Discovering Amsterdam's Street Food Scene: A Culinary Adventure

Amsterdam is not only famous for its stunning canals and rich cultural history but also for its vibrant street food scene. The city offers a fascinating mix of traditional Dutch dishes and international flavors. I absolutely love being able to sightsee while grabbing a quick bite along the way! Here’s a guide to my top must-try street foods in Amsterdam.

The Sweet Delight of Stroopwafels

Stroopwafels are a classic Dutch treat that you cannot skip! These sweet cookies feature two thin waffles filled with gooey caramel. You can find them in most supermarkets and specialty shops, often made fresh to order. Trust me, you have to try both versions!

The freshly made stroopwafels are warm and soft, and you can even personalize them with toppings. On the other hand, the packaged ones are crispy, smaller, and make great souvenirs. The ultimate way to enjoy a stroopwafel is to place it over a steaming cup of coffee or tea. This allows the warmth to melt the caramel inside, creating a delightful experience.

I had a fresh one at Stroopperie because it was close by. It was delicious! I also bought packaged stroopwafels from the Albert Heijn supermarket. You can even find stroopwafels in beautiful tins, perfect for bringing home as gifts.

Patat: The Ultimate Dutch Fries

Patat, or Dutch fries, are a must-try street food in Amsterdam! These thick-cut fries are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They are usually served in a paper cone, making them easy to eat on the go.

The most popular toppings include traditional mayonnaise, satay sauce, or a mix of toppings like onions and peanut sauce. Did you know that patat is an everyday snack for many locals? Each person enjoys about 50 servings of fries per year!

I visited Fabel Friet, one of the many fries places I tried. I got the spicy mayo and Parmesan cheese, and it was fantastic! The fries were fresh and perfectly cooked, and the Parmesan was freshly grated. Yum!

Bitterballen: A Savory Snack

Bitterballen are a must-try Dutch snack found in many bars and food stalls. These deep-fried balls are packed with a rich beef ragout and are typically served with a side of mustard for dipping. They are perfect for sharing or as a quick snack!

We actually got to try this at the hotel social hour. While it wasn’t my favorite, it was still a good bite. I would eat the fries with spicy mayo every day, though! If you’re looking for a cool bar to try bitterballen, check out De Blauwe Parade, or find them at a food stall while you explore.

Poffertjes: Mini Pancake Bliss

Poffertjes are fluffy, mini pancakes that make for the perfect sweet snack! These bite-sized delights are usually topped with powdered sugar and can be enjoyed with butter or syrup. Look for poffertjes shops where they are cooked fresh on special molds.

I tried Pat's Poffertjes, and it was amazing! I watched them being made and enjoyed them inside the cute shop. They were hot and went perfectly with chocolate and strawberries—my favorite sweet-tart combo!

Dutch Pancakes: A Unique Twist

Dutch pancakes, or pannenkoeken, differ from American pancakes as they are larger and thinner. They resemble crepes but are thicker and can be prepared sweet or savory. You can top them with a variety of ingredients such as fruit, syrup, cheese, or bacon.

I loved that we could customize our pancakes! My husband and I each got one from The Happy Pig Pancake Shop and then shared. He chose ham and cheese, while I opted for apple caramel. Both were extremely delicious and made fresh to order. I always appreciate a good crepe cooked on both sides. I’ve found places in the US where they’re not flipped, and it’s just not the same!

Cheese: A Dutch Delight

The Netherlands is renowned for its cheese, and Amsterdam has plenty to offer. Numerous cheese stalls throughout the city showcase a variety of local cheeses, from rich aged Gouda to Edam in its iconic red wax coating.

Most vendors provide sampling opportunities, allowing you to discover your favorites. Indulging in a cheese tasting is a must! The Old Amsterdam cheese store offers cheese and wine tastings, so be sure to book in advance. They also have a large selection of cheeses to take home with you.

What I Want to Try Next Time: Oliebollen

If you visit Amsterdam in the winter, trying oliebollen is essential! These deep-fried pastries are often filled with raisins or apples and are covered with powdered sugar. Traditionally eaten during New Year celebrations, you can find oliebollen at various street stalls and bakeries throughout the colder months—maybe even year-round! Their warm, fluffy texture is perfect on a chilly day.

I haven't had the opportunity to taste oliebollen yet, but there is a similar treat in the Balkans that I enjoyed as a child. I’ll definitely try them if I visit Amsterdam again!

The Oliebollen at Hans Egstorf and Hartog's Wholegrain Bakery and Milling seem great, among all the other delicious-looking pastries they have.

What I Wouldn't Try: Haring

For those looking to try something different, haring (raw herring) is a traditional Dutch delicacy worth considering. Available at specialized fish stands, the briny herring is typically served with chopped onions and pickles. You can often find it as a sandwich too. The traditional way of eating herring is to hold it by its tail and lower it into your mouth.

You can try both options at Haring & Zo or Henk's Herring. I tried a tiny bit of Dutch-style herring—not in the Netherlands, but it's just not my thing. I prefer a freshly grilled sea bass or a pan-fried cod!

⭐️ You don't have to wait in long lines to try good food! Here’s my tip: Go to Google Maps, look up your location, and search for one of the foods. Find places that have 4 stars and above, where the food looks good. That’s it! We don’t have to rely on 'viral trends' to enjoy travel and good food.

As you explore the city, make sure to indulge in these must-try street foods to fully appreciate Amsterdam's culinary culture. From the sweetness of stroopwafels to the deliciousness of fries, there is something for everyone. Enjoy your culinary adventure!