Can you name a better way to get to know a city’s culture than by trying some of its food? It’s true
that Dutch cuisine does not have the distinct taste, flavour or reputation as say, Thai, French or
Japanese food has, but there are so many unusual and unique Dutch foods that you should seek out
on your trip to Rotterdam. Many Dutch foods are parts of meals or snacks so you can travel around
enjoying as many as you like before dinner. We love to enjoy life with a nice hot plate of homemade
stew, a savoury snack, or something sweet with a coffee and there is something tasty for everyone.
Here are some of our favourites:
Bitterballen
If you’ve never tried this delicious meaty snack, make it your mission on your next trip to Rotterdam.
They are deep-fried, crispy meatballs often served with a mustard dipping sauce. Inside the crispy golden breadcrumb, there is a very thick stew, thickened with roux or stock and allowed to harden before deep frying. It’s a delicious Dutch pre-dinner snack that’s often found on the menu in many bars and restaurants. They’re ideal as a snack with you’re a couple of local beers or while waiting for your meal. They truly are the ultimate Dutch pub snack.
Bitterballen in Rotterdam: Try BitterballenBar where you can enjoy a great selection of flavours including Vegan and Vegetarian options.
stamppot
Stamppot means “mash pot” and that’s precisely what it is. It’s a comfort food of the Netherlands where root vegetables are mixed with mashed potatoes, topped with smoky sausages and sometimes served with gravy, depending on taste. The vegetables typically used in this mix are kale, endive, cabbage, carrot, or sauerkraut. As children, many Dutch people looked forward to (or dreaded) Stamppot every day as it regularly featured as an afterschool dinner and was often made with leftovers from previous dinners. It’s a staple in wintertime providing a warm, nutritional meal.
Stamppot in Rotterdam: Try Captain’s Cabin near Het Park for lots of traditional Dutch dishes including Stamppot.
pannenkoeken
If you’ve done any sort of research about Dutch cuisine, you’ve likely heard of Dutch pancakes. Our pancakes are different from any other type; They’re thinner than thick American pancakes but thicker than the French ones. They’re eaten sweet and savoury and often served for dinner instead of breakfast, unlike other countries. You can top them with syrup, chocolate, fruit or jam for a sweet snack or cheese, bacon and other savoury goodies if you don’t have a sweet tooth. The most popular type of pancake are poffertjes, fluffy little round pancakes, often served with butter and powdered sugar and usually found at street markets.
Pannenkoeken in Rotterdam: Pannenkoekenboot serves pancakes on a boat with a view of the Nieuwe Maas River. Beautiful!
