Dutch food

Dutch food & cuisine

Embark on a Culinary Odyssey: Exploring Dutch Food & Cuisine in the Netherlands

Welcome to a land where culinary traditions intertwine with modern tastes, creating a tapestry of flavors that reflects the rich heritage of the Netherlands. Dutch cuisine is a delightful fusion of regional specialties, fresh ingredients, and centuries-old recipes passed down through generations.

From hearty stamppot to delicate seafood dishes, Dutch food & cuisine offers a diverse range of flavors and textures to tantalize your taste buds. Start your culinary journey with iconic dishes like bitterballen, crispy croquettes filled with savory ragout, or stroopwafels, thin waffle cookies sandwiched with gooey caramel.

Venture beyond the traditional and discover the vibrant Dutch food scene in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, where international influences mingle with local ingredients to create innovative and exciting dishes. Indulge in farm-to-table dining experiences, where seasonal produce takes center stage, or sample street food delights from bustling markets and food trucks.

Don’t forget to explore the Netherlands’ rich culinary heritage through its cheese markets, where wheels of Gouda and Edam are proudly displayed, or visit traditional bakeries for a taste of freshly baked bread and pastries.

Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of Dutch food and cuisine, uncovering hidden gems, local delicacies, and culinary traditions that have shaped the gastronomic landscape of the Netherlands. Whether you’re a food enthusiast seeking new flavors or a curious traveler eager to explore Dutch culture through its cuisine, there’s something to delight every palate in this culinary paradise.

Food Areas

  • Maastricht – you will find the loveliest fruit tarts (Vlaai) of the country in this beautiful city. Visit a local bakery in the morning and you will have plenty of choice.
  • Limburg – this province is well known for its fresh asparagus and strawberries.
  • ’s Hertogenbosch – In the bakeries of this city you will find Bossche bollen, chocolate covered puffs filled with cream.
  • Gelderland – The National Park the Hooge Veluwe is located in this province and you will find lots of game dishes in this area.
  • Texel – This island is covered with Dutch sheep. You can find the most delicious lams meat here.
  • Alkmaar and Gouda – these cities are famous for its cheese. Visit the local cheese market and find out the difference between all these lovely cheeses.
  • Scheveningen – is the port of the city of the Hague. Every day many fishermen catch the fish at sea and bring it to the many restaurants around the area.
  • Rotterdam – the Markthal is one big fest for food lovers. From breakfast to deserts, from sweets to savory, from local to international. I can spend all day to try out all the nice foods Rotterdam has to offer.
  • Zeeland – Is the main area for beautiful seafood like mussels and oysters.

Discover Dutch Delicacies: Top 15 Dutch Foods to Try in The Netherlands

Embark on a culinary adventure through the Netherlands and explore a delectable array of flavors, textures, and traditions. From iconic snacks to hearty dishes, Dutch cuisine offers a diverse palette that reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage and culinary ingenuity. Here are the top 15 foods you must try during your visit to The Netherlands:

  1. Stroopwafel: Indulge in the irresistible charm of this Dutch treat – two thin waffle cookies sandwiched together with a layer of gooey caramel.
  2. Tompoes: Delight in this iconic pastry consisting of layers of puff pastry, creamy custard, and sweet icing, often enjoyed on special occasions.
  3. Bossche Bol: Treat yourself to a decadent Dutch delight – a large cream-filled pastry coated with rich chocolate.
  4. Herring: Dive into a quintessential Dutch snack – raw herring served with onions and pickles, best enjoyed fresh from the fishmonger.
  5. Cheese: Sample an assortment of Dutch cheeses, from creamy Gouda to tangy Edam, at local markets and cheese shops.
  6. Appeltaart: Indulge in a slice of traditional Dutch apple pie, made with buttery pastry and fragrant cinnamon-spiced apples.
  7. Bitterballen: Experience the comfort of these deep-fried, meat-filled snacks, served with tangy mustard for dipping.
  8. Black Liquorice: Brave the bold flavors of Dutch black liquorice, a beloved treat for liquorice enthusiasts.
  9. Chips with Mayonnaise: Enjoy a quintessential Dutch snack – crispy fries served with creamy mayonnaise, a simple yet satisfying indulgence.
  10. Hagelslag: Start your day with a sprinkle of hagelslag – colorful chocolate or sugar sprinkles atop buttered bread, a beloved Dutch breakfast staple.
  11. Oliebollen: Embrace the festive spirit with these deep-fried dough balls, dusted with powdered sugar and enjoyed during Dutch New Year celebrations.
  12. Rijsttafel: Embark on a culinary journey through Indonesia’s flavors with rijsttafel – a Dutch-Indonesian feast featuring a variety of small dishes served with rice.
  13. Poffertjes: Delight in these mini Dutch pancakes, fluffy and golden brown, served with butter and powdered sugar.
  14. Erwtensoep: Warm up with a hearty bowl of Dutch pea soup, thick and flavorful with chunks of smoked sausage and vegetables.
  15. Frikandel: Sink your teeth into a Dutch fast food favorite – a deep-fried, skinless sausage served with toppings like mayonnaise and onions.

