The Food We Loved In The Netherlands… and Some We Didn’t

Haring

Eating raw pickled herring might sound intimidating at first, but it really is good. Having moved to the Netherlands from South Korea where there is plenty of pickled goodness to go around, we were ready to dive right into trying this.

When I first got it, the vendor told me to get it on the bread because it would be easier for the first time. It was. But, I can say, that the pickled fish and pickles really grew on me. You can get it from street vendors all around and it is a must try… and then eat again and again if you ask me. Just be careful of the birds that loiter around the stands. They’ll steal this the moment they can.

Kibbeling

The raw pickled herring can be a bit intimidating, so if you want something more approachable to start with, get the kibbeling. Cod is deep fried and served with your choice of a variety of sauces. This was my daughter’s favorite after school snack.

We got this so many times, it became our go-to out and about budget-friendly meal. You can find it beachside at hotspots like Zaandvoort and at city centers like our favorite stand near Haarlem Grote Markt. Wherever you find it, definitely try it.

Poffertjes

We decided to move to the Netherlands after reading that they have the happiest kids in the world. After realizing they could get little miniature pancakes topped with chocolate and powdered sugar all over the place, we realized why they’re so happy.

Seriously though, this quick sugary pick-me-up is found from cafes to street stalls and makes for a great snack in a pinch. My one issue with poffertjes is that they’re often found at stalls outside, but once topped with powdered sugar and Nutella, they really make for a messy affair. Keep plenty of napkins on hand especially if you have kids going for this sweet treat.

Stroopwafels

Thin waffles stuck together with a thin layer of caramel in the center, they can come as is, dipped in chocolate, topped with marshmallows, chocolate, sprinkles, and more. We found this plenty of places and on the go, but it became my favorite to just buy from the shop and enjoy at home.

You can pick them up in souvenir shops all over, but if you want the budget-friendly not so touristy version but still just as good, just pop into a local grocery store to stick up… unless you really want that decorated can as your souvenir after eating.

Tomatensoep

Maybe it’s because we moved to the Netherlands from South Korea where tomato soup isn’t a thing, but I found tomato soup again and again on menus and wondered why no one ever talks about how good Dutch tomato soup is. Sure, it’s not the most difficult soup to make, but when done well, it’s sooooo good.

The Dutch are well known for being quite frugal and one menu item I found that was always budget-friendly and delicious was a bowl of tomato soup with bread. I ate it everywhere from the picturesque alleys of Delft, Netherlands to the windmill riverside of Zaanse Schans.

Kaas

There are so many ways to enjoy cheese in the Netherlands. Having moved to the Netherlands from Korea where the pickings are slim, we were overwhelmed by the sheer selection of cheese just everywhere in the Netherlands.

There are cheese shops at markets, on street corners, and at least one cheese sandwich everywhere you go for a meal. If you’re a cheese lover like we are, you’ll be just fine in the Netherlands. And, if you have picky eaters, they’ll be just fine if they like grilled cheese.

Snert

I looked everywhere for snert after reading it was a traditional food in the Netherlands, but I just couldn’t find it served in any restaurant. After asking around, I found out from our Dutch neighbors and friends that it’s really a dish most make in the comfort of their home.

Snert is a thick pea soup with pork, celery, onions, and leeks and while the name gave me Dr. Seuss vibes, green eggs and ham anyone?, it really was so cozy and delicious. If you can find someone to make it for you, get ready to dig in!

Apparently the best snert is spotted by a spoon that can be stuck in it and remains upright. It’s thick, warm, and inviting on a cold day.

Pannenkoeken

I suppose you could translate them to pancakes, but I think there are a lot more similar to crepes. Very thin and they can be made with all kinds of fruit, bacon, syrups, and more. We had pannenkoeken for breakfast, pannenkoeken for lunch, and pannenkoeken for snack. Pick your favorite toppings, and this sweet or savory treat depending on your taste, is a great meal for everyone at the table.

Olliebollen

These deep-fried sweet doughnuts only pop up around New Year’s Eve. If you’re in the Netherlands for the insane New Year’s Eve fireworks madness, be sure to get these to enjoy before you head out for the night. We got them, devoured them before taking pics and then they were gone the next day.

Bitterballen, Frikandellen, Krokketten

Deep-fried crispy balls served with a mustard dipping sauce sounds appealing, but this was not our favorite fried treat. And neither were any of the other ones. There was just something about the consistency on the inside. It went from the crunch on the outside to a very soft mush on the inside which made us only eat it a couple of times and decide it just wasn’t for us.

These options are sold from snack shops to pubs and seem to be quite popular, but we were not fans and we feel we gave these fried delights, which you’d think I’d like as an American, a good go.