Top 100 Dutch Foods

Noord-Hollandse Gouda is an aromatic and pleasant cheese that can be mild or intense, depending on its age. Its varieties include Graskaas, Jong, Jong belegen, Belegen, Extra belegen, Oud and Extra oud. The older the cheese variety, the stronger and saltier it gets. This type of Gouda cheese has a PDO status and is made from 100% North-Holland milk. It was originally made in the town of Gouda in South Holland, so its registered name 'North-Holland Gouda' may seem wrong. However, North Holland is the recognized pasture land in the Netherlands, and since the milk from those pastures is used in the process of making the cheese, the product is aptly named. Noord-Hollandse Gouda is made under factory conditions since 1900. It is characterized by its pleasant taste, specific consistency, and dry, smooth rind. It is notable for its sweetness and it is less salty than other Gouda cheeses because some of the milk sugars are removed early in the process to prevent excessive acid being produced by the bacteria. Young Gouda is soft, has a creamy quality and is easy to cut with a slicer, while the older Gouda varieties are harder and usually cut with a strong knife. There is also a special edition of the Noord-Hollandse Gouda, called 'baby Gouda', which is oval and smaller (weighing just a pound). It is usually coated with a layer of red wax and can be wrapped in cellophane.Expand

Dutch for farmer's cheese, Boerenkaas is produced using unpasteurized, raw milk from the farm's own animals, which is why only a small percentage of Dutch cheeses can carry that name. Unlike its factory-made counterpart, this unique handmade cheese is said to be more a product of art than of science. Depending on the type of milk used in the process, there are four variations of Boerenkaas: Goudse, Leidse, and Edammer Boerenkaas made from cow's milk and Boerenkaas from goat's, sheep's, or buffalo's milk. Additionally, seeds, herbs, and spices can be added to turn the flavor up a notch. The cheese is semi-hard and has an intense flavor reminiscent of caramel, butterscotch, and cashews, which makes it suitable for pairing with beer and full-bodied red wines. However, the flavor is not consistent because this type of cheese is made on different farms that have different soil types, making it all the more exciting to discover the differences and uniqueness of each Boerenkaas wheel.Expand

Nonnevot is a unique pastry originating from Limburg, dating back to at least the 17th century. The dough is prepared with flour, yeast, milk, salt, butter, lard, and brown sugar. It is then deep-fried until it develops a golden-brown color. Although nonnevot has traditionally been associated with the carnival, today it can be bought in many regional bakeries. The unusual name of this pastry means nun's butt, referring to its knotted shape and the knot on the back of a nun's uniform.Expand

Old Amsterdam is a Dutch Gouda-style cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk. The cheese is matured at three stages, and each one brings out certain characteristics of flavor and texture. As the wheels mature at different rates, master cheesemakers decide when each wheel is ready for consumption based on texture and flavor. The texture of Old Amsterdam is hard and smooth, dotted with occasional eyes and tiny granular crystalline pieces of amino acids. The color of the paste is similar to butterscotch, while the flavors are sweet, rich, toasty, nutty, robust, and caramel-like. The cheese is great for cooking and goes really well with figs, pistachio, and salads. It can also be shredded over soups or used in sandwiches.Expand

Appeltaart is a traditional apple pie that is very often accompanied by a cup of hot coffee. Although it is essentially the same as most apple pies, Dutch appeltaart differs from the classic American apple pie in many ways: it is baked in a spring-form pan, making it deeper; it is drier on the interior; it is full of big chunks of apple, currants, and raisins, and it is full of speculoos spices such as cinnamon, lemon juice, and other warm spices. Appeltaart dates back to the Middle Ages and it is believed that the baking time was measured by the number of prayers one had to say until it was ready to be taken out of the oven since ovens with temperature controls didn't exist at the time. In the Netherlands, appeltaart is usually served at room temperature and topped with a dollop of whipped cream, what is known as appeltaart met slagroom. This traditional dessert is one of the first pies that the young people learn to prepare in the Netherlands, but it is believed that the best ones are made by grandmas.Expand

