Amsterdam is a foodie paradise, and not just because of pancakes and stroopwafels. Dutch cuisine may be underrated, but it’s full of hearty comfort food, crispy snacks, and sweet bites that are perfect after a long day of exploring.
In this blog, we’re diving into the best food in Amsterdam, from traditional Dutch dishes to bonus desserts and drinks you simply can’t miss. Whether you’re here for a weekend or longer, this guide will help you taste your way through the city – with spots you can trust for authentic flavors!
Traditional Dutch Dishes – The Best Food in Amsterdam to Start With
Dutch Cheese (Kaas)
Cheese is a big part of Dutch culture, and you’ll see why the moment you walk into any local cheese shop. From creamy young Gouda to nutty aged varieties, Dutch cheese is perfect for snacking or pairing with wine. Many places offer free tastings, so don’t be shy! It also makes for a great souvenir or gift – vacuum-packed and easy to carry.
📍 Where to try it: Henri Willig Cheese Shop (multiple locations) or stop by the Cheese Museum near the Anne Frank House for a fun and tasty experience.
Haring (Raw Herring)
Raw herring might sound intimidating, but it’s a local classic and actually really tasty. Served with pickles and chopped onions, it’s fresh, slightly salty, and soft in texture. It’s traditionally eaten by holding the tail and dropping it into your mouth – but forks are totally okay too. Locals often grab it as a quick bite on the go, especially in summer.
📍 Where to try it: Frens Haringhandel near the Flower Market – super fresh and very popular with both tourists and locals.
Stamppot
This is pure Dutch comfort food: mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables like kale or carrots, and topped with a juicy sausage (rookworst). It’s filling, hearty, and the ultimate cold-weather dish. There are many variations, so you might even find it with bacon or mustard on the side.
📍 Where to try it: Moeders – a cozy Dutch restaurant where the walls are covered with motherly love and the plates are full of traditional flavors.
Snert (Erwtensoep)
Thick, green, and totally satisfying, Snert is a pea soup made with split peas, pork, and sausage. It’s more stew than soup and is especially popular during colder months. Locals often eat it with a slice of rye bread and bacon for the full experience. It’s the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs and keeps you warm for hours.
📍 Where to try it: Café Loetje or seasonal stalls during winter events.
Kroketten & Bitterballen
Two of the most famous Dutch snacks – crispy on the outside, creamy meat ragout on the inside. Kroketten are longer and usually eaten on bread as a sandwich, while bitterballen are round and perfect with a beer. They’re the go-to choice for bar snacks and a must with Dutch mustard.
📍 Where to try it: Eetsalon Van Dobben for a classic kroket, or order bitterballen at any cozy brown café like Café de Tuin.
Frietjes with Mayo (or Satay Sauce!)
Thick-cut Dutch fries are golden perfection and one of the best foods in Amsterdam. Served in a cone and loaded with sauce, they’re the ultimate street food. The fries are double-fried for extra crispiness. Go classic with mayo, or mix things up with satay sauce, curry ketchup, or all three (called a “patat oorlog”).
📍 Where to try it: Vleminckx Sausmeesters – the fries here are legendary, and the sauce options are wild. For a more famous (and more touristy) spot, there’s Manneken Pis Fries on Damrak — just know the line is usually long!
Kibbeling
Battered chunks of white fish, fried until golden and served with garlic or tartar sauce – kibbeling is the Dutch version of fish and chips. It’s often sold at markets and perfect as a warm snack while strolling. The texture is amazing – crunchy outside and juicy inside.
📍 Where to try it: Vishandel Molenaar at Albert Cuyp Market – freshly fried and great quality.
Roti (Surinamese Style)
Thanks to Amsterdam’s diverse culture, Surinamese food is everywhere – and delicious! Roti is a soft flatbread served with curry chicken, potatoes, egg, and vegetables. It’s rich in spices, super filling, and packed with bold flavors. If you love Indian or Caribbean food, you’ll fall for this instantly.
