Have you ever wondered what the Dutch like to snack on? Well, wonder no more. The Netherlands has a rich snacking culture with treats that will delight your taste buds. As you explore the canals of Amsterdam or bike through the tulip fields, you’ll want to sample some of these tasty snacks. From stroopwafels to poffertjes to bitterballen, your mouth will water at the options.
The Dutch love their sweets and pastries, but they also enjoy hearty, savory snacks. As you wander the charming streets, keep an eye out for snack carts and hole-in-the-wall eateries dishing up these delights. And while cannabis may be legal there, we’re talking about a different kind of munchie. Discover snacks like kroketten, little fried meat croquettes usually filled with beef and gravy, or frikandel, a kind of sausage also popular in Belgium.
With so many choices, your biggest problem will be deciding what to try first. But don’t worry, you can’t go wrong. Now go, enjoy the canals, the culture, the countryside. And snack like a true Dutchman! Your taste buds will thank you.
Traditional Dutch Snacks: Bitterballen, Stroopwafels, and More
The Dutch know how to snack. Some of their traditional treats have been around for centuries and are well worth discovering.
Bitterballen
Crispy fried meatballs, usually made of beef, that are filled with a creamy meat-based ragout. They’re served with mustard for dipping and are a staple of bar and pub life. With a beer, of course!
Stroopwafels
Two thin waffle cookies with a sweet caramel syrup filling in between. Stroopwafels are popular for dunking in coffee or tea, allowing the filling to get deliciously gooey. You can find them in mini versions for snacking on the go.
Haring
Raw herring is a Dutch delicacy, usually served with onions and pickles. The fish is very fresh, having been cured in a saltwater brine. While haring may be an acquired taste, the Dutch can’t get enough of it, especially in the summer.
Frikandellen
Similar to bitterballen, frikandellen are meaty snacks usually made of some combination of beef, pork, and chicken. They’re sausage-shaped and typically deep fried, though you can also get them baked in a roll. Frikandellen are cheap, filling, and popular with people of all ages.
With a variety of meats, pastries, and other treats, Dutch snacking has something for everyone. Discovering these savory and sweet snacks is a delicious way to experience authentic Dutch culture. Proost! (Cheers!)
Modern Twists on Classic Treats From the Netherlands
The Dutch have been churning out classic snacks for centuries, but today’s treats put a modern twist on tradition.
Poffertjes
These miniature pancakes are a cherished part of Dutch cuisine. Poffertjes were traditionally made with yeast and buckwheat flour, but now come in flavors like red velvet, pumpkin spice, and chocolate chip. Top your poffertjes with butter, powdered sugar, and maybe some fruit compote or whipped cream.
Stroopwafels
Stroopwafels, two wafer cookies stuck together with sweet caramel syrup, are a quintessential Dutch snack. In addition to classic stroopwafels, you can now find versions with peanut butter, Speculoos cookie butter, or chocolate hazelnut spread in between the wafers. For an extra special treat, place a stroopwafel over your coffee or tea cup and let it sit for a minute so the caramel filling melts.
Bitterballen
Bitterballen are fried meatballs usually made from beef or veal and served with mustard. Contemporary bitterballen come in unconventional varieties like cheese, shrimp, or vegetarian. They’re the perfect snack to accompany a cold beer at a Dutch bar.
From miniature pancakes to fried meatballs, the Dutch have taken their traditional snacks to tasty new levels. With creative twists and flavors of poffertjes, stroopwafels, and bitterballen, there’s no shortage of delicious and delightful snacks to discover in the Netherlands.
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