Traditional food in The Netherlands

Dutch cuisine has evolved many times, due to migration from the country into cities, as well as the influx of immigrants. However, the Netherlands has held on to many of its traditional dishes. These include items that are known throughout the world, such as Gouda cheese. Hearty meat and fish dishes are staples of the Dutch diet as are sandwiches, pancakes and chocolate sweets.

Soups and Stews

On cold winter days, the Dutch sit down with hot, filling soups. One well-known soup, Erwtensoep, is the Dutch version of split pea soup.  Adding beef or pork, the Dutch create a very hearty dish. 

The Dutch also enjoy, Hut Stop, a hearty beef stew with mustard and crisp pickles on the side. This is another soup the Dutch use to warm up when the weather is cool and damp. I really enjoyed the mustard on the side.

Some dishes

Bitterballen 

The Dutch take advantage of the bountiful seafood that surrounds them. They eat plenty of Herring, pickled, smoked or creamed. Eel is usually smoked or chopped up and fried with whitefish to be served as a snack. Bittenballen is another favorite of the Dutch and usually served as an hors d'oeuvre. They are a deep-fried meatball typically containing a mixture of beef or veal, beef broth, butter, flour for thickening, parsley, salt and pepper, resulting in a thick ragout. If you are fixing your own meals, this is a dish you can pick up at any food store, already prepared.

Stamppot

Traditionally served during winter time, Stamppot might just be the epitome of Dutch cuisine. This hearty dish has a center of mashed potatoes and greens such as Kale or Spinach, then seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. That tasty mix is then surrounded with Rookwurst, a smoked sausage. As you can imagine, this dish is very hearty and filling.


Patat

For a ubiquitous treat, the Dutch love their Patat, a Dutch version of French Fries, Frite, etc. It is served in small local shops and at small shacks, Patatkramen, found at the local market.  It is typically served with Mayonnaise, creating a cholesterol bomb of sorts.

 

Baked Goods and Sweets

The Dutch love their sweets and along with them the baked goods found everywhere, cookies (Speculas) and buttercakes (Botenkoek). A chocolate sprinkle (Hagelslag) is used to sweeten up toast and other breakfast bread.  This will get you started with plenty of energy.



Another breakfast sweet is a cake (Ontbijkoek). This is a favorite, spiced pastry loaded with cinnamon, ginger and cloves.

Finally, butter and sugar dusted rolls (Poffertjes) are a traditional Dutch breakfast treat found in almost ever restaurant.



Have a great time and enjoy these delicious treats!