follow on Instagram

Our Contributors!

We love our Contributors and enjoy building a community of writers. Take a look at who’s writing for Confetti Travel Cafe on our Contributors page!

Recent Comments

  • Nancy Zaffaro on The Cliff Guest House: Stay in an Ancient Village in Oman
  • Kepler Newman on The Cliff Guest House: Stay in an Ancient Village in Oman
  • Nancy Zaffaro on Pub Classic: Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
  • aabella aabella on Pub Classic: Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
  • Nancy Zaffaro on How to Choose an International Yoga Retreat
  • Yoga Teacher Training on How to Choose an International Yoga Retreat

Archives

  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Adventure-Seekers: Try These Thrilling Activities in Dubai
  • Staying Within Your Vacation Budget
  • Top 10 Things to Do in Redding, California
  • The Cliff Guest House: Stay in an Ancient Village in Oman
  • Calafia, Valle de Guadalupe: Mexico’s Napa Valley
  • 5 Budget-friendly Outdoor Wedding Destinations
  • Breckenridge Colorado: A Destination to Swoon Over
  • Home
  • Our Site
  • Contributors
  • Write To Us
  • Write For Us
  • Work With Us
  • Disclosure

Categories

  • Africa/Middle East (16)
  • Antarctica/Arctic (1)
  • Art & Culture (27)
  • Asia (32)
  • At the Bar (61)
  • Canada (4)
  • Coastal (47)
  • Europe (44)
  • Food & Drink (148)
  • Food And Drink (77)
  • For the Home (39)
  • Getting There (32)
  • International (105)
  • International Destinations (130)
  • Mexico/Central America/Carribean (14)
  • Midwest (9)
  • Northeast (16)
  • Northwest (80)
  • Oceania (9)
  • On The Town (80)
  • Outdoors (25)
  • People Stories (25)
  • Recipes (31)
  • South America (8)
  • Southeast (42)
  • Southwest (22)
  • Staying There (56)
  • Travel & Lifestyle (91)
  • Travel Destinations (22)
  • Travel Gear & Gifts (33)
  • Travel Tips (77)
  • U.S. (95)
  • U.S. Destinations (163)
  • Uncategorized (1)

Recent Posts

  • Adventure-Seekers: Try These Thrilling Activities in Dubai
  • Staying Within Your Vacation Budget
  • Top 10 Things to Do in Redding, California
  • The Cliff Guest House: Stay in an Ancient Village in Oman
  • Calafia, Valle de Guadalupe: Mexico’s Napa Valley
  • 5 Budget-friendly Outdoor Wedding Destinations
  • Breckenridge Colorado: A Destination to Swoon Over

Tag Cloud

Julia Nikolaus dip recipes Adam Cook places to visit in Spain Casa de Pilatos nature reserves in the UAE Luce tablaos Shelburne Hotel strawberry salads Zermatt Buenos Aires best of Taos Burj Al Khalifa pumpkin seed dip Iquitos Don Guerra Columbus Museum of Art salt caves Alcázar Palace Matthew Stern boat trips Prima Bistro whisky Cheryl Wakehauser Skellig La Bodeguita del Medico paper plane cocktail LEED design Antique Taco Maui restaurants Paris guidebook Lorena Maia places to visit in Maine sighseeing by bike Tyler Hansen Book of African Proverbs river cruises B.C. Larnach Castle

© 2021 Confetti Travel Cafe. All rights reserved.