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Amsterdam food guide

Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Amsterdam.

Photo by Stephanie LeBlanc 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.

Plan the rest of your Amsterdam trip

Full itinerary →BudgetDay trips

Food guides elsewhere

Food guides for similar destinations

Paris →Rome →Prague →Berlin →Vienna →Florence →