Embarking on a journey to Amsterdam opens up a world of culinary delights that perfectly blend tradition with innovation. The city's rich history and cultural diversity are mirrored in its cuisine, making a food tour an essential part of eating in Amsterdam's unique culture and history.
In the Jordaan neighbourhood, known for its historic canals, upscale boutiques, and inviting cafes, your gastronomic quest begins. By joining tours like those by Eating Europe or Eating Amsterdam, you'll dive into the heart of Dutch cuisine, sampling everything from time-honored eateries to contemporary takes on classic dishes.
Amsterdam's charming streets reveal that Dutch cuisine extends well beyond herring and pancakes. Discover hidden treasures like Cafe Papeneiland, with its famous century-old apple pie, or Butcher Louman, a staple since 1890. Whether it's browsing local markets, taking a canal tour, or dining at a traditional Dutch restaurant, each taste narrates the city's legacy and its inhabitants' stories.
This article invites you on a gastronomic exploration of Amsterdam, spotlighting the must-try foods that define Dutch cuisine's uniqueness and allure. We'll guide you through an array of iconic, sweet, and savoury treats, promising a visit rich in unforgettable flavours and experiences.
Iconic Dutch Classics
1 - Stroopwafel
Stroopwafel, a cherished Dutch delight, consists of thin waffle cookies with a caramel-like syrup in between. Originating from Gouda, these treats are crafted from two thin layers of waffle filled with a delectable syrup made from sugar, butter, and milk. They pair wonderfully with hot drinks like coffee or tea, making them a must-try in Amsterdam. Look for stroopwafels in local markets and cafes, especially in the picturesque Jordaan area. Some places to try it are:

2 - Bitterballen
Don't miss out on bitterballen, a quintessential Dutch snack. These deep-fried savoury balls are packed with a blend of beef, beef broth, and flour. The outside is crispy and golden, offering a contrast to the soft, savoury inside. Typically served with mustard or aioli, bitterballen are a favourite in Amsterdam's bars and cafes. They offer a taste of authentic Dutch culture, perfect for food tours or city explorations. These are the local preferences:

3 - Erwtensoep
Erwtensoep, or Dutch split pea soup, is a robust dish that's central to Dutch culinary traditions. Made with green split peas, pork (including bacon and sausage), and various vegetables like carrots, leeks, and celeriac, this soup is a winter staple. Served with slices of rookworst (smoked sausage) and dark rye bread, it provides a hearty meal. Enjoy erwtensoep after winter activities, available at food stands and traditional Dutch restaurants in areas like Noordermarkt in Jordaan.

Seafood Specialities
4 - Haring ‘Hollandse Nieuwe’
Haring, also known as Hollandse Nieuwe, stands as a staple in Dutch seafood, particularly celebrated in Amsterdam. This dish showcases raw herring, usually accompanied by chopped raw onions and pickled cucumbers. Traditionally, the herring is enjoyed by lifting it by the tail and lowering it into your mouth while tilting your head back. This unique eating method enhances your experience of the herring's subtle flavours and soft texture.
The excellence of Hollandse Nieuwe hinges on various criteria, such as the fish's fat content, tenderness, and overall structure. It's essential for the herring to be properly bled, cleaned, and carry a fresh, briny taste. The preparation involves a meticulous process of cleaning, gutting (leaving the pancreas for its role in maturation), salting, and curing, a method referred to as "pekelen." This careful preparation guarantees a herring that's both delicious and safe for consumption.
In Amsterdam, top-quality herring can be found at numerous herring carts and stores. These spots are celebrated for their fresh, superior herring, positioning them as essential visits for seafood lovers, including:

5 - Kibbeling
Kibbeling, another Dutch seafood favourite, is particularly famous as street food. It consists of bite-sized pieces of fish, commonly cod, coated in a light batter and fried to a golden crisp. Served hot with a selection of tangy sauces, kibbeling offers a delightful mix of crunchy texture and savoury taste, enhanced by the sauce's acidity.
While cod is traditionally used, other white fish such as pollock, hake, haddock, and whiting are also popular choices. The batter, a key element, blends flour, milk, water or beer, eggs, salt, and pepper, creating the perfect coating for the fish, which is then fried to achieve a crispy shell and moist inside.
Kibbeling can be savoured as a snack or part of a larger meal, often served with fries and salad. The variety of available dipping sauces, including cocktail, garlic, and curry, adds a delightful layer of flavour and versatility to the dish.
Available at many markets and fish shops throughout Amsterdam, kibbeling is a convenient and tasty option to include in your exploration of the city's culinary offerings. Here're the local favourites:

Sweet and Savory Delights
6 - Poffertjes
Poffertjes are a delightful and iconic Dutch treat that falls perfectly into the category of sweet delights. These mini Dutch pancakes are known for their fluffy, spongy texture and rich, buttery flavour. Traditionally made with a batter consisting of buckwheat flour, regular wheat flour, yeast, milk, and eggs, poffertjes are cooked in a specialized cast iron pan called a poffertjes pan, which features several shallow, round indentations.
When served, poffertjes are typically hot, generously topped with a pat of butter and a dusting of powdered sugar. The butter melts over the pancakes, mingling with the sugar to create a delicious, sweet glaze. While this classic preparation is beloved, poffertjes can also be enjoyed with a variety of other toppings such as syrup, whipped cream, fresh fruits, chocolate, or Nutella, allowing for endless customization to suit personal tastes.
Poffertjes are often found at street markets, fairs, and festive occasions in the Netherlands, where they are cooked fresh and served hot to eager crowds. The experience of watching a skilled vendor expertly flip poffertjes in their specialized pan adds to their charm and appeal, making them a must-try when exploring the culinary scene in Amsterdam. Here are some places where to try them:

