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My favorite Dutch snacks & local food experiences
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items These are the Dutch foods I really eat — not just for pleasure, but because they’ve become part of our everyday life here at home. From afternoon snacks to weekend treats, these are the local bites that even my kids look forward to. If you're new her...
Sections
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Sweet treats we always come back to
Snack bar staples to try at least once
Eat like a local?
Sweet treats we always come back to
Thin waffle cookies with caramel syrup in the middle — perfect with a warm cup of coffee or tea. We always keep a pack at home (and sneak one into the lunchbox sometimes). A little taste of Dutch comfort that’s always available at Albert Heijn and ot...
Stroopwafel- Albert Heijn
Fluffy mini pancakes topped with powdered sugar and butter — a favorite at markets and weekend outings. The kids love watching them get flipped on the hot plate, and they’re a must-try for visiting guests too. Honestly, they're hard not to love.
Poffertjes
These Dutch-style pancakes are thinner than American ones and come can be prepared in both sweet and savory versions. We love them for Sunday brunch or easy weeknight dinners — turkey bacon + cheese for us and Nutella for our kids. It’s comfort food ...
Pannenkoeken - ready made
They may not be Dutch but these ready made pancakes from AH are fluffy and sweet even after microwave. Perfect for rushed school mornings or a lazy weekend treat. Just add fruit or syrup!
AH American pancakes naturel bestellen
A bright pink, custard-filled pastry that’s messy to eat but it’s all in the technique! You can buy them in local grocery stores or bakeries and very popular on King’s Day (except they would be orange not pink!)
tompouce
Snack bar staples to try at least once
A Dutch fast-food classic — basically a skinless sausage that’s deep-fried and topped with curry ketchup, mayo, and chopped onions. Or just eat as is. It's definitely a local experience!
Frikandel
Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside — these meat-filled snacks are always a hit. We usually get them frozen at grocery stores and great for birthday parties. Kids love them (just let them cool down first!).
Bitterballen
Dutch fries are next-level — thick-cut, crispy, and best with all the sauces. Try them with satay sauce (peanut sauce), curry ketchup, mayo, or go all in with “patat oorlog” (peanut sauce, mayo, and onions). It’s one of those things you try once and ...
Frietjes - Dutch fries
These deep-fried battered fish chunks (usually cod) are found in grocery stores, markets or street stands. It’s a true Dutch staple with a crispy outside and tender inside bite! — served with garlic sauce or tartar. We sometimes have cravings for it!
Kibbeling - deep fried breaded fish
Eat like a local?
This little shop near the Anne Frank House is more than just a tourist shop — it’s a fun and flavorful stop during a city day out.
Cheese tasting at Cheese museum
The cheese tasting experience here is one of my favorites! You can try everything from creamy young cheese to rich aged goudas, infused with herbs, garlic or even lavender! It’s a cheese lover’s dream and tasting is for free!
Cheese tasting at Zaanse Schans
Hold it by the tail, tilt your head back, and just go for it — that’s the real way to have haring! You can add onions and pickles if you’re feeling bold.
Eating herring in the Netherlands: all you need to know about the 'Hollandse ...
Grab your coins, slide open a glass window, and out pops your hot snack — frikandel, kroket or bami. It’s the fast food of fast food if you ask me. My kids even love picking their own. It’s very Dutch!
FEBO hole-in-the-wall snack wall