Dutch Food & Dining in Amsterdam: A Culinary Guide with Restaurant Tips
- Inbal Tur-Shalom ענבל טור-שלום
- Jun 26, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Food is one of the most authentic ways to experience a country. Every bite tells a story—about the weather, history, economy, immigration, and culture of a place. Dutch cuisine is no exception. From comforting traditional dishes to flavors brought by centuries of global trade and immigration, the Netherlands offers a fascinating culinary journey. In this guide, I’ll share the story of Dutch food, the highlights you shouldn’t miss, and insider tips for enjoying restaurants in Amsterdam.
The Story Behind Dutch Cuisine
Traditional Dutch food may not always get the appreciation it deserves, even from the Dutch themselves. But it has a lot to offer. Like the Dutch character, the cuisine is straightforward and unpretentious, made from local ingredients with spices that once arrived on merchant ships during the Golden Age of the 16th and 17th centuries. Dutch food is hearty, warming, and designed to comfort in a northern climate.
With those ships also came immigrants—from Indonesia and Suriname, from Morocco and Turkey in the 1950s, and later from countries such as Iran and Ethiopia. Each brought their own flavors, giving Amsterdam today its vibrant mix of immigrant restaurants that balance and enrich the local food scene.
Dutch Street Food Staples
Some of the most beloved Dutch bites can be found on the street:
Herring (Haring) – Served with chopped onions and pickles, this raw fish snack is iconic.
Kibbeling – Deep-fried chunks of cod, crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Smoked Eel – A delicacy for seafood lovers.
Dutch Fries (Patat or Friet) – Crispy on the outside, soft inside, served in a paper cone dripping with mayonnaise.
Kroketten – Deep-fried croquettes with a variety of fillings, dipped in Dutch mustard.
Frikandel – A thin, long sausage made from mixed meats—quirky but beloved.
Potatoes, Soups & Comfort Food
Think of Van Gogh’s famous painting The Potato Eaters: potatoes are a cornerstone of Dutch cuisine. Whether boiled, baked, fried into French fries, or mashed into a stamppot with kale or endive and topped with a juicy sausage, they remain a staple.
Soups also play a starring role:
Erwtensoep (pea soup) – Thick, hearty, and served with slices of smoked sausage.
Mustard Soup – Believe it or not, one of the most delicious soups you’ll ever taste.
Seasonal Dutch Delights
The rhythm of the Dutch kitchen follows the seasons. In spring, freshly harvested white asparagus is the star of many menus. In early July, mussel season begins, and North Sea shellfish appear in homes and restaurants alike. With its North Sea coastline, the Netherlands also offers salmon, cod, and a variety of fresh seafood throughout the year.
מימין, מרק אפונה הולנדי. משמאל, מרק חרדל הולנדי | בישול וצילום: © ענבל טור-שלום
Sweet Treats to Fall in Love With
The Dutch have a serious sweet tooth:
Apple Pie (Appeltaart) – Served with or without whipped cream, every café has its own take.
Dutch Pancakes (Pannenkoeken) – Large and thin, topped with sweet or savory toppings.
Poffertjes – Small, fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and butter—irresistible.
Stroopwafels – Thin caramel-filled waffle cookies, best eaten warm.
Drinks & Dutch Spirits
In recent years, Amsterdam has seen a boom in craft breweries, making it one of Europe’s most exciting beer destinations. For something stronger, try Jenever—the Dutch ancestor of gin, with a richer, more aromatic flavor. Another unique local liqueur is Berenburg, a spiced herbal drink based on Jenever.
👉 Related read: Amsterdam Craft Breweries You Shouldn’t Miss
מימין, טועמים את עוגיית ואן סטאפלה בסיור מצולם באמסטרדם. משמאל, קפה ו-יוֹדֶנְקוּק | צילום: © ענבל טור-שלום
Best Restaurants in Amsterdam: From Michelin Stars to Local Favorites
Amsterdam’s dining scene is as diverse as the city itself—ranging from Michelin-starred fine dining to cozy Dutch cafés, trendy bars, and multicultural kitchens shaped by centuries of global connections. Whether you’re craving refined French cuisine, Asian fusion, or a simple Dutch stamppot, here are some of the top places to eat in Amsterdam.
Fine Dining in Amsterdam
Yamazato – A refined Japanese restaurant awarded one Michelin star. Expect an unforgettable seasonal tasting menu starting at €160 per person (excluding drinks), with flawless service and exquisite, carefully plated dishes.