From savory snacks to indulgent desserts, these top 15 foods capture the essence of Dutch cuisine and promise a culinary journey like no other. So, venture forth and savor the flavors of The Netherlands, one delicious bite at a time.

Michelin star Restaurants

Embark on a gastronomic journey through the Netherlands, where culinary excellence meets artistic innovation at Michelin star restaurants. Renowned worldwide for their exceptional quality and creative flair, these establishments represent the pinnacle of fine dining in the country.

From the historic streets of Amsterdam to the charming canals of Utrecht, Michelin star restaurants in the Netherlands offer a tantalizing array of flavors, textures, and aromas. Each dish is a masterpiece crafted with precision and passion, showcasing the finest ingredients sourced from local farms, fisheries, and artisan producers.

Savor the exquisite creations of award-winning chefs who push the boundaries of culinary artistry, fusing traditional Dutch cuisine with contemporary techniques and global influences. Whether you’re indulging in a multi-course tasting menu or sipping on expertly curated wine pairings, every moment spent dining at a Michelin star restaurant is a celebration of flavor and sophistication.

Join us as we explore the culinary landscape of the Netherlands, uncovering the hidden gems and Michelin-starred treasures that await discerning palates. From intimate bistros to grand dining rooms, each venue promises an unforgettable dining experience that transcends mere sustenance to become an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Every year Michelin rates a lot of restaurants around the world. This is a list of Michelin star restaurants in the Netherlands.

Restaurants with three stars ***

Vaassen – De Leest
Zwolle – De Librije

Restaurants with two stars **

Amsterdam – Bord’Eau
Amsterdam – Ciel Bleu
Amsterdam – Librije’s Zusje Amsterdam
Amsterdam – &Samhoud places
Amsterdam/Amstelveen – Aan de Poel
Breskens/Hoofdplaat – De Kromme Watergang
Giethoorn – De Lindenhof
Haarlem/Overveen – De Bokkedoorns
Harderwijk – ‘t Nonnetje
Heeze – Tribeca
Kruiningen – Inter Scaldes
Maasbracht – Da Vinci
Maastricht – Beluga
Nuenen – De Lindehof
Rotterdam – FG – François Geurds
Rotterdam – Parkheuvel
Rotterdam/Kralingen – Fred
Waalre – De Treeswijkhoeve
Zuidwolde – De Groene Lantaarn

