I don’t consider myself a foodie. I’m not picky but I’m also not experimental. I tend to stick to the kind of taste I already know. Kinda weird because I’m Asian, and Asia has the most amazing, mind-boggling dishes that explode wonders in your mouth.
With that kind of relationship with food, I have never been on a food tour. I thought that if I didn’t like any of the dish, then I won’t get my money’s worth. So cynical, I know.
Is it time for a change? We’ll see. ;)
I was planning our Europe trip when I came across Eating Amsterdam. Then, a few days later Kaelene shared her awesome experience for the same tour. What a coincidence! She gave a better idea of what to expect and it looked like something hubby and I would both enjoy. I checked their website and booked them right then.
Besides food tasting, the tour is also a guided cultural and historic walk through Amsterdam’s most popular neighborhood, Jordaan (pronounced as Yohr-dan). So in a nutshell, you don’t just eat, you’ll also learn along the way! Sounds fun, right?
My answer? Apple Pie of course! Well honestly besides cheese, that’s the only food I know that is popular in Amsterdam. I’m happy that after this tour I’ve added a few new favorites on my list.
Let’s dive in and get your stomach ready for an adventure! Here’s 10 Dutch food to try in Amsterdam as recommended by the locals.
#1 POFFERTJES
These look like fishballs in the Philippines, but in Amsterdam, they are bite-sized mini pancakes! Made with only buckwheat flour, water and yeast, they were considered as a poor man’s meal. Sprinkle some powdered sugar (or put some honey on top) and match it with coffee, you’re in for a breakfast or afternoon treat.
Location: Cafe de Prins
#2 SMOKED SAUSAGE
Our next stop was a meat shop where we were served with two different kind of cold cooked meat with mustard on the side. Both of the meat were nice and soft, it almost melts in the mouth.
I’m not a fan of cold cuts but I could tell that the store was a local favorite given the number of visitors that were there at that time.
Location: Butcher Louman
#3 CHEESE!
Cheese is a serious business in Netherlands so don’t go home without tasting one. Or two.
We were given several kinds to taste and they were delicious. I realize though that I don’t particularly like the old ones as it also tastes vintage to me. :))
My hubby is a mouse and he likes all things cheese. So I gave him my share and he even hoarded a few so he has something to munch on while we continue on our stroll.
Location: JWO Lekkernijen
#4 SWIETI SRANANG
Swieti Sranang is the name of the shop itself. It’s a known takeout/takeaway stall that serves the most affordable Suriname and Indonesian food. Suriname and Indonesia used to be Dutch colonies among other places that’s why it’s no surprise that their food scene became a mixture of different origins too.
The above dish is made up of sweet plantain (like fried banana fritters/maruya in the Philippines) dipped in peanut sauce. It’s nice and tasty but not so sweet. (If you know the real name of the dish, let me know in the comments below! ;))
Location: Swieti Sranang
#5 BROODJE POM
This one was also served in Swieti Sranang. It’s a Suriname sandwich, originally with spicy mix of chicken filled into a chewy roll.
During the booking of this tour, there’s a section to note down preferences (like gluten-free, dairy-free, no pork, etc) and since I seldom eat spicy food, I stated that. This is where that became handy because they made a non-spicy sandwich for me so I could still taste it. I appreciate it!
Location: Swieti Sranang
#6 APPLE PIE
Moving on, we walked back to our meeting point and this time around went inside Café Papeneiland to try their popular apple pie! Yay! I’ve been waiting for this time to come!
We were served with one slice of apple pie each and it’s lovely! The apples are perfectly cooked (not hard nor soggy) and the crust is crunchy. This is what sets the Dutch apple pie apart. Instead of the usual thin, flaky crust, theirs is thick and crisp.
I’m way too full after this and we’re just only halfway through the tour. :|
Location: Café Papeneiland
#7 RAW HERRING
As the name suggests, it is raw. I know it sounds crazy to eat raw fish and those little flags are just trying to make it cute. But, I swear, it’s good! The fish has a soft, creamy texture. And is also served with pickles and onions. I suggest that you try it!
The fish isn’t cooked but still cured so there’s no fishy after taste. Though I don’t think that I will be able to eat a portion of it alone, I’d prefer it with rice or salad maybe?
Location: Urker Viswinkel
#8 KIBELLING
If you’re still not convince to try raw herring, another fish dish is kibbeling. It’s a battered and deep fried white fish, served with garlic sauce, herb and lemon. It’s just like any other traditional fish and chips but tastes way better.
Location: Urker Viswinkel
#9 AMSTERDAM BEER
Amsterdam is home to some of the world’s famous beer brands like Amstel and Heineken. Brewery is like an art to them and they even have a beautiful Brewer’s canal (Brouwersgracht) because it used to be a location of many breweries in the past. So it’s no-brainer that a brewery is included in one of our stops.
Unfortunately I won’t be able to describe how this one taste because I don’t drink. I could last a night with drinking friends without me even taking a sip. I have no health problem or anything, I’m just not that fond of the bitter taste of beers.
Location: Two Chefs Brewing
#10 BITTERBALLEN
Bitterballen is a favorite Dutch snack that can easily be found on most menus in Dutch pubs (because they say it goes well with beer, too). It’s a minced veal formed like a meatball – deep fried, delicious and crispy. I ended up liking this too much, I ordered it in one of the restaurants in the airport while waiting for our flight.
Location: Two Chefs Brewing
This gastronomic tour was a really great experience. It was nice to be tasting something I didn’t even know existed. Most of these were served to us in FULL meals so I think I had an additional three inches under my belt after the 4-hour tour.
Aah, my tummy just wobbled, now I feel hungry. :)
Have you tried any of these food? What’s your pick? Mine were popperfjes, bitterballen and apple pie!