These delicious Dutch cookies consist of a very thin layer of syrup, sugar, butter, and cinnamon that is sandwiched between two thin wafers. Stroopwafels were invented in the late 18th century in the city of Gouda, and many sources give credit to a baker named Gerard Kamphuisen as their inventor. In the Netherlands, stroopwafels are traditionally consumed with tea or coffee, and it is a custom to place a cookie on top of the cup and let it steam for a few minutes, so that the cookie is heated and the syrupy layer softens.Expand

Poffertjes are small, round, and puffy Dutch pancakes made with yeast and buckwheat flour. They are baked in a special pan called poffertjespan, and usually served warm on a piece of cardboard paper when prepared outdoors, at festivals and outdoor events. They are consumed as a snack, and are rarely eaten for breakfast. Traditionally, poffertjes are topped with melted butter and powdered sugar, although there are a number of other, non-traditional toppings such as whipped cream, fresh fruit, or rum. During the Christmas and New Year period, poffertjes can be found throughout Dutch streets at numerous street carts. It is believed that poffertjes have roots in a Dutch Abbey, where they were used as a type of communion host. When the churchgoers tasted the small pancakes and liked them, poffertjes became very popular, so local stallholders seized the opportunity and started selling them as snacks. The first recipe for poffertjes is found in a cookbook from the mid-1700s, when the dish was considered a poor man's meal. Today, poffertjes are a staple of most Dutch weddings, birthday parties, and various festive occasions.Expand

Boterkoek is a traditional cake made with a combination of butter, flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. If desired, almond extract, almond shavings, and lemon zest can be added to the ingredients for extra flavor. The sticky dough is simply brushed with beaten eggs and decorated with a criss-cross pattern on top before being baked in the oven until golden brown. Once done, the cake is cut into narrow slices or squares. This dense butter cake is usually served with a cup of coffee on the side in the Netherlands.Expand

Rijsttafel is an elaborate Dutch meal that was developed during the colonial era. The Dutch were most likely inspired by an Indonesian dish called nasi padang, as rijsttafel consists of rice and a variety of foods such as fish, chicken, curried meats, vegetables, pickles, sauces, relishes, condiments, fruits, eggs, nuts, and so on. The diners are served a plate of rice, and then they choose from a variety of side dishes, which can range up to 40! It's no wonder that sometimes the meal takes a few hours to consume. The name rijsttafel means rice table, referring to this flamboyant feast of small plates filled with spicy, sweet, sour, and salty flavors, all of them paired with rice. And even though each rijsttafel is different, here are just some of the delicacies one can find on the plates: the sweet and spicy tempeh blado, the slow-cooked yet crispy beef rendang, the crunchy fried pisang goreng banana fritters, and the creamy yet spicy peanut sauce called saté, which covers various vegetables or meats.Expand

Kibbeling is a popular Dutch street food item consisting of pieces of fish that are dipped in batter, deep-fried in hot oil, and served with a dipping sauce such as garlic sauce, remoulade, ravigote, or whiskey sauce. In the Netherlands, kibbeling is mostly consumed as a snack, but it can also be prepared for dinner, when it is recommended to pair it with French fries, a fresh salad, and a sauce of choice.Expand

La Carambole Patisserie, also known as Carambole Chocolate, is an artisanal chocolatier and patisserie based in Amsterdam, blending artistry, innovation, and exceptional chocolate craftsmanship. Founded by chocolatier Rita, the brand is renowned for her experimental approach and distinctive aesthetic style. In their atelier located at Veemarkt 192, all pralines, bars, and desserts are handcrafted in small batches, ensuring complete control over quality. The brand is recognized for its visually striking creations that combine color, texture, and layered flavors, often evoking the impression that each praline is a small edible sculpture. Ingredients are sourced from some of the most respected bean-to-bar producers such as Krak, Kakao Bolaget, and The Chocolate Tree, while fillings are made from natural components - fruits, nuts, spices, and botanical extracts - with no artificial additives. Every piece of chocolate reflects a carefully considered balance between the intensity of cacao and the delicacy of creams or caramels. The brand embraces a philosophy of creative freedom and pure passion for flavor, which shines through in every product crafted in their workshop.Expand