Restaurants with one star *

Amersfoort – Blok’s
Amsterdam – Bolenius
Amsterdam – Bridges
Amsterdam – Lastage
Amsterdam – MOS
Amsterdam – RIJKS®
Amsterdam – RON Gastrobar
Amsterdam – Sazanka
Amsterdam – Sinne
Amsterdam – Vermeer
Amsterdam – Vinkeles
Amsterdam – Yamazato
Amsterdam/Duiven – ’t Raedthuys
Beetsterzwaag – De Heeren van Harinxma
Bennekom – Het Koetshuis
Blokzijl – Kaatje bij de Sluis
Breda – Wolfslaar
Breskens – Spetters
Bussum – Soigné
Cadzand / Cadzand-Bad – Pure C
Castricum – Apicius
Drachten – Koriander
Driebergen-Rijsenburg – La Provence
Eindhoven – Avant-Garde Van Groeninge
Eindhoven – De Karpendonkse Hoeve
Eindhoven – Wiesen
Eindhoven – Zarzo
Etten-Leur – De Zwaan
Groningen / Aduard – Herberg Onder de Linden
Den Haag – Calla’s
Den Haag – HanTing Cuisine
Den Haag / Rijswijk – Niven
Haarlem – ML
Haarlem – Ratatouille Food en Wine
Haarlem / Heemstede – Cheval Blanc
Hardenberg / Heemse – De Bokkepruik
Harderwijk – Basiliek
Heelsum – De Kromme Dissel
Heerlen – Cucina del Mondo 
Hengelo – ’t Lansink
’s-Hertogenbosch – Noble
’s-Hertogenbosch – Sense
’s-Hertogenbosch  / Vught – De Heer Kocken
Holten / Holterberg – De Swarte Ruijter
Hoorn – Lucas Rive
Houten – Kasteel Heemstede
Koewacht – ’t Vlasbloemeken
Leeuwarden – Élevé
Leuvenum – Het Roode Koper
Linschoten – De Burgemeester
Loenen aan de Vecht – ’t Amsterdammertje
Loenen aan de Vecht – Tante Koosje
De Lutte – De Bloemenbeek
Maastricht – Château Neercanne
Maastricht – Tout à Fait
Monnickendam – Posthoorn
Noordeloos – De Gieser Wildeman
Noordwijk aan Zee – Latour
Oss – Cordial
Roermond – One
Rotterdam – Amarone
Rotterdam – FG Food Labs
Rotterdam – Joelia
Rotterdam – Wereldmuseum
Rotterdam / Capelle aan den IJssel – Perceel
Rotterdam / Schipluiden – Aan de Zweth
Santpoort – De vrienden van Jacob
Schoorl – Merlet
Sint-Oedenrode – Wollerich
Sluis – La Trinité
Texel – Bij Jef
Ubachsberg – De Leuf
Venlo – Valuas
Venlo / Tegelen – Aubergine
Vreeland – De Nederlanden
Wageningen – O Mundo
Warmond – De Moerbei
Weert – Bretelli
Well – Brienen aan de Maas
Wilhelminadorp – Katseveer
Winterswijk – Strandlodge
Wouw – Mijn Keuken
Zeist/Bosch en Duin – De Hoefslag
Zuidlaren – De Vlindertuin
Zutphen – ’t Schulten Hues

Make sure you book your Michelin star restaurant of your choice well in advance. Some restaurants are booked months in advance.

Photo credits: NBTC Holland Marketing (Bossche Bollen)

Weekly flower update 2024
Do you want to receive the weekly flower update for 2024? Sign up here.
Hotels by Booking.com
Booking.com

Sign up for our Tulips in Holland newsletter!

LogoIf you enjoyed this article, please join Tulips in Holland on FacebookTwitter or Instagram. Never miss a flower update by signing up for our free newsletter.

And we would really love it if you can share this article by using the social media buttons below. Thank you for your support!

Quick links: TicketsHotelsFlights – F.A.Q.

The Language of Tulips, meaning behind tulip colors
The Language of Tulips, meaning behind tulip colors
Unveiling the Language of Tulips: Exploring the Meaning Behind the Tulip Colors In the realm…
Is it tulip season yet
Is it tulip season yet?
Is it tulip season yet? After a weekend full of tulips because of National Tulip…
When will the tulips be in bloom in 2024
When will the tulips be in bloom in 2024?
When will the tulips be in bloom in 2024? Are you dreaming about visiting Keukenhof…
National tulip day 2024 hardwell
Time for Tulips: Celebrating National Tulip Day 2024
Time for Tulips: Celebrating National Tulip Day 2024 in Amsterdam As winter's chill embraces the…
A windmill near a pink field of tulips, amsterdam and the netherlands
Amsterdam and the Netherlands: a blooming spring paradise for tulip-loving travelers
Amsterdam and the Netherlands: a blooming spring paradise for tulip-loving travelers In a few weeks,…
Map Keukenhof 2023 available

Map Keukenhof The map Keukenhof 2023 is available. Have a look at have at the…

First daffodils in bloom
Blooming update: first daffodils are starting to bloom Today we spotted the first daffodils in…
Vermeer Exhibition 2023
Vermeer Exhibition 2023 Discover the masterpieces of one of the greatest painters in Dutch history,…
national tulip day 2023
Happy National Tulip Day 2023
Happy National Tulip Day 2023 National Tulip Day in Amsterdam 2023: Typical Dutch Every year,…
Weekly flower update 2022 week 19
Weekly flower update 2022 week 19 Good morning, Welcome to the final newsletter of spring…