What to eat in Amsterdam? Our selection of 11 Amsterdam specialties

Amsterdam's popularity is built on its canals, but you'll need to fill your belly generously to walk them from end to end! A flourishing and authentic gastronomy, composed of ancient specialties and cultural crossroads from around the world, awaits you in the capital. Whether you have a sweet tooth, prefer savory dishes, or lean towards Indonesian-influenced dishes – let's not forget that the deep connection linking the two countries is also experienced on a culinary level – you'll easily find all sorts of succulent Amsterdam specialties. It's up to you to rediscover your adventurous spirit!

1. Bitterballen

When aperitif time comes or to start a meal, these little breaded beef balls are found on all tables. They're munched without moderation, when the creamy interior is still steaming. Bitterballen are usually accompanied by a portion of fries and a beer on the terrace. As a result, locals love them and you'll quickly understand why! Keep in mind that you won't make a complete meal of them, it's a savory snack to wait before dinner.

2. Raw Herring – Amsterdam specialty

Surprising, but very common in Amsterdam, "raw" herring is caught locally, in the city's cold waters. The fillets are simply prepared, salted and frozen to preserve their tenderness. The fish is the star of the dish, so it's accompanied by just a few meager pickles and onions. You can also eat it on the go, as a sandwich. Raw herring is very easily found, in street-food version in "haringhandels" and in Amsterdam's food establishments.

3. Thick fries

It's not only in Belgium that fries are popular! In Amsterdam, generously loaded fries containers are everywhere. Eat your fries "plain" or covered with sauce. The ultimate condition is that the fries are fresh, of course. Don't hesitate to test new sauce flavors with your fries, innovations are not lacking: curry sauce, satay, peanuts and classic ketchup/mayo. Taste them all and make your choice!

4. Indonesian dishes

The Netherlands is deeply connected to Indonesia, whose influence is now felt throughout the city. In other words, during your stay, a visit to an Indonesian restaurant is a must! To be at the crossroads of Dutch-Indonesian flavors, order a "rijsttafel" also called "rice table". It's a medley of small dishes from all the islands. You'll see, it's a delight that we recommend to all hungry travelers who want to try Indonesian cuisine.

5. Stamppot

Here's Amsterdam's winter specialty beloved in the Netherlands. Of popular origin, this dish whose potato is the basic element, has the reputation of instantly warming you up after a freezing day. "Stamppot" simply translates to "mashed dish" yet it looks more like Dutch-style sauerkraut. The recipe is simple, composed of mashed potatoes with a few vegetables. Notably, carrots, onions, or spinach. When served, the stew is accompanied by a juicy sausage. Here's something meant to fill you up!

6. Poffertjes

Very popular in Amsterdam, these tiny fluffy Dutch pancakes are ideal to enjoy on the go, between two visits. They measure about 4 centimeters in diameter, but are not comparable to pancakes nevertheless. Before being served to you, they'll be sprinkled with powdered sugar and a dab of butter to maintain their fluffiness. Where to enjoy them in Amsterdam? A bit everywhere really, especially on the street, since they're meant to curb small hungers.

7. Apple pie

Taste this Dutch pastry, halfway between a pie and an apple cake. The appeltaart seduces with its indulgence and its nostalgic warm apple flavor. It's made with thick sweet pastry, a large quantity of crispy apples, spices and other ingredients like hazelnuts or raisins. After baking, it looks more like a cake or a pie, the opposite of the thin apple tart made in our territory. When served, your large slice of pie will be covered with a big cloud of whipped cream. Warning: indulgence guaranteed!

8. Cheese

Impossible to walk around Amsterdam's center without being surrounded by gouda. The yellow wheels are stuck to windows, from floor to ceiling – as well as on all the walls of cheese shops. Goudas have a semi-hard paste, plain or flavored in many ways: cumin, truffle, pesto, rustic, flowery... There will be something for every taste! Dutch cheeses are emblematic of Amsterdam's gastronomy. For gourmets preferring cheeses with more character, you'll also have the choice between many other types of cheese. Among them, you'll notably find maasdam and edam.

9. Dutch pancakes

To start the day well, opt for a sweet note with Dutch pancakes! Thanks to their light but filling batter, Dutch pancakes offer a multitude of different flavors. The pancakes are sometimes filled with bananas, topped with chocolate or sugar and almonds. Otherwise, in savory version, Dutch pancakes will be garnished with cheese, bacon, smoked chicken and onions.

10. Stroopwafel

Here's the unmissable sweet treat of your stays in Amsterdam! The stroopwafel is a thin waffle filled with melted chocolate or a more traditional syrup in Holland. This one is made with brown sugar, butter and cinnamon. You'll see them everywhere around you, some workshop-boutiques make them live from morning to night and a long queue forms in front of the most prominent windows. The wait makes this refined preparation even more delicious... Think about tasting these waffles several times, to test local or original new flavors.

11. Tompouce

This small popular pastry allegedly bears the name of a small-sized actor, whose stage name was Tom Pouce. Rectangular in shape, the Tompouce follows strict rules regarding its shape, size and color. We thus grasp the central place it holds in the country's sweet gastronomy. It consists of layers of puff pastry separated by very sweet cream and topped with pink icing. Even if this cake will remind you of the French mille-feuille, its elegant pink color on top will quickly steer you away from this idea. Although pink is its original color, orange icing has been tolerated for a few years approaching King's Day. Be careful, the melting cream and icing make Tom Pouce particularly difficult to eat cleanly. So take time to enjoy it at the table rather than while walking in the street.