What is the typical Dutch food to try in Amsterdam?

Must-try Dutch foods: Stroopwafel (caramel waffle), Bitterballen (fried meatballs), Haring (raw herring), Poffertjes (mini pancakes), Kibbeling (fried fish), and Rijsttafel (Indonesian rice table, a Dutch-Indonesian specialty).

Where do locals eat in Amsterdam?

Locals avoid tourist areas (Dam, Red Light District, Leidseplein). Best areas: De Pijp (Albert Cuyp area), Jordaan (for brunch), Amsterdam West (De Hallen), Oost (multicultural food). Foodhallen is popular but slightly touristy.

How much does eating out cost in Amsterdam 2026?

Budget lunch: €10-15. Mid-range dinner: €25-40. Fine dining: €60+. Coffee: €3-4. Beer: €5-7. Street food (kroket, fries): €3-6. Avoid tourist restaurants where prices are 30-50% higher.

What to Eat in Amsterdam 2026: Dutch Food Guide

            The Golden Rule: Walk 5 minutes away from any major attraction and prices drop 30-50%. Never eat on Dam Square or Leidseplein!
        

Must-Try Dutch Foods

Essential

🧇 Stroopwafel

€2-4

Two thin waffles with caramel syrup between. Best when fresh and warm from a market stall. Albert Cuyp Market has the best.

Essential

🍡 Bitterballen

€5-8 (portion)

Crispy fried balls with ragout inside. The ultimate Dutch bar snack. Always served with mustard. Order at any brown café.

🐟 Haring (Herring)

€3-5

Raw herring with onions. Traditional way: hold by tail, head back, eat in one go. Less intimidating: ask for "broodje haring" (sandwich).

🥞 Poffertjes

€5-7

Tiny fluffy pancakes with butter and powdered sugar. Sweet, addictive, perfect snack. Find at markets and pancake houses.

🧀 Dutch Cheese

€3-6 (portion)

Gouda, Edam, Maasdam. Try "oud" (aged) for stronger flavor. Cheese shops offer free samples — but prices are tourist-inflated.

🍟 Patat (Fries)

€3-5

Dutch fries are thick-cut. Order "patat oorlog" (war fries) with mayo, peanut sauce, and onions. Proper Dutch experience.

Rijsttafel: The Dutch-Indonesian Experience

Must-Try

🍚 Indonesian Rice Table

€25-45 per person

Indonesia was a Dutch colony, and this influence created Rijsttafel: 12-20 small dishes served with rice. Satay, rendang, gado-gado, sambal — it's a feast.

Best spots: Tempo Doeloe (authentic), Blauw (modern), Blue Pepper (upscale). Book ahead!

Where Locals Eat

📍 De Pijp

The foodie neighborhood. Albert Cuyp Market for street food, Gerard Douplein for terraces. Multicultural, affordable, authentic.

📍 Foodhallen

Indoor food market in former tram depot. 20+ vendors. Popular but fair prices. Great for groups with different tastes.

📍 Jordaan

Brunch capital. Cozy cafes, excellent coffee, weekend vibes. Try: Winkel 43 (best apple pie), De Belhamel (canal views).

📍 Amsterdam Oost

Multicultural dining. Best Surinamese, Turkish, Moroccan food. Javaplein area is excellent. Much cheaper than center.

Tourist Traps to Avoid

Restaurants on Dam Square: Overpriced, mediocre quality
Leidseplein terrace restaurants: Tourist-trap pricing
Red Light District eateries: Poor value, questionable quality
"Tourist Menu" signs: Always a red flag
Cheese shops near Central Station: 50%+ markup

                Tip: Check Google Maps reviews. Anything under 4.0 stars in Amsterdam is likely bad. Look for Dutch reviews, not just English.
            

Brown Cafés (Bruine Kroegen)

Traditional Dutch pubs with dark wood interiors. Perfect for bitterballen, beer, and local atmosphere. They're called "brown" because of centuries of smoke stains on the walls.

Try: Café 't Smalle, Café Papeneiland, De Twee Zwaantjes (live music).