The Netherlands and stereotypically known for fields of brightly coloured tulips, windmills, and wooden clogs but what about Dutch Cuisine? With over 180 nationalities living in Amsterdam alone, it’s no surprise that the culinary scene here is a mix and match from all over the world. Traditional Dutch cuisine is delicious and best made by a mother or grandmother figure who adds a little something to make it extra special. Luckily some of the best traditional restaurants in Amsterdam are continuing family recipes for generations. Here are some Dutch foods you should try on your visit to Amsterdam.
Stroopwafel
If you try one Dutch sweet, make it stroopwafel. Originally made by a baker who had the idea of sweetening the leftover crumbs from bread, this tasty treat is made of two thin waffles sandwiching a layer of delicious caramel-like syrup. In recent years stroopwafel has become much more popular and mainstream thanks to coffee chains like Starbucks producing them on a commercial scale. You can buy the gooey treat in cafes, shops and supermarkets in different shapes and sizes. *Tip from a local* unwrap your stroopwafel & place it over a hot cup of coffee to make it extra soft and oozy. Delicious!
Dutch Cheese
The Netherlands produces a large selection of delicious cheeses, most of which are mild-flavoured, unlike our French neighbours who prefer a more pungent variety. The most popular cheeses from Holland are Gouda and Edam but there are many more to choose from. Gouda is the most internationally known Dutch Cheese and its recipe has been copied (but never exceeded) by hopeful cheesemakers around the world. Most of the cheese we produce is hard, does not spoil easily and is made from cow’s milk. The Netherland are the second largest exporter of cheese and once you taste it for yourself you’ll realise why it’s so popular.
Bitterballen
Tasting bitterballen is one for your Amsterdam bucket list. Loved by locals and tourists alike, bitterballen are a deep-fried meatball, a bit like a croquette. It’s filled with a thickened meat stew usually containing beef or veal, rolled, rolled, allowed to cool and solidify, covered in breadcrumbs and deep fried. Bitterballen have a delicious golden crispy exterior and a hot, soft inside. They’re usually served with a mild mustard dip, but many prefer them plain. You’ll find them on the menu in many pubs and cafés as an accompaniment to Dutch beer.
StamppotÂ
We Dutch have a habit of mashing food and Stamppot is no exception. Best made by Oma at home, it can be hard to perfect Stamppot without some sort of secret family recipe or special ingredient. The comfort food of the Netherlands is a large plate of mashed potatoes mixed with bacon, kale, or endive, topped with a large smoked sausage, sometimes smoked Rookworst or a fried sausage if you’re in Belgium. Other accompaniments include cheese, gherkins, nuts, sauerkraut, or pickled onions. It’s a traditional winter dish traditionally eaten after a day of farming or before a long journey to keep you full.
Herring
A more unusual addition to the list and something that is not to all tastes, ‘Hollandse Nieuwe’ (Dutch new herring) is probably the most famous Dutch food. Order a plate of this delicious salted raw herring if you are a lover of fish and not afraid of strong flavours. Its often served with chopped raw onions and gherkins leaving a smelly but truly delicious Dutch delicacy that has been enjoyed for over 600 years. Head to Frens Haringhandel http://frens-haring.nl/en/ for fresh fish from a family-owned fish stall located on the Koningsplein, right in the heart of Amsterdam
You’ve tried some local food now make sure you continue to live like a local with a home from home stay in PREMIER SUITES PLUS Amsterdam. We offer comfort, flexibility, and facilities that a traditional hotel could only dream of. If you want to try to cook any of our delicious Dutch dishes for yourself, you can take advantage of the fully equipped kitchen in your suite.
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