Netherlands (also known as Holland) is a lovely country in northwestern Europe. The word "Netherlands" means "lower countries" because some parts of it are below sea level. People started making these lower areas into land called “polders” in the 14th century. Moreover, about 17.9 million people live in this country, which is not very big, but it's the world's second-largest exporter of food. It makes Amsterdam become a favorite city for food lovers.

Dutch food is unique and made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Holland has many great restaurants with amazing chefs. They always focus on using local produce and making sure the food is tasty and healthy. The chefs get creative, and the dishes change with the seasons. If you visit Holland, make sure to try some of the delicious traditional Dutch foods. So, if you go to Holland, remember to try some of their delicious traditional foods. You'll love it!

Make sure you try the most delicious traditional food in the Netherlands during your trip. In this article, we have listed the 15 best delicious Netherlands Foods that you must try!

Stroopwafel is a popular Dutch pastry made of two crispy waffle cookies with sweet syrup in between. It is the most delicious Netherlands food you should try once in your life. The dough includes butter, yeast, flour, brown sugar, eggs, and milk. Originating from Gouda in the 19th century, it is globally recognized as a Dutch delicacy. In the late 18th or early 19th century, the stroopwafel was made of bakery leftovers like breadcrumbs and sweetened with syrup. Stroopwafels are available in supermarkets, but for the finest ones in Amsterdam, you can visit 'Landskroon' Bakery or the Albert Cuyp Market.

Kroket is a Dutch snack – a deep-fried roll with meat ragout inside, covered in breadcrumbs. Varieties include beef, veal, chicken satay, shrimp, goulash, or vegetarian options. You can buy Kroket at various places in Amsterdam, including snack bars, cafes, restaurants, and even McDonald’s (McKroket). You can also find them in Dutch vending machines on the streets. The 'Febo' is a popular walk-in snack bar scattered across the city, renowned for its 'kroketten'. Notable brands include 'Van Dobben,' 'Holtkamp,' and 'Kwekkeboom.'

Patat is a popular Dutch street food – thick French fries served in a cone with various toppings. Invented in Belgium, the Dutch enjoy it with sauces like mayonnaise, curry, ketchup, and peanut sauce. A well-known mix of toppings includes mayonnaise, diced raw onions, and peanut sauce called 'patatje oorlog' (fries at war). You can buy the best and most tasty Patat at De Patatzaak, Flemish Fries Snackland, or Freddy Fryday Oost.

Kaas or cheese is a famous Dutch food that has been made since 800 B.C. The Netherlands is the biggest exporter of cheese worldwide. Dutch people love cheese and eat it for breakfast, lunch in sandwiches, or as a snack. It pairs well with a glass of wine or beer and adds to the overall delightful taste. Gouda and Edam are popular Dutch cheeses, and you can try them in Amsterdam or visit traditional cheese markets in cities like Gouda, Edam, and Alkmaar. Or you can also try authentic Dutch cheeses either on a Dutch Cheese & Wine Cruise or by visiting the Henri Willig Tasting Room.

Hagelslag is a tasty Dutch breakfast food made with chocolate sprinkles on toasted bread with butter. The most favorite Hagelslag is called "chocolat hagelslag" or chocolate sprinkles. It is probably the best Netherlands food to have for your breakfast. Another falvoured hagelslag include fruit-flavored or anise (licorice) seed "hagelslag." The word "Hagelslag" means hailstorm, and it was invented during a hailstorm by B.E. Dieperink. Dutch people, both young and old, enjoy it on sandwiches for breakfast or lunch, especially chocolate sprinkles. You can enjoy it better while sipping a hot cup of coffee. You can find Hagelslag in Heisteeg 8 or try De Ruijter in the supermarket.

Rookworst is a Dutch smoked sausage, often eaten with stamppot or Erwtensoep. It tastes like a hotdog, but it is larger with a crispier skin. You can find Rookworst in supermarkets, and the HEMA store is known for its Rookworst. You can try it on a bun with a little bit of mustard.

Dutch pancakes, or Pannenkoeken, are delicious Dutch food that is famous worldwide. They are thin, round, and cooked on a griddle. People in the Netherlands eat them with powdered sugar, syrup, or fruit preserves, often topped with whipped cream. Unlike American pancakes, Dutch ones are larger and thinner but thicker than French crêpes. They're enjoyed throughout the day, especially for dinner. You can top them with bacon, cheese, apple, or raisins. Try the special pancake boat in Amsterdam for a unique All You Can Eat River Cruise.

