What Food To Try in The Hague and Food Prices

Pannenkoeken - Dutch Pancakes (thin, large pancakes) - These are wide, thin pancakes, often filled with cheese, bacon, or apples. Locals typically enjoy them for breakfast or lunch at casual eateries, and they often come topped with syrup or powdered sugar.

Kroket - Croquette (crispy meat-filled snack) - A deep-fried cylinder filled with a rich beef or ragout mixture, often served with mustard. You'll find locals grabbing these from street vendors when they need a quick and satisfying bite on the go.

Bitterballen - Bitterballen (meat-filled bites) - Crispy on the outside with a creamy beef filling inside, these are a beloved bar snack. Locals usually enjoy them with friends in pubs, especially during Happy Hour, accompanied by a cold drink.

Stamppot - Mashed Potatoes with Vegetables (hearty potato dish) - This comforting dish combines mashed potatoes with kale or sauerkraut, served with a sausage (rookworst). Often eaten in the winter, you'll find it at cozy family restaurants, especially after a cold day.

Haring - Herring (raw fish delicacy) - Fresh, raw herring served with onions and pickles, eaten in one bite or with a slice of bread. Many locals prefer it during the summer months, enjoying a portion directly from street-side vendors at festivals.

Oliebollen - Dutch Donuts (fried dough balls) - These fluffy donuts, often filled with raisins or apples, are traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve. You’ll see stalls selling them throughout the winter, and they’re a must for celebrating the festive season.

Patat - Dutch Fries (thick, crispy fries) - Thick-cut fries served with a variety of toppings like mayonnaise, satay sauce, or onions. Best enjoyed late at night, they’re a favorite post-bar snack, often shared amongst groups while reminiscing about the evening.

Chocomel - Chocomel (rich chocolate milk) - Creamy Dutch chocolate milk that’s a staple for sweet-toothed locals. You’ll find it served cold in cafes or enjoyed at home as a comforting treat, often paired with a stroopwafel for a perfect afternoon snack.

Koffie verkeerd - Koffie verkeerd (Dutch-style cappuccino) - A delightful blend of strong coffee and steamed milk, making it a smooth but powerful choice. It’s typically consumed in the morning, with many locals savoring theirs at local cafes where the atmosphere is buzzing.

Nolet’s Silver - Nolet’s Silver (premium gin) - This artisanal gin is infused with botanical aromas like rose and peach, making it a refreshing drink. Commonly enjoyed as a sundowner in local bars, a subtle garnish of grapefruit emphasizes its unique flavors—don't mistake it for just any gin, locals relish its finesse.

Speculaas - Speculaas (spiced cookie) - A crunchy, spiced biscuit, often shaped with intricate molds and usually served during Sinterklaas celebrations. The cookies embody warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, best enjoyed with a cup of coffee while sharing stories with friends about traditions.

Ijskoffie - Ijskoffie (Dutch iced coffee) - Sweet coffee combined with ice cream, creating a dreamy dessert experience on a sunny day. Often enjoyed at beachside cafes during the summer months, it’s a favorite for locals seeking a refreshing pick-me-up while they soak in the sun.