Amsterdam is not just about canals and bikes, the city is famous for food as well. From street snacks to fine dining via Indonesian and Suriname influences.
Tourists can enjoy Dutch favorites and international flavors here, with every dish reflecting the culture, history, and daily life in this lively European capital.
If you’re looking for a more organized, deeper exploration and want to find out what to eat in Amsterdam as a tourist, then pair your visit with the Amsterdam Food Tour to find hidden gems and authentic local dishes.
Best Foods to Eat in Amsterdam: From Traditional to Global Food You Should Try
Below you’ll find some of the best foods to eat in Amsterdam, which consist of traditional Dutch food, international favorites, and several street foods that should not be missed.
Stroopwafels: A Sweet Dutch Treat
Stroopwafels are thin waffles filled with warm caramel syrup. The best way to enjoy them is fresh from street markets, or warm off the iron on a guided Amsterdam food tour. They’re crispy, chewy, and go perfectly with coffee or hot chocolate.
Bitterballen: The Perfect Snack With Beer
Bitterballen are crispy fried meat croquettes served in cafés and bars. Their creamy filling makes them comforting and rich in flavor. Most tourists enjoy them with mustard and Dutch beer.
Haring: A Traditional Dutch Fish Dish
Raw herring is served with onions and pickles in Amsterdam. Some tourists eat it by holding the tail and biting. If unsure, try the sandwich version called broodje haring instead.
Poffertjes: Fluffy Pancakes With Powdered Sugar
Poffertjes are tiny pancakes served with butter and sugar. They’re soft, sweet, and very popular at Dutch fairs. Tourists with a sweet tooth should not miss them.
Street Foods Tourists Should Not Miss
Patatje: Famous Dutch Fries With Toppings
Patat are thick Dutch fries served in paper cones. They come with sauces like mayonnaise, satay, or curry ketchup. Patatje oorlog mixes Indonesian-style peanut sauce along with raw, chopped onions, mayonnaise, and onions for a bold taste.
Kibbeling: Crispy Fried Fish Bites
Kibbeling is battered fish fried until golden and crisp. It’s usually served with garlic or tartar sauce. Tourists often buy it fresh at outdoor markets.
Dutch Cheese: A Taste of Tradition
It’s well known that Amsterdam produces cheeses such as Gouda and Edam. You can taste samples in markets and specialty shops. Aged cheese with mustard is a classic Dutch pairing.
Many tours even offer cheese tastings, making it wise to pair your visit with Wine & Cheese Tours for a complete experience.
You might even walk away with a new appreciation for the art of cheese aging.
Sweet Foods to Enjoy in Amsterdam
Dutch Apple Pie: Classic Appeltaart Delight
Dutch apple pie is tall and also filled with apples, raisins, and cinnamon. It’s best enjoyed with whipped cream on top. Tourists love to try it in local cafés.
Oliebollen: A Winter Street Favorite
Oliebollen are fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar. They’re popular during winter holidays and New Year celebrations. They taste even better with hot drinks.
Speculaas: Spiced Dutch Biscuits
Speculaas are crunchy cookies with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. They’re enjoyed mostly in colder months across the Netherlands. Their flavor reflects Dutch festive traditions.
Global Flavors in Amsterdam’s Food Scene
Indonesian Rijsttafel: A Feast of Many Dishes
Rijsttafel means “rice table” and includes many small Indonesian plates. The mix of satay, curries, and vegetables, which are delicious and colorful. Tourists love it because it offers variety in one meal.
Surinamese Food: Street Favorites in Amsterdam
Amsterdam also serves authentic Surinamese food such as roti and broodjes. These dishes are full of flavor and easy to find. Tourists can enjoy them at small restaurants or markets.
Breakfast and Café Culture in Amsterdam
Broodjes: Dutch Sandwiches for Every Meal
Broodjes are simple bread rolls with cheese, ham, or salmon. They’re served at bakeries and cafés across the city. Many tourists choose them for a quick breakfast or lunch.
Koffie Verkeerd: A Dutch Coffee Experience
Koffie verkeerd is a Dutch version of a café latte. It has more milk than coffee, making it smooth and light. Tourists enjoy it with cakes or stroopwafels in cozy cafés.
The best places for tourists to eat in Amsterdam
Markets are full of food choices.
- Albert Cuypmarkt offers fresh stroopwafels and seafood snacks.
- Foodhallen is an indoor market with both Dutch and global dishes.
- Noordermarkt is known for organic produce and baked goods.
Exploring these areas is easier when joining a Bike Food Tour Amsterdam, where you ride through neighborhoods and stop for tastings.
Visit the local food markets and enjoy the local Amsterdam beer breweries, like Brouwerij ‘t IJ, along with the Albert Cuyp market in the Pijp area, along with others to discover. It combines sightseeing and eating into one unforgettable activity.
Cafés and Traditional Brown Bars
Amsterdam’s brown bars have cozy wooden interiors and friendly service. Tourists can enjoy bitterballen, cheese, and Dutch beer there. They’re perfect for an evening with friends.
Fine Dining in Amsterdam
Amsterdam also has Michelin-starred restaurants with modern Dutch menus. These places mix tradition with new flavors for unique meals. Tourists seeking elegance should try at least one.
Tips for Exploring Food in Amsterdam
- Try seasonal foods like fresh herring in springtime.
- Visit street markets for authentic local snacks and sweets.
- Taste Dutch drinks like beer or jenever with food.
- Explore neighborhoods through a Bike Food Tour Amsterdam for a cultural and culinary mix.
- Pair your visit with private food tours for a closer look at local cuisine, or squeeze in our Schiphol layover food tour if you only have a few hours between flights.
Conclusion
If you’re visiting Amsterdam for the first time, then you’ll be surprised to see such cultural diversity in one place. The city tells its story through every bite of food, from the local foods stroopwafels and bitterballen to Surinamese dishes.
Tourists leave with more than photos; they leave with flavors that last forever. Additionally, if you want your visit to be more personalized, you can pair your visit with private food tours, which makes the experience even richer without wondering what to eat in Amsterdam as a tourist.
