Food in Amsterdam: 12 Dutch dishes to have on your must-eat list

A lively and diverse city, Amsterdam is known for iconic canals and some of the best museums in the world. However, between Amsterdam’s incredible landmarks lies an equally impressive food scene. Discovering the Dutch capital’s tastiest dishes is up there with the best things to do in Amsterdam. Food tours take you on an immersive culinary journey, exploring traditional Dutch cuisine as well as international flavors embraced by the city’s food lovers. From the famous pancakes to hidden gems like herring stands, stroopwafel factories, and artisan cheese shops.

Besides exploring local flavors, food is one of many ways to learn more about Amsterdam’s history, culture, and traditions. Whether you’re just a hungry traveler looking for a quick bite or a seasoned foodie who wants to seek out the city’s tastiest highlights, this roundup of the best food in Amsterdam has a meal for you.

1. Bitterballen

Nothing goes with bitterballen quite like a frosty pint of Amsterdam’s finest beer on New Year’s Eve, or taste them in spectacular surroundings at Amsterdam’s central station, where the old first-class waiting room has been transformed into the Grand Cafe.

How to eat the best bitterballen in Amsterdam?

Nothing goes with bitterballen quite like a frosty pint of Amsterdam’s finest beer, or taste them in spectacular surroundings at Amsterdam’s central station, where the old first-class waiting room has been transformed into the Grand Cafe.

2. Broodjes haring

While the idea of eating raw fish may sound unappetizing to some, broodjes haring (fish sandwich) has been embraced by locals and visitors alike for its unique flavor and texture, perfectly capturing the taste of Holland’s seaside in every bite.

How to eat the best broodjes haring in Amsterdam?

The Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp, one of Amsterdam’s best neighborhoods, is the most famous of its kind in Amsterdam and the perfect place to find the tasty snacks.

3. Pannekoeken

Thinner than an American pancake but not quite as delicate as a crepe, and served with a variety of toppings, Dutch pancakes, or pannekoeken, are one of the foods Amsterdam is best known for and are as delicious for breakfast as they are for lunch or dinner. Savory or sweet? That’s your call. They are particularly enjoyed around Easter time in the city.

Where to get the best pancakes in Amsterdam?

Pancakes Amsterdam is a favorite among both locals and tourists, and the tiny Upstairs Pancakes in a 16th-century building is known for having some of the best, too, although it only has four tables and is reached by ladder.

4. Stamppot

Stamppot, mashed potatoes and vegetables often topped with sausage, is a staple dish in the colder months and is enjoyed by many across Amsterdam. It is tasty and filling, inexpensive to make, and easy to customize.

Where are the best places for stamppot in Amsterdam?

Each of Amsterdam’s neighborhoods offers its own twist on Dutch food. Go off the beaten path in Amsterdam and discover them, like the Jordaan neighborhood which has several spots where you can try traditional dishes like stamppot.

5. Stroopwafels

Traditionally enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea as a snack, you can place your stroopwafel on top of your warm beverage for a few seconds to slightly soften the caramel syrup inside before taking a tasty bite. These tasty treats are a must-try if you’re visiting Amsterdam for the first time.

How to eat the best stroopwafels in Amsterdam?

You can find stroopwafels just about everywhere in the city but talk to locals to find their favorites and more authentic ones. You can find a variety of different flavored stroopwafels around Christmas in Amsterdam.

6. Rijsttafel

This traditional Dutch-Indonesian foodis a feast for the senses, with a plethora of dishes served family-style for everyone to enjoy. With origins tracing back to the colonial period, rijsttafel (rice table) features aromatic curries, flavorful satays, sambals, and pickles, accompanied by rice. It’s a real local favorite food in Amsterdam.

How to eat the best rijsttafel in Amsterdam?

If you already have Vondelpark on your list of places to visit in Amsterdam, you’ll find many Indonesian restaurants just a block or two away from its main entrance, but there are many great ones across the city.

7. Poffertjes

Poffertjes (miniature Dutch pancakes) are absolutely delightfu. They’re fluffy and airy with a slightly crispy exterior, and they’re served up in generous portions for snacking and sharing. Topped with butter and powdered sugar, poffertjes are best in their simplest, classic form.

How to find the best poffertjes in Amsterdam?

Make like a local and rent a bike to discover the weekend markets and cute cafes around Amsterdam, which all claim to make the best poffertjes. You’ll be combining two of the most fun things to do in Amsterdam.

