Netherlands · tool
Amsterdam food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Amsterdam.
Photo by Diogo Nunes on Unsplash
What to eat in Amsterdam
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Stamppot
$12–$20
A hearty, traditional dish mashed potatoes mixed with one or more vegetables like kale (boerenkool), sauerkraut (zuurkool), or endive (andijvie), often served with rookworst (smoked sausage). It's a comforting meal, perfect for colder days.
Where to try: Traditional Dutch pubs and restaurants throughout the city, especially in the Jordaan district.
Haring
$3–$5
Raw herring, typically served with chopped onions and pickles. This is a quintessential Dutch snack, best enjoyed by holding it by the tail and letting it slide into your mouth.
Where to try: Fish stalls and markets across Amsterdam, particularly near Dam Square and along the canals.
Bitterballen
$5–$8
Deep-fried, crispy meatballs with a rich, savory ragout filling, often served with mustard. They are the ultimate Dutch bar snack, perfect with a beer.
Where to try: Cafes (brown cafés) and bars throughout the city, especially in the De Pijp area.
Poffertjes
$4–$7
Small, fluffy, mini Dutch pancakes made with buckwheat flour, served with butter and powdered sugar. They are a sweet treat, often found at street markets.
Where to try: Street food stalls and dedicated poffertjes stands, particularly at Albert Cuyp Market.
Kroket
$3–$6
A deep-fried, cylindrical snack with a soft, meaty ragout filling encased in a crispy breadcrumb coating. Often served in a bread roll (broodje kroket) for a quick lunch.
Where to try: Snack bars and cafes city-wide, and from automated vending machines (automatiek) in many establishments.
Stroopwafel
$2–$4
Two thin, crisp waffle wafers sandwiched together with a caramel-like syrup filling. Best enjoyed warm, fresh from a market stall, often with a coffee.
Where to try: Market stalls and bakeries, especially at Albert Cuyp Market and Noordermarkt.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
De Pijp
Bohemian and bustling
Street foodTrendy cafesInternational cuisine
Jordaan
Charming and historic
Traditional Dutch pubsCozy restaurantsLocal ambiance
Centrum (City Centre)
Historic and lively
Iconic snacksTourist-friendly eateriesCanal-side dining
Oost (East)
Diverse and up-and-coming
Global flavorsLocal marketsAffordable eats
Dietary notes
Traditional Dutch cuisine is quite meat-heavy, with many dishes featuring pork or beef. However, Amsterdam is increasingly vegetarian and vegan-friendly, with numerous plant-based eateries and many restaurants offering good vegetarian options, especially in more international neighborhoods.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common.
- •Card payment is widely accepted, but carrying some cash is advisable for smaller market stalls or certain traditional establishments.
- •Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends.
- •It's polite to say 'eet smakelijk' (enjoy your meal) when food is served.