What to Eat in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s cuisine is a delicious blend of traditional dishes and international innovation. You see this in Dutch classics like crispy stroopwafels and freshly fried bitterballen to the city’s iconic raw herring. At the same time, international flavors from Indonesia, India, and Surinam thrive alongside local favorites.

With so many options to consider for an Amsterdam food tour, I thought it best to create a guide that can help you get a good taste of everything the city has to offer.

Traditional Dutch Dishes to Try

The following are popular classic Dutch dishes to give you an authentic taste of Amsterdam’s cuisine.

Stamppot

This is a classic Dutch comfort food made of mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables such as kale, sauerkraut, or carrots. Stamppot is typically served with rookworst, a flavorful smoked sausage. Stamppot is a winter staple that showcases the Netherlands’ traditional, no-nonsense approach to hearty meals.

Bitterballen

These are crispy, deep-fried meatballs commonly enjoyed as a bar snack, though they’re also found in cafés and casual eateries. Bitterballen is often served with mustard and pairs perfectly with a cold Dutch beer.

Poffertjes

These are fluffy, yeast-leavened buckwheat pancakes that are a popular Dutch treat. Poffertjes are traditionally topped with powdered sugar and butter, making them a favorite street food.

Erwtensoep

This is a thick split pea soup filled with small bits of pork and root vegetables. You often find it served with rookworst sausage for extra flavor. Erwtensoep is a warming dish that is especially popular in winter.

Sweet Treats and Desserts

Amsterdam has some must-try sweet treats that you find offered as street foods, snacks, brunch fare, or desserts at the end of a meal.

Stroopwafels

These are thin, crispy waffle cookies that sandwich a rich caramel layer. They’re best enjoyed warm from a street market vendor. On cold days the local trick is to place them over a hot cup of coffee, cocoa, or tea to rewarm the caramel.

Oliebollen

These are essentially deep-fried Dutch-style donut holes. They’re typically dusted with powdered sugar and can be found plain or filled with raisins and apples for extra sweetness. Oliebollen are extremely popular around New Year’s Eve.

Appeltaart

This is a Dutch apple pie with a thick, deep crust and a spiced apple filling. It’s usually topped with whipped cream for a creamy contrast. I like to have it with a cup of black coffee at brunch.

Bossche Bol

This is an oversized cream puff generously coated in rich dark chocolate. Bossche Bol is a decadent pastry that is perfectly paired with hot coffee. It can be a little messy. To the point that I’d stay away from it if I’m wearing a long-sleeve dress shirt.

International Flavors in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s international connections and multicultural community have deeply influenced its food scene, creating a vibrant mix of flavors you can’t find anywhere else.

Dutch colonial history has left a lasting mark. Particularly with Indonesian and Surinamese cuisine, which are now integral to the city’s culinary identity. Amsterdam’s famous rijsttafel, a spread of small Indonesian dishes, showcases the bold spices and diverse flavors brought from Southeast Asia. Amsterdam’s Surinamese eateries serve dishes like roti and pom, reflecting a fusion of Indian, African, and Javanese influences.

Amsterdam’s food culture also embraces the cuisines of the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. Today Turkish kebabs, Moroccan tagines, and Vietnamese bánh mì are readily available in restaurants and food markets throughout the city.

Where to Eat in Amsterdam

The following are some of the best restaurants in Amsterdam to give you an authentic taste of classical Dutch cuisine as well as celebrate the city’s international connections.

Photo credit:Moeders

Moeders, meaning “Mothers” in Dutch, is a charming gem in Amsterdam that beautifully honors traditional Dutch home cooking. The walls are adorned with photographs of Dutch mothers, creating a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere. Signature dishes include hearty stews and stamppot served with sausage.

Photo credit: The Pantry

The Pantry offers an authentic Amsterdam dining experience with a focus on traditional recipes. The menu features favorites like chicken satay from Indonesia as well as classical Dutch dishes like bitterballen. They’re known for having friendly staff that can introduce you to modern Dutch cuisine properly.

Photo credit: Wilde Zwijnen

Wilde Zwijnen loosely translates to “Wild Boar” and represents authentic Dutch dishes using fresh, high-quality seasonal products. They offer creative three or four-course menus that showcase the best of modern Dutch cuisine, with dishes like herring caviar, duck stew, and innovative desserts like asparagus ice cream.

Photo credit: Sama Sebo

Sama Sebo is one of Amsterdam’s most famous Indonesian restaurants. They offer a traditional rijsttafel that’s packed with bold flavors. The old-school, intimate atmosphere makes it feel like a hidden gem, perfect for those looking to experience Indonesian dining as it has been for decades. Standouts include babi ketjap sweet soy pork and gado-gado vegetable salad with peanut sauce.

Photo credit: Spang Makandra

Warung Spang Makandra serves up bold flavors with influences from Javanese, Creole, and Indian cuisines. Their roti kip with chicken masala is a must-try. As is their bakkeljauw salted cod and saoto soup. The casual, no-frills vibe makes it a favorite among locals and tourists.

Photo credit: Sefa

Sefa is a grill house restaurant that focuses on Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine. Their mixed grill platters and lamb shish kebabs are particularly popular. Most of the dishes are served with homemade pita bread and flavorful sauces that transport you to the Middle East and beyond.

Kam Yin offers a flavorful fusion of Chinese and Surinamese flavors. Their saoto soup and char siu roast pork are must-try dishes on their eclectic menu. If you’re especially hungry the large portions of bami and nasi dishes offer extremely generous portions at affordable prices!

Tips for Exploring Amsterdam’s Food Scene

Exploring Amsterdam’s food scene is best done with a healthy mix of curiosity and local insight. An Amsterdam food tour with an experienced guide can help you get an authentic taste of what the city has to offer.

It also helps to look for signage like “Hollandse Nieuwe” to ensure you’re getting the freshest herring and other fresh locally sourced ingredients. Arriving early at food markets like Albert Cuyp or Noordermarkt guarantees the best selection of street food, from fresh stroopwafels to artisanal cheeses.