Amsterdam is known for its delicious food, whether you are eating in an expensive restaurant or buying it hot and fresh from cheerful street vendors. To help first time visitors make the most of their time in the city, I have curated a list of the culinary experiences you must try before you leave. From raw fish to tiny pancakes, don’t miss a morsel.
Let’s dig in!
Stroopwafel
I am beginning with a dainty Dutch sweet treat: the stroopwafel. This simple snack consists of two thin, crispy waffles stuck together by syrup. These delights are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee whilst still warm and gooey. You can buy them in bakeries.
Vending Machine Croquettes
Not quite what you might have had in mind when I mentioned street vendors! Though the eats served from these vending machines isn’t the best, the experience is good fun. Find a FEBO, insert some coins and take your pick from a variety of hot foods, like hamburgers and cheese souffle. Ending a night out with this kind of meal is something of a tradition in Amsterdam, and I recommend filling up with popular veal croquettes.
Raw Herring
Raw herring is a common snack in Amsterdam and is easily found by searching for one of the many carts that sell it – haringhandels – dotted around the streets. It’s at its best just before summer, so if you are in the city in May, make sure you grab a bite. If you’re feeling nervous, ask for a broodje haring and you’ll get the raw fish served in a sandwich with pickles and onions.
Snert
It might sound unappetising, but this dish is a classic eaten by locals throughout the winter. If you’re visiting Amsterdam during the colder months, you might be able to grab a steaming serving from a street vendor. It is a thick soup containing peas, onions, leek, celery and pork.
Cheese
The Dutch know their cheeses, so it is well worth taking yourself on a tasting tour of the city. The three kinds of cheese you should look out for are Maasdammer, gouda and geitenkaas. There are lots of cheese shops where you can get a taster; alternatively, visit markets and purchase a couple of slices for lunch or an afternoon snack. If you want to learn a little more, go to one of the Henri Willig Cheese and More shops.
Poffertjes
Hard to pronounce but easy to eat in large quantities, these mini pancakes are best bought freshly made from a street vendor. The little puffs are served with hot butter and liberally covered in powdered sugar. Just a warning: you won’t be able to stop eating them.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to Amsterdam is to fly in. From Schiphol Airport, transfers usually take just over twenty minutes. Why waste time on public transport? After you leave Schiphol Airport, transfers are so fast and easy that you’ll be able to start exploring the eateries of Amsterdam in less than an hour.
Martin Wynn
Priya
