Forget pizza, paella, or gyros: it's all about stamppot and stroopwafels! In this blog, you'll discover everything there is to know about Dutch cuisine. Which dishes do the Dutch truly love, and which snacks are a must-try? I can't promise you won't be hungry after reading this blog!

Stamppot

We have to start with one of the most traditional dishes of the Netherlands: stamppot. This dish is made in many variations throughout the Netherlands. The base of the dish is mashed potatoes, which can be combined with different vegetables such as kale (boerenkool stamppot), sauerkraut (zuurkool stamppot), or with carrots and onions (hutspot). This dish is usually served with smoked sausage and gravy. Stamppot is perfect for cold winter days.

Bitterballen

Bitterballen are a favorite Dutch bar snack, perfect to enjoy with a drink. These snacks are filled with a creamy beef ragout and deep-fried into crispy balls. They’re usually served with mustard for dipping. You always order bitterballen in a portion or on a ‘borrelplank’ (a platter) with various snacks. The most common question when sharing a portion of bitterballen is: “who wants to take the last one?”.

Pannenkoeken en poffertjes

In the Netherlands, pancakes are typically eaten for lunch or dinner. Dutch pancakes are very thin and can be served in various ways, both sweet and savory. The base of a pancake is simple: flour, milk, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Besides pancakes, Dutch people are also very fond of poffertjes. These small, fluffy pancakes are a delightful twist on the traditional pancake. Poffertjes are made in a special cast-iron pan with multiple small, round indentations. Unlike regular pancake batter, poffertjes use yeast, giving them their fluffiness. Almost everyone in the Netherlands loves both pancakes and poffertjes; they are a hit with both children and adults.

Stroopwafels

Stroopwafels are perhaps the most famous cookies from the Netherlands. Stroopwafels consist of two thin waffles with a layer of caramel in the middle. You can buy them at the supermarket, but they taste best when freshly made at the market.These waffles are a popular souvenir choice, as they are a traditional Dutch treat.

Hollandse haring

A 'Hollandse Nieuwe' herring is at least 3 years old and is caught between May and July, during a six-week period. Herring caught during this time, which is traditionally filleted and immediately frozen, is called 'Hollandse Nieuwe'. This type of herring is often eaten by holding the fish by the tail and taking a bite while tilting your head back. It’s served with chopped onions and pickles. Not a fan of this idea? You can often buy the herring cut into pieces at the market. This way, you can still enjoy the taste without eating the fish all at once.

Erwtensoep

Erwtensoep, or in English pea soup, is a thick soup made with split peas, pork, and vegetables like carrots, celery, and leeks. Traditionally, it’s served with slices of smoked sausage on top. The soup is so thick that a spoon can stand upright in it. Pea soup is often called 'snert' by Dutch people. It’s especially popular on cold days or after winter activities like ice skating.

Beschuit met muisjes

When a baby is born in the Netherlands, it's celebrated by eating 'beschuit met muisjes'. This is a toasted biscuit topped with colorful sugar-coated aniseed seeds. Pink 'muisjes' are used for girls, and blue 'muisjes' are used for boys. Recently, new parents have started to break from tradition by using 'muisjes' in the city's colors on the biscuits. For example, babies born in The Hague get green and yellow aniseed seeds. Don’t be surprised if you're served a biscuit when visiting a newborn because it’s a true tradition.

Kaas