The Netherlands is a land of many wonders, and one of them is its cuisine. From the traditional to the surprising, there’s a lot to love about Dutch Foods, and here are 25 of the best ones!
The Netherlands is the country of wooden shoes, cheese, and windmills.
But, there is a lot to it, more than that!
There are great views in this country that make you feel like you’re up in the clouds, with beautiful rolling
hills and lakes dotting the landscape everywhere.
And then there are Dutch foods that will make you adore this country.
Foods are so delicious that you’ll be wondering why The Netherlands is still on your untapped list of dream destinations.
Oh, and on top of that, the Dutch love their food, and rightfully so!
The Netherlands is known for being a haven of deliciousness.
There’s zero shortage of tasty Dutch treats, from the cheese to the pastries.
But let’s be honest: that’s just the tip of the ice burg.
There are so many more delights waiting for you in Amsterdam and beyond.
The Dutch have Frikandellen, Stamppot, Stroopwafels, and Bitterballen – but have you ever tried #23?
It’s so savory; you’ll want to eat it from breakfast till dinner!
So, if you want to try out something new this week or just want an excuse to visit The Netherlands, check out the following 25 Dutch foods that will make you love the country!
Poffertjes are Dutch pancakes made from the batter (usually yeast-risen) and fried in a special pan.
They’re pretty much one of the most lovely things ever invented.
They’re also sweet, fluffy, and delicious, but what makes them so special is that they’re served with powdered sugar.
It’s like a cloud of sugar on top of your pancake!
The Dutch Split Pea Soup makes you feel like you’re in a cozy cabin, sitting by the fire and eating soup.
The flavor is rich and hearty, and the potatoes add a nice touch of sweetness that cuts through all the savory notes.
We recommend serving this with a piece of crusty or sourdough bread to soak up the deliciousness!
The Dutch New Herring with Green Bean Salad recipe has a lot going on but in a good way!
The green beans are dressed with a tangy vinaigrette that pairs perfectly with salty fish and crunchy potatoes.
And the whole thing is added with some thinly sliced veggies for contrast and texture.
It’s like eating at a party!
These fried cheese pastries are a delicious way to eat your cheese!
The first thing you’ll notice is the warm and buttery pastry, which is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
The second thing you’ll notice is that it’s filled with a rich, creamy cheese mixture that melts in your mouth.
And finally, there’s a little bit of crunch from some extra breadcrumbs on top.
It’s so light, fluffy, and flavorful; it’s pretty much heaven in every bite!
Want to get your day started with a BANG?
Then you need to try Ontbijtkoek!
It is rich and buttery with just the right amount of sweetness.
The batter is also moist, sweet, and fluffy with a texture like cinnamon rolls but without all of the extra sugar.
Plus, it’s a treat that’s easy to eat by hand or spread with butter or jam for breakfast or dessert!
The Dutch Stroopwafel takes the classic waffle and makes it into something more.
The traditional sweet, spongy treat is made even sweeter by the addition of caramelized sugar syrup, which gives each bite a sweet, toffee-like flavor.
And each bite has just enough sugary goodness to keep you coming back for more.
Combine that with the rich taste of coffee (and maybe an added dash of salt), and you have an amazing treat!
We’re so excited to share this recipe for Boerenkaas Soep (Dutch Farmer’s Cheese Soup)
It is made with creamy Gouda cheese, which gives it a sharp taste that you’ll love.
It also has that beautiful texture and smoothness that will feel incredible in your mouth, any day of the year.
It’s like eating silk!
And with only a few easy ingredients, you can create it at home!
Stamppot is a traditional Dutch dish that takes the earthy flavors of potatoes, kale, and milk and combines them into a hearty dish.
And let us tell you: its flavor is out of this world!
It’s so rich and creamy, yet far from being too heavy—it will really hit all the right notes for you.
And if you add some sausage or bacon to it?
Forget about it!
We’re telling you, you HAVE to try this dish if you haven’t already!
The Huzarensalade (Dutch Potato Salad) is a creamy and flavorful dish that’s so good that it’s hard to stop eating it!
It also tastes unique but still familiar enough to be comforting.
The vinegar gives it a tangy kick, and the mayonnaise adds creaminess without being too overwhelming on your stomach.
And the mixture of flavors makes for a delicious side dish or snack that will keep you satisfied all day long!
If you’re searching for a simple, delicious cake recipe, this Boterkoek (Dutch Butter Cake) is the one for you!
