While Amsterdam may be known for its picturesque canals, rauchy night scene, beautiful tulips, and vibrant culture, they also have a lively culinary scene.
Being a self-proclaimed foodie, I always make it my mission to seek out the tastiest eats wherever I go! In Amsterdam, with an abundance of amazing food, this wasn’t a hard task.
From traditional Dutch treats to global cuisines, here are some unforgettable foods you must try in Amsterdam.
Appeltaart
Another Dutch spin on a classic treat is their take on apple pie. Dutch apple pie, or appeltaart, is filled with a ton of brown sugary apples, has a buttery, flaky pie crust, and is topped with sweet, crunchy streusel, it’s honestly so delicious.
And out of all the appeltaarts in Amsterdam, one place, Winkel 43, does it best. Not only is their pie fresh out of the oven, topped with their signature whipped cream, and better than could be imagined, but the place is also an adorable cafe that has long wooden beans across the ceiling and a cozy and welcoming vibe. Whether you go for a mid-day treat or a midnight snack (like we did one night), the pie is a perfect balance of sweetness and spiced cinnamon that will leave you craving another slice.
Stroopwafels
Got a sweet tooth? These thin, waffle-like cookies are filled with a warm, gooey caramel syrup. Although they can be found all over the city, visit local markets like the Albert Cuyp Market to get them fresh. When they come hot off the iron, the caramel is barely solid and the waffles bend with ease so make sure to gobble them up!
Poffertjes & Pannenkoeken
Man, if you think pancakes can’t get any better, think again. Poffertjes are tiny, fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and served with a generous dollop of butter or other special sides. They reminded me of the warm gooey texture of takoyaki and somehow their size made them taste even better than normal-size pancakes (maybe it was just because they were so darn cute)! These are a must-try!
Dutch pancakes, or pannenkoeken, are another special Dutch breakfast item. They are larger and thinner than American pancakes and can be savory or sweet, with toppings like bacon and cheese or apples and cinnamon. They can be found at traditional pancake houses throughout the city and we got ours from De Carrousel Pannenkoeken, an adorable pancake house centered around a carousel that has a direct view of the Heineken Experience too!
Herring & Kibbeling
Perhaps one of the more daring street foods in Amsterdam is the authentic Dutch herring. Locals eat it by holding it by the tail and taking a large bite! However, for the more faint of heart, it also can come on a hotdog bun. Typically served with onions and pickles, this raw fish was way less intimidating than I thought. Buttery and surprisingly not that fishy, it was quite delicious!
Another must-try seafood is kibbeling. These bite-sized, golden-fried morsels of fresh fish make a truly scrumptious snack! Both this and herring can be found throughout Amsterdam but a traditional fishmonger stall near the city’s museum quarter, Frens Haringhandel, serves up some of the best versions.
Bitterballen
Bitterballen is Dutch comfort food at its finest. These crispy, deep-fried balls are filled with a creamy mixture of beef or veal ragout. Super hearty and amazing with mustard, these snacks can be found at restaurants and food halls alike.
These snacks come in different shapes and sizes and, in my experience, differ greatly in terms of flavor. The ones we got from FoodHallen in Amsterdam from a stall called De Ballenbar were the best though!
Dutch Cheese
Who knew that Dutch cheese, especially Gouda and Edam, is renowned worldwide? I sure didn’t when I first arrived in Amsterdam. But after some window shopping, and stopping into a few too many cheese shops, I soon came to realize why these cheeses were so popular.
You are able to sample a variety of cheeses at the local shops and markets and sometimes even pair them with some jams too! I truly tried too many cheeses to count but you can find them at places like Old Amsterdam Cheese Store and Amsterdam Cheese Company.
Indonesian Rijsttafel
Amsterdam’s colonial past is reflected in its diverse culinary scene. One of the most delightful fusions is the Indonesian Rijsttafel, which literally translates to “rice table” and is a lavish spread of small dishes ranging from spicy satays to fragrant curries.
There are several Indonesian restaurants in the city and surrounding towns and we tried one in The Hauge, Indonesisch Rijsttafel Restaurant Toko Frederik, and one in Amsterdam, Aneka Rasa, both of which were delicious and surprisingly sweet!
With so many amazing foods to try, you’ll be sure to have plenty of energy to fuel all your other adventures (and maybe get some biking in too to burn off that extra stroopwafel HA)! So, as you wander through the charming streets and canals of Amsterdam, be sure to indulge in these unforgettable foods that make this city a foodie’s paradise.
