Netherlands · tool
Amsterdam food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Amsterdam.
What to eat in Amsterdam
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Stamppot
A hearty, comforting mashed potato dish mixed with one or more vegetables like kale (boerenkool), sauerkraut (zuurkool), or endive (andijvie), often served with rookworst (smoked sausage). It's the ultimate Dutch comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening.
Haring
Raw, lightly salted herring, typically served with chopped raw onions and pickles. Eating it the traditional way involves holding the tail and lowering the fish into your mouth, a rite of passage for any visitor.
Bitterballen
Deep-fried, crispy balls with a rich, savory ragout filling, usually beef or veal, seasoned with mustard. These are the quintessential Dutch bar snack, best enjoyed with a cold beer.
Poffertjes
Small, fluffy, fluffy pancakes made with buckwheat flour and yeast, typically served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a knob of butter. They are sweet, light, and utterly addictive, often found at street markets.
Kroket
A deep-fried, cylindrical snack with a soft, meaty ragout filling, often beef or veal, encased in a crispy breadcrumb coating. It's commonly eaten on a bread roll (broodje kroket) for a quick lunch.
Indische Rijsttafel
A Dutch-Indonesian 'rice table' featuring a dazzling array of small dishes, from spicy curries to satay and pickled vegetables, served with rice. It reflects the Netherlands' colonial past and offers an explosion of flavors.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Lively and bohemian, with a strong multicultural influence, featuring bustling markets and diverse eateries.
Charming and historic, with picturesque canals, independent boutiques, and cozy 'brown cafes'.
The historic heart, offering a mix of tourist-focused restaurants and hidden gems serving classic Dutch fare.
Up-and-coming and diverse, with a growing number of trendy restaurants, cafes, and ethnic eateries.
Dietary notes
Traditional Dutch cuisine is quite meat and dairy-heavy, with dishes like stamppot featuring sausage and butter. However, vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available, especially in trendy neighborhoods like De Pijp and Oost, and many Indonesian restaurants offer a variety of vegetable-based dishes.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is customary.
- •Card payments are widely accepted, but it's wise to carry some cash for smaller market stalls or cafes.
- •Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends.
- •Dinner is typically eaten between 6 PM and 8 PM.
- •When visiting a 'brown cafe,' it's polite to acknowledge the bartender with a nod or 'hallo' upon entering.