The flavor is similar to a pound cake or rich bread pudding baked in a cake pan.
The texture is smooth and moist with crispy edges.
And it tastes sweet but hardly enough to give you that intense sugar rush you usually get from your typical cake recipes!
For anyone who wants something to snack on while watching TV or waiting for the pizza guy, these Bitterballen (Dutch Meatball) might hit the spot.
They’re small, crunchy, and they’re juice inside.
They’re basically deep-fried balls of ground beef, onion, and spices—and they’re the perfect way to satisfy any craving without going overboard.
They’re also extremely versatile.
You can eat them as-is with a dip or sauce of your choice, use them as a base for homemade nachos, or add them to pasta sauce as an extra meat boost!
Groningen Mustard Soup is a hearty and warming soup, and it’s very different from any soup you’ve ever tried before!
The crisp tart-tangy taste comes from the combination of onion and mustard.
And the sharpness of the mustard gives it an almost bitter taste at first bite (but you have nothing to worry about because that goes away as you continue eating).
And then, there’s a sweetness from the onions that balances out all of those flavors and makes them work together perfectly!
Appeltaart is a tart with a sweet, crumbly crust and delicious apple filling, and it’s popular in The Netherlands during the holiday season.
It has the same sweet fruitiness as an apple pie but with a little extra kick!
The light brown sugar gives it a bit of caramel flavor, and the cinnamon adds a bit of spice that makes it different from other desserts.
Plus, it has soft sugar tones, so you can eat it with ice cream or whipped topping (or both)!
We know what you’re thinking: “Sure, they sound great when you read it, but what does an Aardappel Kroketten actually taste like?”
Well, the taste is luscious but light and hardly greasy at all.
It also has a mild earthy flavor with a crispy outer coating.
Basically, it tastes like sitting by the fireplace with your family on Christmas Eve while the kids wait for Santa Claus to come down the chimney with gifts for everyone under the tree.
Macaroni Schotel is a dish that’s so simple yet so satisfying.
It’s like your typical macaroni and cheese, but with big chunks of chicken and loads of cheddar cheese.
Plus, it’s rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious!
This dish is also a meal in itself, but if you’re feeling extra hungry, it pairs well with a side of toast or garlic bread.
Dutch Vegetable Soup with Meatballs, in a word: hearty.
The meatballs are so tender and juicy that you’ll be savoring every bite.
And the veggies are crisp and fresh!
Plus, the broth has just the right amount of saltiness to make your taste buds happy.
If you’re not familiar with Dutch Vegetable Soup with Meatballs, it’s time to get acquainted!
The Dutch Frikandellen recipe is the perfect way to celebrate your love of all things meat-based.
These fried sausages are made of pork, chicken, and beef mixed in for good measure.
They’ve got a taste that’s very succulent but not overpowering.
They also have a crispy exterior and tender interior that’s bursting with flavor from the spices.
And if you happen to get some of the crispy bits on top of your Frikandellen when you bite into them?
Oh man, it’s paradise on earth!
Banketstaaf is made from puff pastry, which is a very light dough that is “puffed” with yeast and baked until it forms layers that can be pulled apart into thin sheets.
When you bite into the pastry, the layers become crisp and flaky, while the inside stays soft and chewy.
The filling is made with ground almonds mixed with sugar, which gives it its characteristic nutty flavor and aroma.
So, if you want a sweet treat to pair with your coffee or tea in the morning, try this Banketstaaf recipe!
Pasteitje Met Ragout is basically a fancy way of saying “crepey bun with stew.”
And while they do sound simple, these little pastries are delicious and packed with flavor!
The puff pastry is soft and fluffy, with just enough crust to give it some crunch.
And the inside?
That’s where all the magic happens.
The warm, gooey, creamy gravy mixed with savory meat makes every bite an explosion of flavor in your mouth.
This is one dish you’ll want to eat every day, and trust us; you’ll have to go a long time before getting tired of it!
20. Dutch Pear Pie
Desserts are also a big part of Dutch culture, and they’re quite known for it, especially pastries like this Dutch Pear Pie which is filled with fresh fruit inside its flaky shell.
The flavor of this pie is unique because it combines the subtle sweetness of pears with a buttery crust.
And the taste of the pears is enhanced by baking them in sugar and lemon juice, which caramelizes them to create a crispy outer shell around their tender flesh.
You can serve Dutch Pear Pie during holidays or any time you want a delicious treat!
These Lekkerbekjes (Dutch Deep Fried Fish) sandwiches are one of the ultimate comfort Dutch foods.
