Dutch cuisine does not enjoy the fame of Italian or French cuisine, but it offers authentic, hearty flavors that are perfect for enjoying during your vacation in Amsterdam without having to spend a fortune.
This guide explores typical dishes and snacks – from raw herring to stroopwafel – and explains where to find them at popular prices: markets, stalls, supermarkets, and snack bars.
The Philosophy of Dutch Food: Simple and Hearty
The cuisine of the Netherlands originated as the "poor man's cuisine" of farmers, fishermen, and sailors. There are no elaborate sauces or complex techniques, but fresh, local ingredients: North Sea fish, cheese from cows raised in the polders, potatoes, root vegetables, grains. The typical dish isstamppot(mashed potatoes with mixed vegetables and sausage), the ultimate winter comfort food. In summer, herring and fries dominate the stalls.
Must-Try Specialties (and Where to Find Them at Low Cost)
Raw herring (Haring)
It is the most iconic snack. The herring is cleaned, salted, and left to mature in barrels (or frozen to kill any parasites). It is served with chopped white onions and pickles. The traditional way to eat it: hold the fish by the tail, tilt your head back, and take a bite. There are also versions in pieces on a bun (broodje haring).
Where to find it cheaply:fish stalls in markets (Albert Cuypmarkt, Ten Katemarkt, Dappermarkt). Price: 3-5 euros.
Tip:eat it right away, as soon as it's served. It's an experience to try at least once.
French fries (Vlaamse friet)
Dutch fries (influenced by Flemish fries) are thicker than French fries, fried twice (crispy on the outside, soft on the inside). They are served in a paper cone with a wide selection of sauces:mayonnaise(Dutch mayonnaise is thicker and tangier),satésaus(peanut sauce, often spicy),curry, ketchup, joppiesaus(sweet and creamy sauce). The classic combination ispatatje oorlog(“war fries”): mayonnaise + satésaus + raw onions.
Where to find them cheaply:snack bars (FEBO, Van Dobben), stalls in markets. Price: 3-6 euros for a medium portion.
Tip:order “met” (with) sauce and “uit de muur” (from the wall) if you go to FEBO: the fries are in an automatic oven, you insert coins and open the door.
Stroopwafel (Caramel Waffle)
The national dessert: two thin and crispy waffles with a layer of caramel syrup (stroop) in between. It originated in Gouda in the 18th century. The best time to enjoy it ishot: freshly made, the caramel becomes fluid and gooey. They are also available packaged (supermarket), but they are not the same.
Where to find them cheaply:stalls in markets (Albert Cuyp, Noordermarkt), specialized stroopwafel shops. Hot: 2-4 euros. Supermarket package (Albert Heijn): 1-2 euros.
Tip:ask for “vers” (fresh) or “warme stroopwafel”.
Poffertjes
Small fluffy pancakes, the size of a coin, cooked in a special pan with cavities. They are served hot, dusted with powdered sugar and a knob of butter. Sometimes whipped cream or maple syrup is added. They are a street food, typical of Christmas markets and fairs.
Where to find them cheaply:stalls in markets, kiosks in parks (Vondelpark), seasonal fairs. Price: 3-5 euros for a portion (10-12 pieces).
Dutch Cheeses (Gouda, Edam, Leerdammer)
The Netherlands is famous for its hard and semi-hard cheeses. TheGouda(named after the city) is the most common: young (jong, soft and sweet), aged (oud, harder and more flavorful), smoked (rookkaas). TheEdam(red ball shape) is lighter. TheLeerdammeris sweet and has small holes. They can be tasted and purchased by weight.
Where to find them cheaply:markets (cheese stalls), cheese shops (kaaswinkel), supermarkets (Albert Heijn has great cheeses at low prices). Price by weight: 5-10 euros per kg for young cheese, more for aged. Free samples are common.
Tip:buy a small slice and bread at the supermarket for a picnic.
Bitterballen
Fried meatballs (breaded and then fried) with a creamy filling of meat ragout (beef or veal) and spices. They are the ideal snack to accompany a beer in a brown café. They are eaten with your hands, dipping them in mustard. Be careful: the filling is hot inside!
