How to Experience Amsterdam's Food Scene in a Short Stay

Amsterdam is a city known for its iconic canals, museums, and tulips. But for food lovers, it also offers a diverse culinary landscape that’s worth exploring, even during a short stay. If you’re planning a quick trip to Amsterdam, here’s how you can get a real taste of the city’s food scene.

Start With the Street Food

There’s no better way to start your culinary journey in Amsterdam than by trying some traditional Dutch street food. For a hearty start to your day, look for a ‘haring’ stand where you can try raw herring served with onions and pickles – a typical Dutch delicacy.

Then make your way to a ‘stroopwafel’ stall. These are sweet waffles made from two thin layers of baked dough with a caramel-like syrup filling in the middle. You can usually find them at local markets, like the famous Albert Cuyp Market, where they are made fresh in front of you.

Explore International Cuisines

Amsterdam is a multicultural city and this is evident in its food scene. For instance, you can find great Indonesian food, a legacy of Dutch colonial history. A ‘rijsttafel’ (rice table) is an excellent way to sample a variety of Indonesian dishes in one meal. This consists of small servings of several Indonesian dishes served with rice.

You’ll also find a variety of Surinamese, Turkish, and Moroccan food, reflecting the city’s diverse population.

Experience Local Dining

While in Amsterdam, a visit to a traditional Dutch ‘bruin café’ (brown cafe) is a must. These are typically cozy, old-fashioned pubs where you can sample classic Dutch dishes like ‘bitterballen’ (deep-fried meatballs) or ‘stamppot’ (mashed potatoes with various ingredients).

If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, Amsterdam boasts a number of Michelin-starred restaurants that offer innovative dishes with Dutch and international influences.

Discover Amsterdam’s Cheese Culture

Your culinary exploration of Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without trying Dutch cheese. Visit a local cheese shop or market to sample a variety of Dutch cheeses, from the famous Gouda and Edam to lesser-known varieties like Maasdam and Boerenkaas.

Visit Food Halls and Markets

Finally, Amsterdam’s food halls and markets are great places to explore a variety of food in one place. Foodhallen is an indoor food market where you can try everything from Dutch gin (‘jenever’) to tacos and gourmet hot dogs. Similarly, the Noordermarkt on Saturdays offers a wide variety of local and organic food.

Experiencing the food scene is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Amsterdam’s culture, even during a short stay in Amsterdam. By trying local street food, exploring international cuisines, dining at local eateries, sampling Dutch cheese, and visiting food halls and markets, you can get a taste of the city’s rich culinary diversity.