Erwtensoep or Snert is a thick pea soup made with split peas, celery, leeks, carrots, and pork. It's a winter favorite, traditionally served with smoked sausage and rye bread with Dutch bacon. Well-made Erwtensoep is so thick that your spoon should stand vertically in it. It's often enjoyed the next day for better flavors. This hearty pea soup is popular in winter, providing warmth to ice skaters. It includes boiled vegetables like green peas, potatoes, onions, celery, carrots, and smoked sausage. If you visit Amsterdam, you can try the best Erwtensoep in Moeders, De Blauwe Hollander, or The Pantry.

Stamppot is an old-style Dutch dish made by mixing mashed potatoes with vegetables like kale, carrots, endive, or sauerkraut. Traditionally served in winter, it is best enjoyed with Rookworst (smoked sausage). Some restaurants, like "Stamppotje" in Amsterdam, specialize in these dishes. They serve fresh stamppot in winter. Dating back to ancient times, stamppot is a healthy combination of mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables, making it a traditional Dutch favorite.

Bitterballen is tasty, deep-fried crispy balls that Dutch people love to eat with beer at bars and cafes in Amsterdam. They come with mustard for dipping. Bitterballen has a crunchy outside and a hot, soft inside made of a mix of beef, broth, butter, flour, and spices. They're similar to kroketten in ingredients, preparation, and taste. You should try the best Bitterbalen in De Ballen Bar, Winkel 43, Café De Tuin, and Cafe Gent Aan De Schinkel.

Appletart is a favorite Dutch dessert. It's like a sweet pie with slices of apple covered in a delicious pastry slice. You can add cinnamon and raisins for extra flavor. Enjoy it with some whipped cream and a warm cup of coffee. This traditional Dutch food has been enjoyed since the Middle Ages. If you visit Amsterdam, you can find the best Appletart in Winkel 43, Café 't Papeneiland, and Koffiehuis De Hoek. However, if you are in Rotterdam, you can visit Dudok-Patisserie for their tasty Appletart.

Oliebollen is a festive Dutch treat usually enjoyed on New Year’s Eve. It is known as the most popular Dutch food. They are similar in taste to donuts and can be homemade or bought from street stands during the winter holidays. These deep-fried dough balls, made from eggs, yeast, salt, flour, milk, and baking powder, come in two varieties: plain or with raisins/currants inside. Oliebollen are served with powdered sugar and are a delightful part of Dutch traditions, often enjoyed at special events like New Year celebrations. The most recommended place to have the best oliebollen is in Hugo de Grootplein, Cornelis Troostplein , and Van Woustraat.

Boterkoek is a simple soft butter cake, representing a tasty traditional Dutch treat. The dough for Boterkoek is prepared by combining sugar and butter with flour, followed by thorough kneading. Afterward, the dough is baked until it rises into a fluffy cake. To make the dish more flavourful, you can add almond paste or vanilla according to your preferences. You can find Boterkoe at pastry café in the Netherlands like Patisserie Linnick and Chimney Cake Bakery & Café.

Pastechi is originally made from the small island of Aruba. This is a Dutch pastry with historical ties to the Netherlands. Aruba was once part of the Netherlands in ancient times. This delightful pastry serves as a sweet and tasty option for breakfast and is equally enjoyed as a snack. Stuffed with various ingredients like chicken, beef, tuna, vegetables, and Dutch cheese, Pastechi boasts a diverse and flavorful filling. You can try this delicious pastry in The Pastechi House.

Drop is a sweet treat in the Netherlands. A remarkable 80% of the population indulges in licorice, with the average Dutch person consuming around 2 kg of licorice per year. For those unfamiliar with the taste, it might seem a bit peculiar at first, leading to some amusing expressions. Beginners can ease into the world of licorice with the sweet drop variety, while the salty licorice is more suited for seasoned licorice enthusiasts. You can find the Drop in any convenience store in the Netherlands. Thinking of visiting the Netherlands after reading our best list of Netherlands Food? Well, you're in for an amazing experience! To make your trip seamless and enjoyable, consider booking your flight, activities, and accommodations through Traveloka. Why choose Traveloka? It's your one-stop travel companion that offers convenience and great deals.

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