Delicious Street Foods You Can't Miss in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is not only famous for its stunning canals and rich cultural history but also for its great street food scene. Amsterdam's street food scene offers a fascinating mix of traditional Dutch dishes and international flavors.

I love being able to sightsee and have a quick bite along the way. Here’s a guide to my top must-try street foods in Amsterdam.

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 these in most supermarkets and in specialty shops, often made fresh to order. You have to try both.

The freshly made Stroopwafels are warm, softer, and you can personalize them with toppings.

The packaged ones are crispy, smaller, and great as souvenirs.

The ultimate way to enjoy a stroopwafel is to place it over a steaming cup of coffee or tea, allowing the warmth to melt the caramel inside.

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

Patat

Patat, or Dutch fries, are the best street food in Amsterdam. These thick-cut fries are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, usually served in a paper cone.

The most popular toppings include traditional mayonnaise, satay sauce, or a mix of toppings like onions and peanut sauce.

Patat is an everyday snack for many locals, each enjoying about 50 servings of fries per year.

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

Bitterballen

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.

Ideal for sharing or as a quick snack, bitterballen are a favorite at social gatherings. We actually got to try this at the hotel social hour. It was not my favorite, but a good bite. I would eat the fries with spicy mayo every day, though.

Try bitterballen in a cool bar like De Blauwe Parade, or find them in a food stall along your walks.

Poffertjes

Poffertjes are fluffy, mini pancakes that make for the perfect sweet snack. These bite-sized pancakes 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 great. I watched them being made and ate inside the cute shop. They were hot, and they went perfectly with chocolate and strawberries, my favorite sweet-tart combo.

Dutch Pancakes

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

I loved that we could customize, so my husband and I each got one from The Happy Pig Pancake Shop and then shared. He got the ham and cheese, and I got the apple caramel. Both were extremely delicious and made fresh to order.

And I always appreciate a good crepe cooked on both sides, as I've found places in the US where they're not flipped.

Cheese

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 red wax coating.

Most vendors provide sampling opportunities, allowing you to discover your favorites, so indulging in a cheese tasting is a must.

The Old Amsterdam cheese store offers cheese and wine tastings, so book in advance. They also offer 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, often filled with raisins or apples, 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, 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.

What I wouldn't try

Haring

For those looking to try something different, haring (raw herring) is a traditional Dutch delicacy worth trying. 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 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, so here's my tip. Go to Google Maps to your location, and look up one of the foods. Find the 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 delicious fries, there is something for everyone. Enjoy!