8. Patat friet

Patat friet (crispy fries) are a must-try for anyone visiting Amsterdam: freshly cut, fried twice to crisp perfection, and topped with your choice of delicious sauces, they're the ultimate snack during a day out exploring.

How to eat the best patat friet in Amsterdam?

You can find them at street vendors all over the city.

9. Kibbeling

Kibbeling (fried cod fish) is a popular snack for Amsterdammers. Bite-sized pieces of white fish, typically cod or haddock, are seasoned, battered, and deep-fried, and often served with a side of tangy tartar or creamy garlic sauce.

Where to get the best kibbeling in Amsterdam?

The mouthwatering, crunchy snack can be found in small street food stalls or traditional fish shops across the city, and best eaten straight out of the fryer. A street food tour is your best bet to try the best around and plenty more.

10. Dutch cheese

From the salty tang of aged Gouda to the creamy, nutty flavor of Edam, there is a Dutch cheese for every palate, and Amsterdam’s artisan cheesemakers cater for them all.

How to eat the best Dutch cheese in Amsterdam?

A cheese tasting in Amsterdam is a chance to learn more about the cheesemaking process and history and taste the very best Dutch cheese. You can also combine cheese, wine, and sightseeing on some canal cruises through Amsterdam. Or if you’re a real cheese enthusiast, take a weekend trip from Amsterdam to Alkmaar, the cheese capital of the Netherlands.

11. Krokets

Krokets (similar to French croquettes) are made with a creamy filling, usually consisting of meat or cheese, which is then coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until crispy on the outside. When eaten, you'll experience a wonderful contrast between crunchy and smooth.

How to eat the best krokets in Amsterdam?

Krokets represent the best of Amsterdam’s street food. You can find them in many restaurants and at food markets, or sample some of the city’s most delicious street foods on a food tour.

12. Erwtensoep

Made with split peas, potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery root, the ingredients of erwtensoep (pea soup) are cooked low and slow to create a thick and hearty meal that warms you from the inside out.

How to eat the best erwtensoep in Amsterdam?

Traditional Dutch cafes will have erwtensoep near the top of their menus, especially if you’re in Amsterdam in winter. Every kitchen and region makes theirs slightly differently, so don’t just try it once.

FAQs

1. What food is Amsterdam known for?

Amsterdam is known for several iconic dishes that reflect its rich cultural history. One of the most famous foods is stroopwafels, thin waffles filled with caramel syrup, perfect for a sweet treat. Cheese lovers have to taste the local Gouda and Edam varieties, and a cheese tasting is a great way to learn about Dutch cheese history. And bitterballen, deep-fried meatballs, are a popular food to enjoy with a cold Heineken.

2. What is the best food to try in Amsterdam for a unique experience?

For a unique dining experience, try rijsttafel (rice table), an elaborate Indonesian meal introduced during the colonial era. This feast includes various small dishes like satay, sambal, and curries. Another standout is poffertjes, small fluffy pancakes typically served with butter and powdered sugar. For seafood enthusiasts, kibbeling (battered and fried fish) is a tasty, warming snack found at local fish stalls.

3. What are the top local food markets in Amsterdam to visit?

The Albert Cuyp Market offers an extensive range of fresh produce, meats, fish, cheese, and spices at affordable prices. Another market worth visiting is Noordermarkt Farmers Market, where you can find artisanal cheeses and bread, organic fruits and vegetables, and homemade jams and sauces. Foodhallen, an indoor food market in a historic tram depot, features stalls from some of the city’s best food vendors, providing a diverse and trendy dining experience.

4. What are the best food tours in Amsterdam?

Street food tours and tours that include stops at local bakeries, renowned cheese shops, and traditional Dutch pubs allow you to taste a wide range of Amsterdam’s most popular and must-eat foods.

5. Are there good vegetarian and vegan food options in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam caters well to vegetarian and vegan diets, with most restaurants serving plant-based dishes, as well as some dedicated veggie places. Many traditional Dutch dishes also have vegetarian versions, so you won’t miss out on experiencing local cuisine.

6. How much should I budget for food in Amsterdam?

Budget €50-100 per day for food in Amsterdam if you are eating out for every meal. While the city does have some high-end dining options that could increase your daily spending, there are also many affordable street food stalls and local cafes where you can enjoy a meal without breaking the bank.