📍 Where to try it: Warung Spang or Miri Mary in De Pijp – local favorite spots for authentic flavors.
Bonus Desserts You Have to Try
Stroopwafel
Two thin waffles with caramel syrup in the middle – warm them over your coffee for the best experience. You can find them in supermarkets, but fresh ones from the market hit different. They’re chewy, sweet, and addictive.
📍 Where to try it: Original Stroopwafels stand at Albert Cuyp Market or Van Wonderen Stroopwafels for the Instagram version.
Tompouce
This bright pink pastry has layers of cream and flaky puff pastry, topped with icing. It’s sweet, messy, and oh-so Dutch. It’s tricky to eat without making a mess – just go with it and enjoy every bite.
📍 Where to try it: HEMA for a classic version, or try it in any bakery or café.
Poffertjes
Mini fluffy pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar – these are a childhood favorite for many Dutch people. They’re warm, soft, and slightly crispy on the edges. You can usually find them at markets and festivals, made fresh on the spot.
📍 Where to try it: Poffertjes Albert Cuyp, Pat’s Poffertjes or during seasonal events and fairs.
Appeltaart (Dutch Apple Pie)
Thicker and deeper than your usual apple pie, Dutch appeltaart is packed with chunky apples, cinnamon, and often raisins. It’s usually served warm with a big dollop of whipped cream. The crust is crumbly and the filling is rich, making it the ultimate comfort dessert.
📍 Where to try it: Winkel 43 – often said to have the best apple pie in the city.
Oliebollen
Dutch doughnuts typically eaten around New Year’s, but sometimes sold at stands in winter. Deep-fried balls of dough with raisins, dusted with powdered sugar – crispy on the outside and soft inside. They’re the perfect warm treat on a cold day, especially with a cup of hot chocolate.
📍 Where to try it: Seasonal stalls in Dam Square or various Oliebollenkraams around the city.
Bonus Drinks to Sip Like a Local
Jenever (Dutch gin)
This is the Dutch version of gin – herbal, slightly sweet, and often served in a tulip-shaped glass. It’s a big part of Dutch drinking culture and goes way back. Sip it straight or try it with beer as a “kopstootje” (a little headbutt).
📍 Where to try it: Wynand Fockink – a historic tasting room hidden behind Dam Square. Sip carefully, they fill it to the top!
Dutch Craft Beer
Amsterdam is full of local breweries – try a wheat beer or IPA for something refreshing.
📍 Where to try it: Brouwerij ’t IJ – iconic windmill brewery with a chill terrace.
Extra Tips for Eating in Amsterdam
- Cashless city: Most places take card, but some small vendors only accept Maestro or Dutch cards – always ask first or carry a bit of cash.
- Reservations: For popular restaurants with best food in Amsterdam, especially Dutch ones like Moeders or Café de Klepel, book in advance.
- Markets are gold: Albert Cuyp Market and Foodhallen are packed with local food – from herring to fresh stroopwafels.
- Snacks on the go: Don’t underestimate Febo – a vending machine wall of hot kroketten and burgers. It’s cheap, fast, and weirdly fun.
- Try local beer: Amsterdam has a great craft beer scene – visit Brouwerij ’t IJ (in a windmill!) or De Prael in the center.
- Best time for street food: Try going around lunch hours or late afternoon – that’s when stalls are the freshest and buzzing, the perfect time to try the best food in Amsterdam.
- Avoid tourist traps: Stay away from restaurants in the Red Light District or main squares – they’re often overpriced and not authentic.
- Ask for tap water: It’s free and clean, but not all restaurants offer it by default.
We hope this guide helped you get a taste of the best food in Amsterdam. Let us know in the comments what your favorite Dutch food was! And if we missed something, we’re always hungry for more tips 😉
Stay hungry and happy exploring! 🇳🇱
And if you’re planning a short trip, check out our 24-hour Amsterdam itinerary for a full day of food and fun! Got more time? Then don’t miss our guide to the best things to do in Amsterdam – packed with spots you’ll love.