Typical Dutch Food You Must Taste – The Netherlands, with its maritime heritage and rich cultural influences from around the world, has a unique and diverse culinary scene. Although not as popular as French or Italian cuisine, Dutch food has its own characteristics that are worth trying and enjoying. Here are some typical Dutch foods that you can try when visiting there.
Try Typical Dutch Food
1. Stroopwafel
Stroopwafel is a thin cake made from two sheets of crispy cake baked with stroop syrup (caramel syrup), honey and brown sugar in the middle. This cake is often served over a cup of tea or coffee to enjoy its deliciousness.
2. Bitterballen
Bitterballen are fried, savory meat balls, usually made from a mixture of minced beef seasoned with butter, breadcrumbs, stock and spices. Bitterballen are often served as a bar snack or as part of a main course with mustard sauce.
3. Haring Hollandse Nieuwe
Haring Hollandse Nieuwe is raw herring served with garlic, pickles and bread. This dish is very popular in the Netherlands, especially during the herring harvest season from June to July.
4. Erwtensoep
Erwtensoep, or also called snert, is a thick pea soup with pieces of bacon, sausage, celery and potatoes. This soup is usually eaten during winter as a warming dish.
5. Patat
Patat is the Dutch version of French fries, which are often thicker than American or French fries. Patat is usually served with mayonnaise sauce, or local variants such as andalouse sauce, oorlog (mayonnaise, peanut sauce, and shallots), or satay (peanut sauce).
6. Poffertjes
Poffertjes are small, round cakes, which are similar to mini pancakes. They are made from dough containing yeast and sugar, and are often served with butter and powdered sugar.
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7. Oliebollen
Oliebollen are deep-fried Dutch doughnuts, which are usually served during the holiday season, especially around Christmas and New Year. Oliebollen contain raisins and are often sprinkled with powdered sugar before serving.
8. Stamppot
Stamppot is a composition dish consisting of boiled and mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables such as spinach (boerenkool), turnips, or carrots, and is often served with sausages or other cuts of meat.
9. Hotspot
Hutspot is a traditional Dutch dish consisting of potatoes, carrots and shallots boiled and mashed together. Hutspot is often served with slices of bacon or grilled pork.
10. Croquettes
Croquettes are a Dutch snack consisting of fried meat or vegetable dough, often coated in breadcrumbs. Croquettes can be eaten as a snack or as part of a main course with bread and mustard sauce.
11. Hachee
Hachee is a meat ragout seasoned with shallots, red wine and vinegar, then cooked until the meat is tender and has a thick sauce. Hachee is often served with stamppot or boiled potatoes.
12. Appeltaart
Appeltaart is a rich Dutch apple tart with apple slices cooked with spices such as cinnamon, and often topped with raisins or almonds.
13. Speculaas
Speculaas are Dutch pastries flavored with a mixture of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. Speculaas are often made with a distinctive mold that gives them a distinctive shape and pattern.
14. Kaas (Cheese)
The Netherlands is famous for its high-quality cheeses such as Gouda, Edam and Maasdam. These cheeses are often served as an appetizer or as part of a main course, or simply as a snack with bread or fruit.
15 Drops
Drop is a famous Dutch licorice candy, with a variety of flavors and levels of sweetness. Drops are often favored by Dutch people and are often sold in various forms and variants.
Typical Dutch food offers unique and varied flavors, often reflecting the cool climate and long historical cultural influences. When visiting the Netherlands, trying these foods will not only satisfy your taste buds with different flavors, but will also provide a deeper experience of the rich local culture. Don’t hesitate to explore traditional markets, local restaurants or food festivals to sample authentic Dutch delights.
