A Foodie’s Ultimate Guide to Eating Your Way Through Amsterdam

If you think of Amsterdam as just a place to see canals, art, and museums, you’re missing out on half the fun. The real highlight? The food! Whether you’re wandering through local markets, sitting down for a classic Dutch dish, or grabbing a bite at an international eatery, the food scene here is as diverse and exciting as the city itself. Let’s take a walk through Amsterdam’s food scene—trust me, you’ll want to try it all.

The viral food scene in Amsterdam is viral for a reason, and even if some foods might be overrated and honestly, not worth the hype (for example: the Van Stepele cookies), every single delicacy mentioned below deserves a spot on this list, don’t trust me, go try them yourself.

Read: you’ll know the names of Dutch food while ordering and will absolutely not look like an uncultured fool who doesn’t know their food. And with the number of original dishes the Dutch seem to have? You have your work cut out for you.

1. Start Your Day with a Dutch Breakfast: Poffertjes & Dutch Pancakes

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without trying the local breakfast specialties. Start your day with a warm plate of Dutch pancakes and Stroopwafels. The Dutch pancakes come in two sizes: Pannenkoeken, a delicious crepe with a variety of toppings like cheese, bacon, or apples and cinnamon, and the Poffertjes, the adorable little Dutch pancakes that are puffed-up, golden-brown, and served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a pat of butter. Skip the expensive breakfast cafes and instead try the real deal at local stalls around the city, like at Poffertjeskraam in Albert Cuyp Market. The same goes with Stroopwafels, which are thin wafers with syrup in between, and can be found at every breakfast food stall in local markets.

2. Snack Time: Bitterballen & Kroketten

If you’re feeling snacky during your sightseeing adventures, you can’t miss out on bitterballen and kroketten. These deep-fried, breaded snacks are a true Dutch comfort food. Bitterballen are round and filled with a savory beef ragout, while kroketten are similar but come in a cylindrical shape, often stuffed with beef or chicken.

These little bites are perfect for munching between museum visits or after a bike ride through the city. You can grab them from a brown café or a street vendor, but for the ultimate experience, pair them with a cold Dutch beer—our trusted Heineken and Amstel are both brewed locally, so you can’t go wrong.

3. Canal-side Dining: Haring & Other Seafood Delights

If you’re looking for something a little more iconic, head to one of the many stands selling haring (raw herring). This Dutch delicacy is typically served with chopped onions and pickles, and you can either eat it in a bun or, if you want the authentic Amsterdam experience, take it in one swift bite straight from the vendor’s hand. Head to Stubbe’s Haring near the Noordermarkt for a top-notch serving of this local favorite.

While you’re at it, the canalside seafood stalls also serve up other tasty options like kibbeling—fried fish nuggets served with tartar sauce or a tangy garlic mayo. It’s an excellent snack as you stroll along Amsterdam’s picturesque canals, which are beautiful enough to be an attraction in their own right.

4. Lunch Break: Local Markets & Street Food

Amsterdam is home to several bustling markets where you can sample a variety of local and international dishes. Albert Cuyp Market, located in the De Pijp neighborhood, is one of the best for street food. You’ll find a wide variety of snacks, from fresh stroopwafels to raw herring and local cheeses.

Don’t miss out on a visit to the Foodhallen in Amsterdam West—a former tram depot turned trendy indoor food market. Here, you can sample a variety of street food from around the world. From gourmet burgers to bowls of ramen and Dutch croquettes, the Foodhallen has something for every palate.

To end the lunch on a sweet note, try Dutch apple pie, called Appeltaart, a rich, crunchy, and spiced pie with a buttery crust. Winkel 43 in the Jordaan neighborhood is one of the best spots in the city to try a slice, especially if you don’t like your pie too sweet.

6. Dinner: Indonesian Rijsttafel & Dutch Specialties

For a real cultural fusion experience, you have to try rijsttafel—a traditional Indonesian meal that was introduced to the Netherlands during colonial times. Rijsttafel (literally “rice table”) consists of small plates of flavorful dishes served with rice, and it’s typically enjoyed family-style. It’s a feast of flavors, with everything from satay to spicy stews to fried fish.

Head to Restaurant Blauw in the Oud-Zuid district for an amazing rijsttafel experience. The restaurant serves up a selection of spicy and flavorful Indonesian dishes that will leave you craving more.

Alternatively, for a traditional Dutch dinner, try stamppot, a hearty dish of mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables like kale or sauerkraut, often served with sausage or meatballs. You’ll find it in many traditional Dutch restaurants, but Moeders is a popular choice where you can get an authentic, cozy experience.