They’re served in a bun with tartare sauce, which gives this dish its big punch of umami flavor—that savory taste that’s hard to describe but you know when you’ve got it.
It also has that sweetness from the lemon juice and mayonnaise, but just right to keep it from cloying.
The fish itself is also light and flaky, so it won’t weigh down your stomach at all after eating one or two of these sandwiches!
Dutch Apple Bread is a delicious, fruity bread that is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snack.
It’s made with real apples, and the flavor is just really incredible!
The dough has a nice cinnamon kick that’s enough to give you that warm feeling inside.
And when you bite into it, you will notice how light and fluffy this apple bread is.
It almost melts in your mouth!
Plus, it’s got a soft crust with small chunks of apple strewn throughout.
We think it’s going to be your new favorite thing too.
Hachee is a Dutch stew made with beef and onion.
It’s traditional comfort food for the Dutch, who love it over rice or mashed potatoes and sauerkraut.
The taste of Hachee is hearty, with a hint of sweetness from the onions.
It’s also a little piney, thanks to the addition of juniper berries.
There’s a lot of tenderness and juice in the meat, and the sauce has an excellent consistency—thick but still light.
It has a complex taste but is far from overpowering.
And the spices in this dish work together harmoniously to create an overall flavor that is just right for those who love savory foods!
Orange Tompouce is a delightful citrus-flavored sweet treat.
It is fresh and light, with a subtle hint of tartness that is perfect when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to feel like you’re eating something heavy.
The texture is also smooth and creamy, making for an easy-to-eat experience every time.
It’s hard to believe how much flavor can come from such a small package!
These delicious Dutch sausage rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
They’re perfect for any event, from a family get-together to a party with friends.
The best thing about Dutch Sausage Rolls is their flavor.
The dough has a buttery, flaky texture, and the sausage filling has just enough spice to keep things interesting without being too salty and peppery.
You can also change up the filling by adding different spices or ingredients, depending on your preferences.
The bottom line
The Netherlands is a foodie heaven with its many different kinds of cuisine.
From herring to cheese, meat, and pastries, you can find food in the Netherlands to satisfy every taste bud.
And if you’re already into Dutch food, this compilation of recipes might make you fall in love with the Netherlands a little more.
But, if you have never tasted Dutch food before, this collection might just be what you need to make that decision!
Now, let your taste buds get to know these 25 original dishes from The Netherlands!
Top 25 Best Dutch Foods 😍
If you're already into Dutch Foods, this compilation of easy Dutch recipes might make you fall in love with the Netherlands more and more.
Ingredients
- Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes)
- Erwtensoep (Dutch Split Pea Soup)
- Matjesherring Green Bean Salad
- Kaassoufflé (Dutch Fried Cheese Pastries)
- Ontbijtkoek (Dutch Breakfast Cake)
- Dutch Stroopwafels
- Boerenkaas Soep (Dutch Farmer’s Cheese Soup)
- Stamppot (Dutch National Dish)
- Huzarensalade (Dutch Potato Salad)
- Boterkoek (Dutch Butter Cake)
- Bitterballen (Dutch Meatballs)
- Groningen Mustard Soup
- Appeltaart (Dutch Apple Tart)
- Aardappel Kroketten (Dutch Potato Krokets)
- Macaroni Schotel (Dutch Macaroni and Cheese)
- Groentesoep Met Balletjes (Dutch Vegetable Soup With Meatballs)
- Dutch Frikandellen (Dutch Sausage)
- Banketstaaf (Dutch Christmas Log Pastry)
- Pasteitje Met Ragout (Dutch Puff Pastries With Chicken Mushroom Ragout)
- Dutch Pear Pie
- Lekkerbekjes (Dutch Deep Fried Fish) In A Bun With Tartare Sauce
- Dutch Apple Bread
- Hachee (Dutch Beef & Onion Stew)
- Orange Tompouche (Dutch Pastry)
- Saucijzenbroodjes (Dutch Sausage Rolls)
Instructions
- Have a look at our list of Dutch Foods.
- Choose the dish you want to recreate.
- Start cooking your newly found recipe!
- Share your insights on our Facebook page!
In Laura's Bakery
Monday 14th of August 2023
Didn't even realize that some of these foods are typical Dutch (as a Dutchie). An important one that I'm missing: oliebollen! I have a recipe for it if you're interested: https://www.inlaurasbakery.com/dutch-oliebollen-recipe-dutch-donuts/