7 - Gouda Cheese
Gouda cheese is one of the Netherlands' most famous and beloved products, offering a range of flavors and textures that cater to various tastes. Named after the city of Gouda, where it originated, this cheese is made from cow's milk and is known for its rich, creamy flavor and smooth texture.
Gouda cheese can be found in different ages, each with its unique characteristics. Young Gouda (Jonge Gouda) is mild and creamy, while aged Gouda (Oude Gouda) develops a nuttier, more robust flavor. There is also smoked Gouda and other variations, such as truffle or herb-infused Gouda, which add additional layers of flavor to this already delightful cheese.
In Amsterdam, you can sample Gouda cheese at various markets, cheese shops, and even some restaurants. It is often served as part of a cheese platter, paired with crackers, fruits, and nuts, or used in cooking and baking. For a truly local experience, consider visiting a cheese shop in the Jordaan neighborhood or joining a food tour that includes a tasting of different Gouda cheeses like:

Why Exploring Amsterdam Through a Food Tour Is the Smartest Choice
Getting Amsterdam through its culinary delights is an immersive way to connect with the city's rich culture, history, and flavours. The Amsterdam Private Experience by Sherpa Food Tours takes this concept to the next level by offering a customizable, private food tour tailored to your preferences.
Unlike traditional tours, this exclusive experience allows you to dive deeper into Amsterdam’s food scene at your own pace. Whether you're curious about tasting local specialities like bitterballen, stroopwafels, or raw herring, or eager to discover hidden gems only locals know, the tour adapts to your interests. Your guide will not only introduce you to the city’s iconic dishes but also share the stories and traditions that make Amsterdam’s culinary heritage unique.
This personalized approach ensures that your experience is as enjoyable as it is enlightening. Perfect for foodies, families, or those with specific dietary preferences, the Amsterdam Private Experience is an amazing way to uncover the heart of Amsterdam—one delicious bite at a time.
Eating in Amsterdam
In wrapping up, delving into Amsterdam and the Netherlands' culinary scene is akin to navigating a rich mosaic of traditional and mouthwatering dishes. From the iconic Dutch staples such as stroopwafels, bitterballen, and erwtensoep, to the seafood delights like haring and kibbeling, as well as the sweet treats like poffertjes and appeltaart, there's a flavor for every taste bud. Make sure to wander through the Jordaan neighborhood for an authentic slice of local culture, participate in a food tour to uncover hidden culinary treasures, and don't shy away from exploring the varied regional cuisines available throughout the Netherlands.
Whether it's relishing a hearty stamppot during the chilly winter months or delighting in the sweetness of a freshly made poffertje, each culinary experience in Amsterdam is a festivity of Dutch gastronomy. Embark on this flavourful journey and allow the tastes of the Netherlands to gift you with memories that linger.
FAQ About Eating in Amsterdam
What Is Famous To Eat In Amsterdam?
In Amsterdam, you can't miss trying local favourites such as Bitterballen, Pannenkoeken (Dutch pancakes), Broodje Haring (herring sandwiches), Stroopwafels, Poffertjes (miniature pancakes), and Patat Friet (fried potatoes). Also, noteworthy are Stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables and sausage) and traditional Dutch stews like Hachee.
Is It Expensive To Eat Out In Amsterdam?
Dining out in Amsterdam can fit a range of budgets. Mid-range restaurants typically charge about €50 per person for a 2-course meal with drinks.
For those looking to save, Amsterdam offers numerous budget-friendly options, including ethnic eateries, cafes, and takeaway spots, with meal prices ranging from €8-€16.
What Do The Locals Eat In Amsterdam?
Amsterdam locals frequently enjoy traditional fare such as bitterballen (deep-fried balls filled with beef or beef broth), broodje haring (pickled herring sandwiches), pannenkoeken (large pancakes), stroopwafels, and hearty dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables and meat) and hutspot (mashed potatoes, carrots, and onions with meat). They also relish snert (thick pea soup) and a variety of seafood, especially raw herring served with onions.
What Time Do Most People Eat Dinner In Amsterdam?
The typical dinner time in Amsterdam falls between 5 PM and 7 PM. While dinner times have evolved, most people now dine between 5 PM and 6 PM, though it's not uncommon for dinner to be served around 7 PM.
Do You Need to Tip in Amsterdam Restaurants?
Tipping in Amsterdam is not mandatory, as service charges are usually included in the bill. However, it's customary to round up the total or leave 5-10% if the service was excellent. For casual dining or cafés, simply rounding up to the nearest euro is appreciated. In high-end restaurants, a tip closer to 10% is more common. Always check your bill to see if service charges have already been added before tipping.