A Taste of the Sea: Herring (Hollandse Nieuwe)
No culinary journey through Amsterdam is complete without sampling the iconic Hollandse Nieuwe, or “New Dutch Herring.” This isn’t just food; it’s a cultural experience, a tradition passed down through generations. But what exactly is it? It’s raw herring, cured in brine, and typically served with chopped onions and pickles. Sounds a little intimidating? Don’t be!
The best time to enjoy Hollandse Nieuwe is during herring season, which traditionally begins in late spring. At this time, the herring are at their fattest and most flavorful. The taste is surprisingly delicate, with a slightly salty and oceanic flavor that’s balanced by the sweetness of the onions and the tanginess of the pickles. The texture is smooth and almost melts in your mouth.
You’ll find herring carts and stalls all over Amsterdam, especially in the markets. Look for places that seem busy, as this is a good sign of freshness. To eat it like a true local, grab the herring by the tail (if it has one, some vendors will serve it filleted), tilt your head back, and drop it straight into your mouth. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget! To savor this flavor, you should find a herring cart like Frens Haringhandel which is a popular spot.
The Golden Delight: Frites (Friet/Patat)
Forget everything you think you know about French fries. In Amsterdam, frites are an art form. These aren’t your typical thin, crispy fries; Dutch frites are thick-cut, double-fried, and served piping hot in a paper cone, practically begging to be smothered in your choice of sauce. And the sauce options are endless!
While plain mayonnaise is a classic choice, the real adventure lies in exploring the other options. Oorlog, which translates to “war,” is a chaotic yet delicious combination of mayonnaise, peanut sauce, and chopped onions. Speciaal is another popular choice, featuring curry ketchup, mayonnaise, and onions. Other options include joppiesaus (a creamy curry-based sauce), satésaus (peanut sauce), and even just plain ketchup or mustard. The options are truly endless, so go and experiment!
You’ll find frituren (fry shops) on almost every corner in Amsterdam. One of the best places to find fries is at Mannekenpis. Look for long lines – it’s a good sign that the fries are worth the wait. And the best part? A cone of frites is a budget-friendly way to fuel your Amsterdam adventures. You can taste this amazing street food for around just a few euros!
Sweetness on the Go: Stroopwafels
Imagine two thin, crispy waffle cookies sandwiched together with a layer of warm, gooey caramel syrup. That’s a stroopwafel, and it’s Amsterdam’s quintessential sweet treat. While you can find pre-packaged stroopwafels in supermarkets, the real magic happens when you get one freshly made at a market.
The aroma of freshly baked stroopwafels is irresistible. Watch as the vendor presses the dough onto a hot iron, then carefully slices the waffle in half and fills it with the warm caramel. The traditional way to enjoy a stroopwafel is to place it on top of a hot cup of coffee or tea, allowing the steam to warm the caramel and make it even more gooey.
For the ultimate stroopwafel experience, head to the Albert Cuyp Market, where you’ll find vendors making them fresh all day long. Dappermarkt is another great market to explore for this delicacy. Take a bite and watch as the caramel stretches and oozes, a true symphony of sweetness and texture.
Deep-Fried Delights: Bitterballen & Friends
If you’re looking for a savory snack to enjoy with a cold Dutch beer, look no further than bitterballen. These are small, deep-fried meatballs with a creamy, savory filling. The filling is typically made with beef or veal ragout, and the bitterballen are coated in breadcrumbs before being fried to a golden brown.
Bitterballen are just one part of a larger category of Dutch fried snacks known as bittergarnituur. Other popular options include kaassoufflés (cheese soufflés), frikandel (a skinless, deep-fried sausage), and kroketten (croquettes, often filled with meat ragout or vegetables).
You’ll find bitterballen and other fried snacks served in cafes and bars all over Amsterdam. They’re the perfect accompaniment to a biertje (beer) and a great way to soak up the atmosphere of a traditional Dutch pub. Dip them in mustard for an extra kick.
A Taste of the East: Indonesian Food
Amsterdam’s culinary scene is heavily influenced by its colonial history, particularly its relationship with Indonesia. As a result, Indonesian food is incredibly popular in the Netherlands, and Amsterdam offers a fantastic array of Indonesian flavors, many readily available as street food.
One of the best ways to experience Indonesian cuisine is with a rijsttafel, or “rice table.” This is a feast of small Indonesian dishes served with rice, offering a diverse range of flavors and textures. While a full rijsttafel is usually enjoyed in a restaurant, you can find many of the individual dishes served as street food.
Look for satay (grilled skewers of marinated meat served with peanut sauce), gado-gado (a salad of steamed vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and peanut sauce), and bamischijf (a deep-fried noodle patty). For an authentic experience, head to a toko (Indonesian shop), where you’ll find a wide variety of Indonesian street food items. There are plenty of toko’s in Amsterdam. One recommendation is to go to warung spangket
Beyond the Classics: Exploring Amsterdam’s Culinary Scene
Amsterdam’s street food scene is constantly evolving, with new and exciting trends emerging all the time. Vegan options are becoming increasingly popular, as are international cuisine influences. Keep an eye out for food trucks and pop-up stalls offering everything from Vietnamese banh mi to Middle Eastern falafel.
Navigating the Amsterdam Street Food Scene
To make the most of your Amsterdam street food adventure, here are a few tips:
- Payment Methods: While many vendors now accept card payments, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially at smaller stalls and markets.
- Language: While English is widely spoken in Amsterdam, learning a few basic Dutch phrases can go a long way. Try saying “alstublieft” (please) and “dankjewel” (thank you).
- Budget: Amsterdam street food is generally very affordable. You can easily enjoy a full meal for under fifteen euros.
- Safety: As with any street food, it’s important to be mindful of hygiene. Choose vendors that look clean and reputable.
- Market Times: Markets can get very crowded, especially on weekends. Try to visit during weekday mornings or early afternoons to avoid the biggest crowds.
- Locations: Albert Cuyp Market, Dappermarkt, and Foodhallen are some locations that feature the city’s great street food.
A Culinary Adventure Awaits
Amsterdam’s street food scene is a reflection of the city’s vibrant culture, its diverse population, and its love of good food. From the traditional flavors of herring and stroopwafels to the exotic spices of Indonesian cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, ditch the restaurant reservations and dive into the delicious world of Amsterdam street food. Explore the markets, sample the snacks, and let your taste buds be your guide. Let us know your favorite finds in the comments below! And as you explore, remember that each bite is a story, a connection to the city’s past and present, and a delicious celebration of Amsterdam’s unique culinary spirit.
