What Food To Try in Rotterdam and Food Prices

Roti - Broodje Döner (Turkish flatbread with meat) - Thinly sliced marinated lamb or chicken stuffed in warm flatbread, usually topped with fresh vegetables and garlic sauce. Locals often grab this as a quick lunch or late-night snack from street vendors after a night out.

Soto Ayam - Chicken Soup (Indonesian spiced broth) - A fragrant soup made from chicken, turmeric, and coconut milk, served with rice and herbs. Enjoyed frequently during colder months at home, it’s considered comfort food by many families.

Haring - Raw Herring (Dutch raw fish) - Fresh herring served with onions and pickles, often eaten by holding the fish by the tail and taking a bite. This is a popular street food, especially during the herring season (around summer), with many locals participating in the "haring happen" ritual.

Bitterballen - Dutch Meatballs (deep-fried snacks) - Crispy balls filled with a rich meat ragout, typically served with mustard for dipping. A staple in cafés, these are ideal for sharing over drinks in the evening, although ordering too many can lead to unfortunate waddles home!

Stamppot - Mash Potatoes with Vegetables (traditional mash) - A hearty dish of mashed potatoes combined with various vegetables like kale or carrot, often served with sausage or bacon. It's a winter favorite, typically eaten during family gatherings, making it a comforting communal dish.

Patat - Dutch Fries (thick-cut fries) - Served in a paper cone topped with a variety of sauces, commonly mayonnaise, satay sauce, or a mixture. Grab a cone from any fries stand around town; they're a go-to for late-night snacking (and best at night for the full experience).

Oliebollen - Dutch Doughnuts (seasonal treat) - Fried dough balls filled with raisins, traditionally enjoyed during New Year's celebrations. You'll find these stalls during the winter months, and indulging in one while bundled up against the cold is quite the treat.

Pannenkoeken - Dutch Pancakes (large thin pancakes) - These come in various flavors, both sweet and savory, often topped with bacon or fruits. Locals frequently enjoy them for lunch or dinner; just remember that sweet ones are usually ordered separately from savory to avoid confusion!

Koffie - Koffie (strong coffee) - Rich and robust coffee brewed from locally roasted beans, often enjoyed with a touch of milk. Locals love to sip it during working hours at one of their many modern cafes, especially when catching up with friends.

Witte Port - Witte Port (white port wine) - A sweet and refreshing fortified wine made primarily from white grapes, served chilled with some ice. It's a summer favorite among Rotterdamers, often enjoyed on a terrace alongside a light meal or while watching the sunset.

Fris (Soda) - Bitter Lemon (citrusy soda) - A carbonated drink with a tangy lemon flavor, typically enjoyed cold. Commonly served during festive gatherings, it's a go-to refreshment for both kids and adults, especially during warm evenings.

Tompoes - Tompouce (pastry dessert) - A layered pastry filled with a rich cream and topped with pink icing, feel the delightful texture when you take a bite. It's an essential part of celebration meals, especially on King's Day when locals indulge in this classic treat.

Ijskoffie - Iced Coffee (cold coffee) - Smooth and creamy coffee served over ice, often sweetened and topped with whipped cream. Perfect for hot summer days, it's commonly found in cafes around town, and don't be surprised if you spot people sipping on it while people-watching in the bustling city squares.