Netherlands
Food Safety Tips
Essential food safety information to help you enjoy Netherlands's cuisine safely and confidently.
Tap water is safe to drink
The tap water in the Netherlands is of high quality and safe to drink. In fact, it's among the best in Europe, regularly tested for quality.
Beware of bicycles
While not directly food-related, tourists should be careful of bicycle lanes when dining at outdoor restaurants. Amsterdam and other Dutch cities have extensive bike networks, and cyclists have the right of way.
Check for allergies with herring and dairy products
Raw herring and dairy products are common in Dutch cuisine. If you have fish or dairy allergies, always check with restaurant staff, as these ingredients might be included in dishes without being prominently mentioned.
Dietary Options
vegetarian
HIGH AVAILABILITYVegetarian options are widely available in most Dutch restaurants and cafes, especially in urban areas.
vegan
MEDIUM AVAILABILITYVegan options are increasingly common, particularly in Amsterdam and other major cities. Many traditional Dutch dishes can be easily adapted.
gluten-free
MEDIUM AVAILABILITYAwareness of gluten-free needs is growing, and many restaurants offer suitable options. However, traditional Dutch cuisine often features bread and wheat-based dishes.
halal
MEDIUM AVAILABILITYHalal options are readily available in cities with significant Muslim populations like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague.
Common Allergens
Dairy
HIGH PREVALENCEDairy products are central to Dutch cuisine, with cheese being a national staple.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Gluten
HIGH PREVALENCEBread and wheat-based products are fundamental to Dutch cuisine.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Fish
MEDIUM PREVALENCEBeing a coastal country, fish is common in traditional Dutch cuisine.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Peanuts
MEDIUM PREVALENCEPeanuts appear in various Dutch snacks and Indonesian-influenced dishes.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Essential Food Experiences
These iconic dishes represent the must-have culinary experiences that define Netherlands's food culture for travelers.
Stroopwafel
Two thin waffles stuck together with a caramel-like syrup. Best enjoyed warm, placed over a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Bitterballen
Deep-fried crispy meatballs typically served with mustard, a popular Dutch bar snack.
Dutch Pancakes (Pannenkoeken)
Large, thin pancakes served with various sweet or savory toppings like syrup, cheese, or bacon.
Raw Herring (Hollandse Nieuwe)
Fresh raw herring served with onions and pickles, typically eaten by holding it by the tail and biting upward.
Poffertjes
Small, fluffy pancakes made with yeast and buckwheat flour, typically served with powdered sugar and butter.
Gouda Cheese
The Netherlands' most famous cheese, available in various ages from young and mild to old and sharp.
Regional Specialties & Local Favorites
Discover the authentic regional dishes and local favorites that showcase Netherlands's diverse culinary traditions.
Stroopwafel
Two thin waffles joined by a caramel-like syrup filling. A classic Dutch sweet treat often enjoyed with coffee.
Allergens:
Herring
Fresh raw herring served with chopped onions and pickles, a Dutch delicacy typically eaten by holding the tail.
Allergens:
Bitterballen
Crispy deep-fried balls filled with a ragout of beef or veal, a popular Dutch bar snack served with mustard.
Allergens:
Gouda Cheese
The most famous Dutch cheese, rich and flavorful, available in various aging periods from young and mild to old and sharp.
Allergens:
Poffertjes
Small, fluffy buckwheat pancakes traditionally served with powdered sugar and butter.
Allergens:
Regional Cuisine Highlights
Explore the diverse culinary landscapes across different regions of Netherlands.
Limburg
Known for its hearty dishes influenced by German cuisine, including vlaai (fruit pie) and zuurvlees (sweet and sour meat stew).
Cultural Significance:
Limburg's unique culinary traditions reflect its historical ties to Germany and Belgium, resulting in a blend of flavors and ingredients.
Signature Dishes:
- Vlaai
- Zuurvlees
- Konijn in mosterd saus (Rabbit in mustard sauce)
Key Ingredients:
Friesland
Features seafood and dairy products, including suikerbrood (sugar bread) and oranjekoek (orange cake).
Cultural Significance:
Friesland's cuisine reflects its agricultural heritage, with a focus on local ingredients like potatoes and dairy. Sugar bread is a traditional treat often enjoyed during celebrations.
Signature Dishes:
- Suikerbrood
- Oranjekoek
- Friese dúmkes (Potato dumplings)
Key Ingredients:
Zeeland
Emphasizes seafood, particularly mussels and oysters, due to its coastal location. Zeeuwse bolus (sweet pastry) is a regional specialty.
Cultural Significance:
Zeeland's cuisine is deeply connected to the sea, with seafood playing a central role. The abundance of fresh mussels and oysters has shaped the region's culinary identity.
Signature Dishes:
- Mussels
- Oysters
- Zeeuwse bolus
Key Ingredients:
Sweet Delights & Desserts
Indulge in Netherlands's traditional sweet treats and desserts.
Vlaai (Limburgian Pie)
A large, flat pie with a fruit filling, often topped with a lattice crust. A specialty of the Limburg region, typically enjoyed during celebrations.
Tompouce (Custard Slice)
A rectangular pastry filled with custard and topped with pink icing. Often eaten on King's Day.
Appeltaart (Apple Pie)
A classic Dutch apple pie with a crumbly topping, often spiced with cinnamon and raisins. Enjoyed year-round.
Traditional Beverages
Discover Netherlands's traditional drinks, from locally produced spirits to regional wines.
Jenever (Gin)
A juniper-flavored spirit, considered a predecessor to gin. Available in various styles, from jonge (young) to oude (old).
Heineken
A world-famous pale lager beer, brewed in Amsterdam.
Grolsch
A premium pilsner beer from the eastern Netherlands, known for its distinctive swing-top bottle.
Soft Beverages
Discover Netherlands's traditional non-alcoholic drinks, from local teas to refreshing juices.
Koffie (Coffee)
Coffee is a staple beverage in the Netherlands, often enjoyed throughout the day. Typically served strong and black, or with a splash of milk or cream.
Thee (Tea)
Tea is also popular, especially black tea with a slice of lemon or a mint tea.
Chocolademelk (Hot Chocolate)
A rich and creamy hot chocolate, often made with real chocolate and milk. A popular winter warmer.