10 Best Places to Try Traditional Dutch Food in Amsterdam
Dutch cuisine is often described as rustic and hearty, as traditional dishes are usually simple, with strong flavors and wholesome ingredients. The Dutch staple foods include potatoes, meats like pork and beef, seafood from the North Sea, and an array of cheeses like Gouda, Edam, and Leyden. Seasonal vegetables and fruits also play a significant role in the Dutch diet.
Amsterdam, known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal systems, and narrow houses with gabled facades, is also a treasure trove of culinary delights. This guide offers an insider’s look at the best places to try Dutch food in Amsterdam, showcasing the rich flavors and authentic dishes that define the Dutch dining experience.
Selection Criteria for Top Dutch Food Spots in Amsterdam
To ensure visitors experience the best Dutch culinary traditions in Amsterdam, a thoughtful and detailed selection process was employed to curate this list of top places. Here’s a brief overview of how the establishments were chosen:
- Authenticity: One of the primary criteria was the authenticity of the food offered. The places were chosen based on their reputation for serving traditional Dutch dishes that are true to the original recipes and cooking methods.
- Variety of Offerings: The selection aimed to cover a wide range of Dutch cuisine, from seafood dishes like haring and kibbeling to hearty winter foods like stamppot and zuurvlees.
- Customer Reviews and Ratings: Restaurants included in the list consistently have high ratings on major travel and restaurant review platforms, indicating a solid track record of customer satisfaction and quality.
- Ambiance and Experience: The list includes places that serve great food and contribute to a memorable visit, whether through their unique decor, historical significance, or pleasant dining atmosphere.
- Accessibility and Service Options: Recognizing that different visitors have varying needs, the list considers the availability of services like dine-in, takeaway, and delivery, as well as accessibility in terms of location within Amsterdam.
Places to Try Dutch Cuisine in Amsterdam
- Best for Home-style Dutch Cuisine – Moeders
- Best for Traditional Dutch food and drink – A. van Wees Tasting Locality
- Best for Historic Dining Experience – D’Vijff Vlieghen
- Best for Trying traditional Dutch haring (raw herring) – Henk’s Haring
- Best for Dutch Comfort Food – De Blauwe Hollander
The Pantry proudly serves authentic Dutch fare in a cozy, homelike setting in the quaint Leidseplein neighborhood. Its walls are decorated with Delft tiles, and old family photos create a warm atmosphere. A must-try is the stamppot, a traditional Dutch dish of mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables served with sausage or meatballs.
Leidsekruisstraat 21, 1017 RE Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Menu
thepantry.nl/en/
+31 20 620 0922✅
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Stamppot
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Dutch Meatballs
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Pea Soup
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Apple Pie
Famous for its quirky concept, Moeders (Dutch for mothers) is decorated with photos of mothers worldwide. This restaurant is a tribute to home-cooked meals and offers a fantastic Dutch rijsttafel, a must-try for anyone wanting to sample a variety of Dutch flavors in one go.
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Dutch Rijsttafel
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Hutspot
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Beef Stew
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Poffertjes
This is one of the Negen Straatjes’ (Nine Streets) hidden gems. It offers a robust menu of Dutch classics in a bistro-style setting. The ambiance is casual yet buzzing with energy. Must-try: The beef stew is slow-cooked to perfection and served with a hearty portion of bread.
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Beef Stew
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Stamppot
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Grilled Sea Bass
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Bitterballen
De Blauwe Hollander prides itself on recipes passed down through generations, providing diners with a heartfelt, comforting meal in a setting that feels like stepping into a Dutch family’s dining room. They have proudly served traditional Dutch cuisine since 1979. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty stew or a sweet treat, this spot ensures a fulfilling dining experience with authentic flavors.
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Zuurvlees (vinegar meat)
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Boerenkool Stamppot (kale mashed potatoes)
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Dutch Apple Pie
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Erwtensoep (pea soup)
This popular spot is known for its welcoming atmosphere and flexible dining approach. No menu is fixed, and dishes are suggested daily based on what’s fresh and available. It’s a family-run restaurant, and the informal service style is akin to being a guest in a Dutch home.
