Must-try Dishes
Stamppot - Dutch Mash (hearty potato dish) - A comforting mix of mashed potatoes with various vegetables, often paired with sauerkraut or kale. Locals enjoy this classic dish during the colder months, especially with a juicy sausage on the side.
Kroket - Dutch Croquette (savory snack) - A deep-fried roll filled with beef or chicken ragout, creating a crispy texture outside and a creamy filling inside. You’ll find them at every snack bar, often enjoyed as a quick lunch or mid-afternoon snack.
Balkenbrij - Blood Sausage Pudding (traditional delicacy) - A unique pudding made from pork blood, cereals, and spices, served hot or sliced cold. It’s a local favorite during the winter months, commonly eaten by families around the dinner table, often with applesauce for a touch of sweetness.
Haring - Raw Herring (seafood delicacy) - Fresh herring fish, typically served with onions and pickles, eaten by holding the fish by the tail and taking a bite. This is a true street food experience, enjoyed by locals during the summer, especially at outdoor markets.
Frikandel - Spicy Sausage (snack stand favorite) - A skinless minced meat sausage, often served with a tangy curry sauce and chopped onions. It’s a popular choice at local frituurs (fry stands) for a late-night snack after a night out, a distinct flavor explosion.
Asperges - White Asparagus (seasonal treat) - Tender white asparagus is steamed and often served with a hollandaise sauce, ham, and boiled potatoes. This dish is eagerly anticipated each spring when asparagus season begins, and you can see locals delighting in its arrival.
Patat - Dutch Fries (iconic street food) - Thick-cut fries served with an extensive selection of sauces like mayonnaise, satay, or onions. Perfect for lunch or dinner, these fries are a favorite among locals when they're looking for something quick and satisfying, a go-to comfort food.
Rijstepap - Rice Pudding (comforting dish) - Creamy rice cooked with milk and sugar, sometimes topped with cinnamon and sugar. Traditionally eaten as a filling breakfast option or dessert, it's such a classic that you’ll find it served at family gatherings, bringing back fond childhood memories.
Desserts & Drinks
Wortmanns - Wortmanns (local herbal tea) - A soothing blend of various herbs, often including mint and chamomile, steeped in hot water. You’ll find it enjoyed in cozy cafes during chilly evenings, while locals appreciate it for its calming effects after a long day.
Pilsner - Pilsner (crisp lager) - A refreshing light beer made from barley and hops, often served in a tall glass to maintain its frothy head. It’s a popular choice at local pubs, especially during summer gatherings – just avoid asking for a “beer” alone; locals might assume you mean heineken.
Frisdrank - Frisdrank (Dutch soda) - A local creation of fruit-flavored fizzy drinks that come in standout flavors like cassis and orange. Often savored during annual celebrations or festivals, it's common to see families sipping frisdrank together during outdoor events.
Bossche Bol - Bossche Bol (cream-filled pastry) - A delightful choux pastry ball, filled with whipped cream and coated in rich dark chocolate. Perfect as a treat during special occasions, you might catch locals indulging in it at outdoor markets or bakeries while strolling around the city.
Ijskoffie - Ijskoffie (iced coffee) - A creamy blend of strong coffee, finished with whipped cream on top and sometimes a drizzle of chocolate or caramel. Best enjoyed during the warm summer months, pair it with a slice of cake if you want to fit in—it's the local way to take a break.