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Top 5 Must-Have Foods & Drinks in Amsterdam

  • Writer: Erin
    Erin
  • Dec 5, 2022
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jul 31

This week we are traveling across the Atlantic to the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam. As the Venice of the North, Amsterdam sits at the mouth of the River Amstel. Today the city is full of canals that wind through the city, making it an incredible place to explore and spend time relaxing on vacation. You can find the Van Gogh Museum, the state museum, Rijksmuseum, with a vast collection of Dutch Gold Age art, and even the Anne Frank House, all in the heart of this city.


While there are so many sites to see and activities to do and explore, there is also a culinary scene that is reason in and of itself to visit the stunning city. You will find food from around the world in 5-star restaurants and bar food.


A bowl filled with several golden-brown, breaded bitterballen (Dutch meatballs) is placed on a wooden table. To the left, a small bowl of mustard with toothpicks is visible, along with a bit of green garnish. In the background, there's a blurred view of a glass and a dark coaster.
Bitterballen

Bitterballen

These delicious treats are the go-to snack at bars around the city. Bitterballen are balls of stew meat fried and turned into a finger food dipped in spicy mustard. This is a great treat that locals love to share over a few drinks.


Stamppot (Mash Pot)

This traditional side dish is a wonderful mashed-up mix of vegetables, potatoes, and butter. Traditionally, it would also include kale or Swiss chard. More modern versions include other greens like tarragon. My advice is to pair it with a sausage to round out this traditional Dutch meal.


A close-up shot shows a pile of golden-brown poffertjes, which are small, fluffy Dutch pancakes, lightly dusted with powdered sugar. The pancakes have a slightly irregular shape and a soft texture, with some appearing more browned than others. They are arranged on a white or light-colored plate.
Poffertjes

Poffertjes (Mini Pancakes)

An unusual sweet treat for the Dutch are small, sweet buckwheat pancakes covered in powdered sugar. This local favorite is found at stands all around the city. You may be tempted to add sauces like Nutella, but be sure to try it as the locals do with butter and powdered sugar.


A white cup of coffee or tea sits next to a stack of six stroopwafels on a white plate, all resting on a light wooden table. The stroopwafels, a traditional Dutch treat, appear golden brown with a caramel-like filling visible between the waffle layers.
Stroopwafel

Stroopwafel

You may have had these on the flight over or on another adventure, but I doubt they are as good as the Stroopwafel from Amsterdam. These wafer cookies are combined with a sweet caramel syrup known as Stroop. Stroopwafels are best hot off the grill with a warm beverage like tea or coffee. The combination is one of the best experiences in all of Amsterdam.


Genever

This popular juniper-flavored spirit may remind you of a gin, but it is completely unique. One of the best ways to try it is by going to a traditional tasting room to drink Genever. If you decide to try this liquor, drink like a local by crossing your hands behind your back and bending over to take the first sip without any hands. After that, you can hold the glass however you like.


Now that you know all of the unique and delicious calls that Amsterdam home, are you ready to try them yourself? Schedule a consultation to plan your perfect trip and discover the wonderful world of the Netherlands.

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