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Steak Kerkwijk
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Garlic Mushrooms
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Nagerecht Kerkwijk (Kerkwijk Dessert)
Situated in the historic Jordaan district of Amsterdam, the Van Wees distillery is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring traditional Dutch spirits. It is renowned for crafting traditional Dutch genever and liqueurs. The tasting room provides an authentic experience where visitors can learn about and sample various beverages, all produced using age-old recipes and methods.
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Assorted Dutch Cheeses
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Bitterballen
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Ossenworst (Amsterdam-style raw beef sausage)
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Stroopwafels
This cozy bistro is the epitome of traditional Dutch cuisine. It offers a no-frills dining experience with straightforward, delicious food. Nestled in the Jordaan district, it’s perfect for enjoying a quiet evening. Must-try: The Dutch meatballs, served with mustard and bread.
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Dutch Meatballs
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Braised Endive
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Butter Cake
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Tomato Soup
D’Vijff Vlieghen, or “The Five Flies,” offers a fine dining experience in a unique setting featuring original Rembrandt etchings and 17th-century decor. The menu features historic Dutch recipes that have been given a contemporary edge.
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Historic Dutch Tasting Menu
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Stuffed Quail
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Ginger Soup
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Herring Tartar
Located in the hip Haarlemmerdijk area, this café is known for its laid-back vibe and excellent Dutch pub food. It’s a great spot to mingle with locals and enjoy a casual meal. Must-try: The bitterballen, a famous Dutch snack, is perfect with a cold local beer.
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Bitterballen
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Dutch Cheese Plate
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Beef Croquettes
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Split Pea Soup
A list of Dutch food places would only be complete with mentioning a haringhandel. Henk’s Haring, located near the Albert Cuyp Market, offers the best fresh herring in town, traditionally served with onions and pickles.
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Haring
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Kibbeling
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Smoked Eel
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Dutch Shrimp Salad
FAQs on Best Food Places in Amsterdam
What is a must-try dish for first-time visitors to Amsterdam?
A must-try dish for first-time visitors is Stamppot, a hearty winter dish made from mashed potatoes mixed with various vegetables like kale, carrots, or sauerkraut and typically served with smoked sausages or meatballs. It embodies Dutch cuisine’s simple, comforting nature and can be found in most traditional Dutch restaurants.
Are there vegetarian options available at these traditional Dutch restaurants?
Yes, most traditional Dutch restaurants in Amsterdam have adapted their menus to cater to vegetarians. Dishes like vegetarian stamppot made with meatless sausages, vegetarian versions of Dutch pancakes (pannekoeken), and cheese soufflés are commonly available. Restaurants like Moeders and De Blauwe Hollander often have several vegetarian options.
What is the average price range for a meal at these locations?
The average price for a meal at these traditional Dutch restaurants can vary widely depending on the location and the type of restaurant. Generally, a meal at a casual eatery might range from €15 to €25 per person, while dining at a more upscale place like D’Vijff Vlieghen might cost between €30 and €50 per person.
Can I find traditional Dutch food outside of Amsterdam in the Netherlands?
Absolutely! Traditional Dutch food can be enjoyed throughout the Netherlands. Cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague also have a great selection of restaurants that serve classic Dutch dishes. Additionally, smaller towns and rural areas often boast family-run eateries where you can experience authentic local cuisine.
What are the typical ingredients used in Dutch cuisine?
Dutch cuisine typically includes a lot of root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions. Green vegetables such as kale and cabbage are also staples, particularly in stamppot. Meats commonly used include pork, beef, and poultry, with seafood like herring and mackerel featuring prominently due to the Netherlands’ maritime heritage. Dairy products, especially cheese, are also essential components, and spices like nutmeg and cloves often season dishes.
Conclusion
Exploring Amsterdam through its food gives visitors a deeper understanding of its culture and history. Each dish tells a trade, cultural exchange, and agricultural heritage story. Visitors can enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients while supporting local farmers and producers by choosing to eat locally.