Restaurant Bridges – A Michelin-starred gem in the heart of Amsterdam, offering elegant French classics with international influences. Seasonal fish and seafood dominate the menu, which you can enjoy as a 5–7 course tasting menu or à la carte. A rich wine list completes the experience.
The Duchess – Inspired by the flavors of Southern France and Italy, The Duchess combines Mediterranean produce with light, refined cooking. The grand interior feels timeless, and in the evening the dining room glows with candlelight. Perfect for dinner, lunch, or even a stylish high tea.
Trendy & Modern Restaurants
Ron Gastrobar – Celebrity chef Ron Blaauw’s lively food bar, located outside the tourist center, where locals gather for excellent food, wine, and atmosphere.
The Seafood Bar – Hugely popular for fresh, responsibly sourced fish and seafood. With three branches in Amsterdam, it’s known for its oysters, lobster, and excellent wine pairings.
Supperclub – A unique mix of restaurant, lounge, bar, and nightclub. The menu changes weekly, as does the décor and live entertainment. Expect innovative, sometimes daring dishes, and a vibrant crowd.
Traditional Dutch Cuisine
Café De Klos – A local institution famous for ribs (smoked or not), steaks, and hearty meat dishes. Portions are huge, prices fair, and the vibe is lively—though you’ll often wait over an hour for a table, as they don’t take reservations.
Moeders (“Mothers”) – A charming tribute to Dutch moms everywhere. The walls are lined with family photos (you can even bring one of your own!), and the menu features traditional Dutch dishes made with seasonal ingredients.
The Pantry – Step into a classic Dutch home with Delft blue plates on the walls and cozy wooden tables. The Pantry specializes in authentic Dutch food, offering both set menus (starter, main, dessert) and à la carte dishes.
Restaurant ’t Zwaantje – A small, warm spot serving hearty Dutch food with French touches, surrounded by vintage posters and cookware.
Fast & Quirky Eats
FEBO – A Dutch fast-food chain like no other: order hot croquettes, cheese soufflés, or burgers directly from coin-operated windows. A must-try Dutch curiosity!
Manneken Pis – Famous for its fries (“patat”), served in generous cones with a choice of sauces. To eat like a local, order them with mayonnaise.
Multicultural Flavors
Indrapura – Indonesian cuisine is a must in Amsterdam. Try the rijsttafel (rice table), a feast of small dishes ranging from mild to fiery, packed with flavor.
Roopram Roti – Surinamese food with Caribbean spices. Their signature roti (flatbread with chicken, vegetables, or both) is a local favorite. Located at the Albert Cuyp Market.
Addis Ababa – Excellent Ethiopian food, best experienced through the tasting platter: traditional stews and vegetables served on injera (a sourdough flatbread), paired with Ethiopian beer and coffee.
Restaurant Nooch – A modern Asian-fusion spot blending Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Thai flavors. Offers gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options in addition to sushi, noodles, and small plates.
מימין, כוס ינייבר. משמאל, המלצר והברמנית בקפה וינקל 43 | צילום: © ענבל טור-שלום
Sweet Spots in Amsterdam
Winkel 43 – Legendary for its apple pie. On weekends, the line stretches down the street, but it’s worth every bite.
Pancakes Amsterdam – A must-visit for Dutch-style pancakes, American-style pancakes, and everything in between. With three city locations, it’s perfect for families too.
Van Stapele Cookie – Known simply as the Amsterdam cookie. It’s a warm chocolate cookie filled with molten white chocolate. There’s only one kind on the menu—because perfection doesn’t need variety.
Imagine yourself at dusk on a canal-side terrace: a glass of crisp Dutch beer in hand, the scent of grilled fish drifting from the kitchen, bicycles passing slowly by on the cobbled street. Whether you’re savoring Michelin-star dishes or biting into a simple cone of fries, dining in Amsterdam is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the flavors.
Want to Taste More?
This list is only a starting point—Amsterdam’s food scene is vast and ever-changing. On my private food tours, I dive deeper into Dutch culinary history, immigrant kitchens, and the everyday street food locals love.
Dutch food may surprise you with its mix of simplicity and bold flavors, traditional comfort dishes, and multicultural influences. Whether you’re tasting herring at a street stall, enjoying apple pie at a café, or sipping Jenever after dinner, every bite adds to your experience of the Netherlands.
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