What to eat in Amsterdam

Indulge in Amsterdam’s diverse culinary scene! Discover local favorites and trendy eats in our guide to the city’s best dining experiences.

Sometimes (or most of the time, if you ask us), the charm of a particular city is only accentuated by the inclusion of food and the introduction of local culinary delights. And if you come to this city and wonder what to eat in Amsterdam, you will find yourself with so many options that you won’t have enough days to try them all.

Each food option takes you through a culinary journey, from traditional Dutch food in Amsterdam to the classic and basic wine-and-cheese tasting that tops your palate with a wonderful start.

Traditional Dutch Food in Amsterdam

The history of tradition flows long and strong in the veins of the people in this city and nowhere as much as when considering what to eat in Amsterdam. Traditional Dutch food here serves to bring together the history and culture of Dutch poignancy and iconic dishes like the following:

Stroopwafels: As the classic Dutch delicacy, people all over the world still attempt to create the perfect stroopwafels to have at home, but the classically sweet treat filled with caramel syrup is iconically singular when you eat it in Amsterdam, gaining the adoration of locals and visitors alike.
How to eat the best stroopwafels in Amsterdam? For the best stroopwafels in Amsterdam, visit Lanskroon near the flower market or van Wonderen Stroopwafels in the heart of the canal district.
Average price: A quality stroopwafel typically costs between €2 and €5, depending on size and location.
A tip for enjoying them: Place your stroopwafel on top of a hot cup of coffee or tea for a few minutes to let the caramel soften slightly, making it even more delicious.
Bitterballen: These crispy, deep-fried balls are filled with a creamy mixture that entices everyone, taking people’s taste buds on a journey that won’t disappoint them. These are often enjoyed as a snack with a side of mustard dip.
How to eat the best bitterballen in Amsterdam?: Café de Tuin in the Jordaan neighborhood and De BallenBar in Foodhallen are excellent choices for authentic bitterballen.
Average price: A plate of bitterballen usually costs between €5 and €10.
A tip for enjoying them: Pair your bitterballen with a cold Dutch beer and dip each bite in mustard to enhance the flavor.
Frietjes: Fries are fries, right? Wrong. Frietjes is a traditional Dutch food in Amsterdam which are thick-cut and traditionally served in paper cones with countless delicious toppings.
How to eat the best frietjes in Amsterdam?: Try the famous Vlaamse Frites at Manneken Pis or Vleminckx Sausmeesters, both known for their incredible fries and variety of sauces.
Average price: A cone of frietjes costs between €3 and €6, depending on the size and toppings.
A tip for enjoying them: Experiment with different local sauces like Joppiesaus or classic Dutch mayonnaise for an authentic experience.
Haring: If you want to experience traditional Dutch food in Amsterdam, even straight from the streets, try this raw herring dish, a specialty served with onions and pickles in small sandwiches/buns. It might sound terrifying, but try it out.
How to eat the best haring in Amsterdam? Stubbe’s Haring near Central Station and Vishandel Molenaar are great spots to try fresh haring in Amsterdam.
Average price: A haring sandwich typically costs around €3 to €5.
A tip for enjoying them: For an authentic Dutch experience, hold the haring by the tail, tilt your head back, and eat it in one bite. You can also try it in a small bun for a milder taste.

Food Tour in Amsterdam: What Else Is There?

Understand how to visit Amsterdam like a local by sampling traditional foods and exploring neighborhoods beyond the tourist hotspots Traditional Dutch food in Amsterdam is all well and good, but other dishes and items can count toward experiencing the city’s culinary secrets.

The first possibility is to search deeply online for Amsterdam’s best restaurants and dishes. But the second and much more reliable option is to rely on a guided food tour in Amsterdam, preferably led by an experienced Amsterdam citizen who knows, loves, and has experienced their city in a depth that few others can boast.

You can ask around for recommendations for savory food, which may include the top places and restaurants to find Stamppot (a mash pot of vegetables and more), Rijsttafel (a rice table that is technically a veritable feast of rice-based dishes), and more.

Or you can ask for a food tour in Amsterdam for sweet options, including Appeltaart (a wonderful Amsterdammer take on the classic apple pie) or Poffertjes (mini pancakes which, well made, will practically melt in your mouth).

On the other hand, if you’re looking for international cuisine to give you a rest, you can always check out those restaurants in the city as well.

Wine and Cheese Canal Tour Amsterdam

There is another unique twist to a classic food tour, and that is the addition of wine and cheese-tasting Amsterdam. The wine and cheese canal tour of Amsterdam combines elegance with picture-perfect beauty.

Here, you can sample the exotic flavors of various high-end Dutch cheeses like Boerenkaas (the classic Dutch farmer’s cheese), Noord-Hollandse Gouda (a slightly more special, smoother cheese), Kanterkaas (hard, cylindrical cheese), and more.

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