Where to find them cheaply:brown cafés, snack bars, some markets (fried on the spot). Price: 5-8 euros for a dish (6-8 pieces).
Stamppot
The quintessential winter dish: mashed potatoes mixed with root or leaf vegetables (curly kale – boerenkool, spinach, carrots and onions – hutspot, sauerkraut – zuurkool). It is served with arookworst(smoked sausage) and sometimes with pieces of smoked bacon (spek). It is a hearty one-dish meal.
Where to find it cheaply:rarer to find in street food version. Some markets (Albert Cuyp) sell it in portions. In ethnic restaurants or Dutch cuisine places (not expensive). Price: 8-12 euros.
Drop (Licorice)
The Dutch love licorice in all its forms: sweet, salty (zout), very hard, soft, coin-shaped, cone-shaped. It is an acquired taste: foreigners often find it disgusting (especially the salty kind). But it is a cultural experience.
Where to find it cheaply:supermarkets (Albert Heijn, Jumbo) for a few euros for a bag.
Map of Low-Cost Eating Areas
Albert Cuypmarkt (De Pijp):the best concentration of herring, fries, poffertjes, cheese stalls.
Ten Katemarkt (Oud-West):less touristy, great for fish and cheese at local prices.
Dappermarkt (Oost):multicultural, also offers ethnic dishes at rock-bottom prices.
FEBO (various locations):snack bar chain with the famous "wall." Croquettes, hamburgers, fries.
Supermarkets (Albert Heijn, Lidl, Jumbo):for breakfasts, picnics, packaged stroopwafels, sliced cheeses.
Example of Low-Cost Meals in a Day
Breakfast:yogurt, muesli, bread and cheese from the supermarket (3-5 euros).
Lunch:herring + fries at the Albert Cuyp market (8-10 euros).
Snack:hot stroopwafel (3 euros).
Dinner:stamppot or bitterballen in a brown café (10-12 euros).
Total for the day:24-30 euros per person (drinks not included).
FAQ-LOW-COST LOCAL SPECIALTIES
What is the cheapest typical Dutch dish?
Fries (patat) and herring are the cheapest (3-6 euros). The hot stroopwafel is around 2-4 euros. Supermarket cheese is very low (2-3 euros a slice).
Where can I try herring without spending much?
At the fish stalls in the markets (Albert Cuypmarkt, Ten Katemarkt). It costs about 4 euros for a whole herring or a sandwich. Avoid central restaurants.
Do supermarkets sell ready-made food?
Yes, Albert Heijn has a “to go” section with sandwiches, salads, sushi, fries, hot croquettes. Low prices. Some have microwaves for heating.
Is it allowed to eat on the street?
Yes, it is normal to eat herring, fries, stroopwafel while walking. Just be careful not to dirty the sidewalks. There are bins everywhere.
What should I absolutely avoid eating (because it's too expensive or touristy)?
Restaurants in the main squares (Dam, Rembrandtplein, Leidseplein) have inflated prices and mediocre quality. Dutch pancakes served at the table can cost 15-20 euros: better to go for the poffertjes version at the market.
Are there vegetarian/vegan options?
Yes, the fries are vegan (check the mayonnaise sauce: traditional Dutch contains eggs). The original stroopwafel is vegetarian (contains butter and eggs). Vegetarian cheese is rare (animal rennet). Supermarkets sell vegan alternatives (vegetable burgers, soy yogurt).
What is the typical sweet to take home?
Packaged stroopwafels(found in any supermarket, even in mini versions).Drop (licorice)for adventurous friends.Vacuum-packed cheese(at markets, to be declared at customs).
Eating in Amsterdam on a Budget
Eating well in Amsterdam doesn't necessarily mean spending 50 euros per meal. Markets, snack bars, and supermarkets offer a plethora of authentic flavors at affordable prices. Herring at the counter, fries with satésaus, hot stroopwafel, and young cheese are sensory experiences that tell the Dutch culture better than any Michelin-starred restaurant. During yourholidays in Amsterdam, indulge in the luxury of simplicity: your stomach (and wallet) will thank you.
To discover all the culinary secrets and more of the Dutch capital, read our complete guide to Amsterdam.
Revision date:November 15, 2025