Must-Try Foods of Amsterdam

Amsterdam is known for a strong party atmosphere and its Red Light District. But if you’re more interested in finding a good meal than a good high, this look at Amsterdam food will set you up for a tasty visit.

There were so many dishes to try in Amsterdam, we just could not get to them all. I’m still disappointed that we missed out on the famous Indonesian rijsttafel (literally, translated to rice table), though we tried something close that was amazing. (See below.)

There was also some Dutch food that just did not appeal to us, so we didn’t waste our food budget on them. (I’m looking at you, raw herring.)

Restaurants abound in the capital city of the Netherlands, and what they offer runs the gamut. From fresh, local foods to street food available at outdoor markets or special events, there’s plenty to try!

For open air dining and shopping, visit Albert Cuyp Market. Pick up Dutch cheese, indulge in stroopwafels, or stock up on fresh produce. To get the most out of your visit to this vast market, you might consider a food tour with a local guide.

Poffertjes

It might be difficult to pronounce (it’s PO-fer-jus), but these sweet little gems are a must. They are available at restaurants and pancake houses, but we enjoyed ours right on the street from a street vendor.

There were so many toppings to choose from, but we ultimately went with toffee caramel on our mini pancakes. Other options included simple powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate.

Bitterballen

Not one of the healthiest Dutch foods, but bitterballen was a hit for us. I’ve seen them called meatballs, but really, they are as varied as the chef. These appetizers were commonly used to use up leftovers, with bits of meat stirred into a thick gravy, then breaded and fried. The ones we had at an Irish pub had a distinct curry flavor. 

Want to try making them at home? Try this recipe from The Dutch Table.

Traditional Dutch Pancakes

This is one of the few foods in Amsterdam that I’m going to give a “meh” to. These pancakes are giant, well over a foot in diameter, and thin, much like a crepe. Served with a variety of either savory or sweet toppings, they can be a meal or dessert. I had one topped with an apple pie filling; my travel partner had one with cheese and chicken.

My suggestion would be to share one among a group and decide if you like them enough to experiment with more flavors.

Stamppot

This side dish is the Dutch equivalent of American mashed potatoes. It’s a hearty combination of potatoes and other vegetables, along with a generous amount of butter. The flavors on this will vary, based on the availability of vegetables. We tried stamppot with broccoli, and it was delicious.

Beer

Amsterdam is home to Heineken and a visit to the brewery – established in 1867 by Gerard Adriaan Heineken – is an interesting way to spend the afternoon for beer aficionados. The Heineken Experience is a bit cheesy in parts, and takes visitors through the history of the company, the brewing process, and culminates in a chance to try your hand at filling a glass from a tap.

https://www.heinekenexperience.com/en

If you prefer a heartier brew, there are plenty of craft breweries to choose from, and most restaurants feature a comprehensive list of locally brewed beers. Brouwerji ‘t IJ serves up craft beer inside a repurposed windmill.

Breakfast

Unlike many other European countries (hey, Italy!), where breakfast consists of a cappuccino and a pastry, Amsterdam does breakfast, and they do it well. We split our mornings between Locals Brunch All Day and Bakers and Roasters. Both were a little on the spendy side, but the fare (and the coffee) was excellent.

Foods from Around the World

While it might not be traditional Dutch cuisine, Amsterdam offers lots of food options that have origins elsewhere. There are a surprising number of hamburger joints throughout the city, as well as casual stops for kebabs and döner, KFC and Chinese. You’ll be able to find something for everyone.

One thing that deserves special mention is the Indonesian food available in Amsterdam, due to the colonial history between the two countries. One Indonesian dish that you’ll see is rijsttafel, which features dozens of small, shareable dishes (ranging from mild to spicy) that are served with rice. 

At the recommendation of a local, we ended up in a restaurant that marries Indonesian and Surinam food. Not quite the famous rijsttafel, but it was epic. Spang Makandra has been serving in Amsterdam since 1978 and they have quite a busy restaurant. The storefront is unassuming – you might miss it – and the interior is dark. The staff was delightfully friendly, as were the other (mostly local) patrons, who sat at adjoining tables.

The food though, is the highlight. With options like richly flavored curries and satay, the menu offers plenty of options. My travel partner and I shared the Nase Rames special so that we could sample numerous flavors. Satay, curry, and tender meats all served with a flavorful fried rice that was nothing like any fried rice I’ve ever tried. It was so good that my travel partner who is notoriously NOT an adventurous eater, insisted that we go back for another meal there.

Other Amsterdam Stops to Take in

Bloemenmarkt is touted as the world’s only floating flower market. I was envisioning a barge type situation, but it was more like stalls adjacent to the canal. Still, for plant people, it’s a delightful stop and a place to pick from an enormous variety of flower bulbs to bring home.

The Rijksmuseum is situated in a beautiful building and it is vast. Several stories are filled with artwork from the likes of Van Gogh, as well as displays of historical items. When we visited, there was vintage undergarments, Meissen porcelain, and medieval armor on display.