De Kuyper Royal Distillers is a renowned Dutch family-owned company specializing in the production of premium liqueurs and spirits. Founded in 1695 by Petrus De Kuyper, the company began as a manufacturer of barrels and casks for transporting spirits and beer. By 1752, the family owned a distillery in Schiedam, the epicenter of Dutch gin production. Over the centuries, De Kuyper expanded its operations and product range, establishing partnerships and exporting to markets across Europe, Great Britain, and Canada. In 1911, the company built a new distillery in Schiedam and commenced liqueur production, gradually introducing a variety of flavors. The mid-20th century saw liqueurs become the company's primary focus, aligning with changing consumer tastes and the rising popularity of cocktails. Expand

Heinde & Verre is a chocolate producer based in Rotterdam, specializing in crafting premium chocolates using a unique blend of global cacao beans. They employ a long conching process to enhance the flavor profiles of their chocolates. The company focuses on producing their chocolate in small batches, ensuring high quality and attention to detail.Expand

Fromagerie L'Amuse is a renowned and respected cheese shop based in the Netherlands, with locations in Amsterdam and IJmuiden. L'Amuse was founded in 1989 by Betty Koster, a top cheese expert, specialist, and educator. Over the years, L'Amuse has built a reputation as one of the leading destinations for fine cheeses in the Netherlands. The shop specializes in Dutch cheeses as well as carefully selected international varieties. L'Amuse offers a wide range of cheeses, including both hard and soft cheeses, goat's and cow's milk cheeses, as well as some rare and exotic types. L'Amuse also offers professional cheese tastings, where participants can learn about different types of cheeses, their history, production methods, and how to pair them with wines and other accompaniments. Fromagerie L'Amuse is not just a cheese shop but a true destination for cheese lovers of all kinds. With a passionate approach to quality, education, and innovation, L'Amuse has earned a reputation as one of the most important places in the Netherlands for cheese tasting and purchasing.Expand

Camastra is a Dutch producer of liqueurs, renowned for its high-quality limoncello. They use only the finest ingredients, including certified organic IGP lemons from Sorrento, which are hand-picked and peeled to capture their rich flavor and aroma. Apart from these exceptional lemons, all other ingredients are locally sourced from the Netherlands. The alcohol is distilled in small batches, and the water is sourced from the dunes near Haarlem. Camastra prides itself on avoiding artificial additives, relying solely on 100% natural ingredients. The result is a limoncello with a light yellow color, rich in essential oils, and offering a refreshing and authentic lemon flavor.Expand

Sir Edmond Gin is a Dutch gin producer renowned for its unique flavor achieved through the infusion of bourbon vanilla. This combination gives the gin its distinctive character and aroma. The company is dedicated to crafting high-quality beverages by blending traditional distillation methods with innovative ingredient selection. In addition to producing premium gin, Sir Edmond Gin actively participates in various social initiatives and events, promoting a culture of enjoying exceptional spirits.Expand

Krak Chocolade, based in the Netherlands, focuses on crafting single-origin chocolate bars. The company emphasizes direct trade practices to source cocoa beans, placing a high priority on transparency and ethical sourcing. They perform all chocolate-making processes in-house, from roasting to packaging.Expand

Lutjewinkel 1916 is a traditional Dutch regional cheese brand originating from the village of Lutjewinkel in North Holland, with roots dating back to 1916. It was established to preserve an authentic, locally grounded approach to Gouda-style cheesemaking based exclusively on pasture-grazed cow’s milk (weidemelk) from the surrounding polders. Rather than functioning as a single industrial producer, Lutjewinkel 1916 represents a shared identity and set of standards upheld by regional cheesemakers committed to a historic recipe and extended aging practices. The cheeses are produced in several maturity levels, from smooth and rounded to long-aged and robust, developing pronounced nutty, caramelized and savory notes over time. Prolonged maturation gives them a dense structure and a depth of flavor that clearly distinguishes them from standard Gouda. Today, Lutjewinkel 1916 stands as a marker of regional heritage and continuity in Dutch cheesemaking, emphasizing origin, craftsmanship and time as essential elements of quality.Expand