Best Food to Try in Amsterdam: 8 Must-Try Dishes

If you’re looking for delicious food in Amsterdam, Netherlands, you’ve come to the right place! This article will highlight some must-try dishes you won’t want to miss. We also highlight some restaurants we ate at in this beautiful canal-filled city. From savory to sweet, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

1. Dutch Pancakes or Pannekoeken

Yes, these delicious treats are available in Amsterdam, and they’re definitely worth trying! You can get your hands on these tasty pancakes at many locations, but our favorites were at Albert Cuyp Market and Pancakes Amsterdam.

The Market offers a variety of pancakes, including those with fresh fruit toppings, chocolate chips, and even cheese! You can choose from a variety of sweet or savory options as well.

At Pancakes Amsterdam, they offer a plethora of pancakes to choose from, including sweet and salty varieties. You can also choose from Dutch-style pancakes or American-style pancakes. Considering we are from America, we tried the Dutch-style pancakes and were not disappointed! We found Dutch pancakes to be very similar to a crepe. There are 6 Pancakes Amsterdam locations, and we ate at the one right across from the Anne Frank House since it was closest to our hotel. There are even canal boat river cruises that offer Pannekoeken. YUM!

These pancakes are similar to American pancakes but with an extra kick! They’re made with yeast and contain raisins mixed with other spices, giving the pancakes a unique taste. You can find these delicious treats at any pancake house, and they are worth trying out!

2. Dutch Cheese!

Dutch cheese is known for its sharp taste, but that is also what makes it so good! Many different brands offer a variety of products, such as cheeses, yogurt, butter, and more. You can find these products at any local grocery store or farmer’s market in Amsterdam. The most popular brand is Boerenkaas cheese which offers a wide variety of cheeses, including gouda and edam. Amsterdam is full of so many little cheese shops… and yes, we may have stopped in a few to try many, many cheese samples.

3. Stroopwafels (Sugar Waffles)

For those of you who haven’t tried these delicious cookies before, you’re definitely missing out! Stroopwaffles are made with caramelized sugar poured over the waffle iron and then baked. The best place to get these delicious treats is at Van Wonderen Stroopwafel. This famous Stroopwafel shop always has a huge line wrapped around it, but they are worth the wait! These treats are decorated in so many tasty ways and will have you wanting to return for more. If you do not want to wait in line, next door is Van Holland Stroopwafel, which has a stroopwafels that are just as tasty. Stroopwafels are not hard to find in Amsterdam since they are so popular. I even took a few boxes home to give to friends and family.

4. Dutch Beef Hash!

Dutch Hash is traditionally eaten for breakfast, but you can also enjoy it as an afternoon snack or lunch! There are many varieties of hash that you can try, including beef, pork, and even lamb. You can find this dish at any local restaurant or cafe in Amsterdam.

5. Bitterballen 

We were a little confused when we first bit into this little deep-fried ball of meat. We did not know what to expect or what was even inside of it, but eventually, we came to love it. Bitterballen is a traditional Dutch food and one of Holland’s favorite snacks! This food is typically made with beef, but can be made with other meats as well. In combination with beef, it is mixed with gravy, fried into a crispy bite-sized ball and served with mustard. We first tried this dish at a café near our hotel called “SNOB”, but found just about anywhere throughout the city.

6. Poffertjes (Mini Dutch Pancakes)

These mini pancakes are sweeter than Pannenkoeken due to the large amounts of butter and powdered sugar, making them extra fluffy! Dutch cooks prepare this dish with buckwheat flour before frying these tasty treats. Poffertjes are a popular snack around Amsterdam. Nutella is a common topping for this dish, although usually served with powdered sugar.

7. Stamppot (Mash Pot)

If you are a potato lover like me, this dutch dish is a must! Stamppot is made from vegetables, potatoes, butter, kale and swiss chards. While this is a great side dish, adding sausage will make it a full hearty meal! Make sure you are able to save room for dessert after this one!

8. Patat Friet (French Fries)

Fried potatoes are a staple of Amsterdam. Our favorite place to stop at was Manneken Pis! In the short time we were here, we went to Manneken Pis a few times for this delicious snack. Traditonally the fries are topped with ingredients like mayonnaise, ketchup, and curry… but they have about 20 different topping options.

We hope you enjoy your food tour in this beautiful city! 

Be sure to check out our other blog posts detailing all of our recent travels! While your there check out our photo gallery with all of our unposted shots we have taken on our trips.

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