NetherlandsFood and Drink

Modern Dutch cuisine tends to be heavily influenced by the country's colonial past, with numerous dishes originating from countries such as Indonesia or Suriname, which were former Dutch colonies. A rijsttafel, meaning a rice table, is an Indonesian-Dutch fusion dish of different types of rice served with meats and is increasingly popular.

Traditional Dutch potato fries, known as frietje met, are double fried and often served with mayonnaise in a cone and are a national right of passage. Fish is also quite popular in the Netherlands with soused herring or maatjes being a local favourite. In some regions, it is diced up and eaten piece by piece, whereas in places such as Rotterdam, it is picked up by the tail and eaten in one go. However, do take care when attempting to do this as many travellers to the Netherlands have found themselves falling victim to particularly brazen Dutch seagulls!

Cheese is considered a way of life in the Netherlands and stores selling large waxed, wheels of cheese are commonplace across the country. Styles such as Edam, Gouda, and Leerdammer all originate from the small nation and are all very popular with locals.

What is the dining etiquette in the Netherlands?

The Dutch place a high importance on the value of eating together so it is considered impolite to begin eating before others have received their meal, excluding extreme circumstances. When dining in a group, the bill is generally split between all parties, each paying for their portion. Tipping is appreciated but not generally expected in the country. Service is professional but not overly engaging. Similar to German, the Dutch word for making a toast is “Proost” and it is customary to look your guests in the eye while saying it.

For those seeking a uniquely Dutch dining experience, it is recommended to try the vending machine-like fast food restaurants that can be found across the country, particularly in bus and train stations. These fast food outlets entail a wall of small, hand-held snacks in drawers. Similar to a vending machine, you choose what you want, and pay and it is dispensed by the small shutter being unlocked. Croquettes, bitter ballen (deep-fried balls of minced meat), and frikandellen (large meatballs) can be found here. Despite being dispensed from what resembled a vending machine, these snacks can be extremely hot so do take care when eating them.

What is the drinking etiquette like in the Netherlands?

The Dutch enjoy a drink with many Dutch beer brands such as Heineken, Amstel, Bavaria, and Grolsch being available across the world. The Netherlands also has a thriving craft beer scene, including two monastic and Trappist breweries. Drinking in public is generally not legal, however, it’s more likely to be tolerated in places such as parks or beaches. The age to purchase or consume alcohol is 18.

An often overlooked drink is the Dutch spirit, Jenever, which is said to have inspired the British to create gin. It is very similar and is often kept in a freezer and served ice cold as a shot or a base ingredient for cocktails.

What is the country's typical cuisine?

Dutch cuisine is based upon the notions of being simple, filling, and comprised of local ingredients close to hand. As a result, items such as potatoes, vegetables, and meat such as beef or pork are common in most classic Dutch dishes. Being based on the North Sea, fish naturally plays a significant role in many Dutch dishes, making use of their abundance of herring, mackerel, cod, and sole. While it may not have the flair of other more famous European cuisine, globetrotters are sure to find a Dutch meal which certainly hits the spot.

What do meals typically cost?

The price of meals can depend on factors such as the season and the city but generally, visitors can expect to spend between USD $65-$110 on a 3-course meal in Amsterdam. Cities such as The Hague or Rotterdam may be slightly cheaper.

When it comes to buying drinks such as beer in the Netherlands, it is important to remember that menus will often display two separate prices, one for a half metric pint (285 ml / 9.6 FL oz), and one for a glass (142 ml / 4.8 Fl oz) which are common measures in the country. Those ordering a pint should remember that it will be twice the shown price for a half pint to avoid surprises on their bill.

Does the Netherlands cater to dietary restrictions?

Both vegetarianism and veganism are very common in the Netherlands, with major cities such as Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam having a large number of restaurants dedicated to both diets. The average restaurant will also have at least one vegetarian dish on the menu.

Other dietary restrictions such as coeliac disease are becoming better accommodated although it is best to research suitable restaurants beforehand. Gluten-free products can be found in supermarkets relatively easily. It is best to ask your server about suitable menu items when it comes to allergens. Both halal and kosher-certified foods can be found without any major difficulty.