Netherlands

The Netherlands, a land of windmills, tulips, and vibrant cities, beckons with its unique charm and flat, picturesque landscapes. This low-lying country, much of which is reclaimed from the sea, offers a fascinating blend of historic charm and modern innovation. Cycle through charming villages, explore world-class museums in Amsterdam, or marvel at the engineering prowess of its water management systems. The Dutch are known for their directness, pragmatism, and love for cycling, making for an authentic and engaging travel experience. From the colorful flower fields of spring to the bustling city life year-round, the Netherlands promises a journey filled with discovery and delight.

From street food to local drinks — flavors you have to try.

Dish

Stamppot

Stamppot is a traditional Dutch dish made from mashed potatoes mixed with one or more vegetables. Common variations include stamppot boerenkool (kale), stamppot hutspot (carrots, onions, and potatoes), and stamppot andijvie (endive). It's typically served with a smoked sausage (rookworst) and a gravy. This hearty meal is perfect for colder days.

Dish

Haring

Hollandse Nieuwe, or raw herring, is a delicacy in the Netherlands. The fish is lightly cured in salt and typically served with chopped raw onions and sometimes pickles. It's traditionally eaten by holding the herring by its tail and lowering it into your mouth. You can find it at fish stalls throughout the country.

Dish

Bitterballen

Bitterballen are deep-fried, breaded meatballs with a creamy, savory ragout filling, typically made with beef or veal. They have a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful inside. These popular snacks are often served as a bar snack or appetizer, usually accompanied by mustard for dipping.

Dish

Poffertjes

Poffertjes are small, fluffy, and light Dutch pancakes made from buckwheat flour and yeast. They are cooked in a special pan with small indentations, giving them their characteristic round shape. Typically served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a knob of butter, they are a popular treat at festivals and markets.

Dish

Stroopwafel

A stroopwafel is a thin, round waffle cookie made from two layers of baked dough with a caramel-like syrup filling in the middle. It's best enjoyed warm, often placed over a cup of hot coffee or tea to soften the syrup. You can find freshly made stroopwafels at markets and bakeries.

Dish

Kroket

The kroket is a popular Dutch snack, similar to a bitterbal but larger and often oblong in shape. It consists of a thick ragout (usually beef or veal) coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. It's commonly eaten as a sandwich filling (broodje kroket) or on its own.

Drink

Jenever

Jenever is the traditional Dutch spirit, considered the precursor to gin. It comes in two main types: 'oude' (old) and 'jonge' (young), with distinct flavor profiles. Oude jenever is maltier and richer, while jonge jenever is lighter and more neutral. It's often drunk neat, chilled, from a tulip-shaped glass.

Drink

Bier

The Netherlands has a rich beer culture, with a wide variety of beers ranging from light lagers to strong ales. Major breweries like Heineken and Grolsch are internationally known, but don't miss out on the many craft breweries offering unique local brews. Enjoy a cold beer at a 'bruin café' (brown cafe).

Drink

Koffie

Coffee is a very important part of Dutch culture, with many people enjoying it throughout the day. Dutch coffee is typically strong and often served black or with a splash of milk. Look for 'koffie verkeerd' (coffee wrong way) if you prefer a latte-like drink. It's common to be offered coffee when visiting someone's home.

Drink

Appelsap

Dutch apple juice, especially freshly pressed, is a popular and refreshing drink. It often has a cloudy appearance and a rich, natural apple flavor, as it's typically unfiltered. You can find it in various forms, from cartons in supermarkets to freshly squeezed versions at local markets.

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