As you explore the vibrant city of Amsterdam during the Christmas season, one of the most delightful experiences is indulging in its festive cuisine.
The Dutch capital offers an array of mouthwatering dishes that capture the essence of the holidays, allowing you to immerse yourself in the festive spirit through your taste buds.
From sweet treats to savory comfort foods, Amsterdam has something to satisfy every palate during this magical time of year.
In this article, we’ll be highlighting seven must-try foods that capture the spirit of a Dutch Christmas and introduce you to the delicious culinary traditions of Amsterdam.
Dutch Christmas Traditions
During the festive season in Amsterdam, you’ll notice how Dutch Christmas traditions highlight a love and culture centered around food and sharing.
One popular character you’ll come across is Sinterklaas, who is believed to bring gifts for children and families on the evening of December 5th.
Sinterklaas is often surrounded by festive treats such as chocolate letters, pepernoten, and marzipan figurines.
When it comes to Christmas dinner, gourmetten is a common tradition in Dutch households.
This involves a tabletop grill where family members cook their own meats, seafood, and vegetables, which can include some traditional holiday fare like herring and roasted meats.
This interactive approach to dinner promotes a sense of sharing, bonding, and fostering family connections during the holiday season.
Dutch Christmas cookies are another aspect of the season you’ll surely be tempted to indulge in. Spice-infused treats like Speculaas, made with a blend of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, are enjoyed by many throughout the Netherlands.
The warm spices and unique flavors of these cookies create a cozy atmosphere that complements the wintry landscape.
Not only are Christmas treats enjoyed and shared, but they’re also steeped in tradition.
For instance, Speculaas cookies are often pressed into intricate wooden molds, displaying charming images related to the festive period.
These cookies can be both a visual treat and a sweet delight, showcasing the artistry and skills passed down through generations of Dutch bakers.
When I travel to Amsterdam during Christmas, I always plan ahead and book my flights and hotels early to avoid any last-minute hassles. Plus, I can’t stress enough how valuable it is to get a city card. It not only provides access to numerous attractions at a reduced cost, but it truly enhances the overall experience. I highly recommend you do the same; it’s a game-changer for your trip!
Traditional Dutch Foods
When visiting Amsterdam during Christmas, there are several traditional Dutch foods you must try to get an authentic taste of the local cuisine.
To start, indulge in some herring, a popular fish dish often served raw, accompanied by onions and pickles. This dish is available at herring stands and markets around the city.
Don’t miss out on trying Dutch pancakes or pannenkoeken, which are larger and thinner than American pancakes. They can be both savory and sweet, with toppings like cheese, vegetables, or even fruit. You’ll find countless pancake houses in Amsterdam, ready to cater to your taste buds.
Cheese is a staple ingredient in Dutch cuisine, with Gouda being one of the most famous Dutch cheeses. Head to a local cheese shop or market to sample some delicious varieties of gouda, smoked gouda, and other Dutch cheeses.
Oliebollen, a traditional Dutch treat, is a must-try during the Christmas season. These deep-fried dough balls, filled with raisins and dusted with powdered sugar, are a tasty and festive snack found at Christmas markets and street food stands.
Stroopwafels and poffertjes are two more Dutch delights you’ll want to taste. Stroopwafels are thin waffle-like cookies filled with a sweet caramel syrup, while poffertjes are mini fluffy pancakes served with powdered sugar and butter. You can find these in cafes and street food stalls all around Amsterdam.
For a savory snack, try bitterballen and kroket, both deep-fried meaty treats usually served with mustard. These are common finger foods in Dutch pubs, perfect for sharing while enjoying a drink with friends.
Another popular snack is patatje oorlog, Dutch fries served with peanut satay sauce, mayonnaise, and onions. You might also want to try kibbeling, which are battered and fried pieces of fish, commonly served with a garlicky mayo sauce.
Lastly, to satisfy your sweet tooth, have a slice of the famous Dutch apple pie from Winkel 43, a cafe renowned for its delicious pie.
Warm up during the chilly Christmas season with a comforting cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate, found in many cafes or outdoor stands.
By trying these traditional Dutch foods, you will undoubtedly get a sense of authentic Dutch cuisine and enrich your Amsterdam Christmas experience.
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Must Try Foods in Amsterdam during Christmas
During Christmas in Amsterdam, you can indulge in various delicious Dutch delicacies that are both sweet and savory.
Here are seven must-try foods to enhance your festive experience:
- Oliebollen: These traditional Dutch treats resemble doughnuts and are typically enjoyed on New Year’s Eve. Packed with raisins, currants, or sultanas, they are deep-fried to perfection and often dusted with powdered sugar.
- Stroopwafel: This popular Dutch cookie consists of two thin waffle layers with a caramel-like syrup filling. You can find them in local markets and bakeries, often served warm and fresh.
- Dutch Pancakes (Pannenkoeken): Thinner than American pancakes but thicker than crepes, Dutch pancakes come in both sweet and savory varieties. You can enjoy them with toppings such as bacon, cheese, Nutella, or fruit.
- Dutch Apple Pie (Appeltaart) at Winkel 43: Located in the heart of Amsterdam, Winkel 43 serves one of the city’s most famous apple pies. This sweet treat is an essential stop on your festive food tour.
- Kroket and Patatje Oorlog: These savory snacks are perfect for satisfying your hunger during a busy day of sightseeing. Kroket is a deep-fried roll filled with a creamy meat mixture, while Patatje Oorlog is Dutch-style French fries topped with mayonnaise, peanut sauce, and chopped onions.
- Dutch Cheese (Kaas): The Netherlands is known for its cheese, and Gouda is among the most popular varieties. Visit a local cheese shop and sample various types, including the smoked Gouda, which is perfect for a festive platter.
- Warm Beverages: During Christmas in Amsterdam, sipping on warm drinks such as Gluhwein (mulled wine) or hot chocolate is a must. You can find these comforting beverages at winter markets, ice-skating rinks, and cafes sprinkled throughout the city.
Ending Thoughts on Dutch Cuisine
As you explore the culinary delights of Amsterdam during Christmas, it’s easy to immerse yourself in the rich and diverse flavors of Dutch cuisine.
Stroopwafels are an all-time favorite, consisting of two thin waffles with a layer of sweet syrup in between. These mouth-watering treats, best enjoyed warm and gooey from a street market or bakery, are sure to make you fall in love with Dutch desserts.
Don’t miss out on the famous Dutch cheese, as the Netherlands is renowned for its variety of cheese ranging from soft to hard, and old to young.
Cheese shops and delicatessens offer an array of choices for you to sample and include in your festive feast.
Satisfy your savory cravings with a serving of Bitterballen, which are tasty Dutch meatballs often accompanied by a dipping sauce. These make for a perfect appetizer or snack as you explore Amsterdam’s lively Christmas markets.
Another must-try delicacy is Poffertjes, miniature Dutch pancakes that melt in your mouth. Topped with powdered sugar and butter, these fluffy morsels are a festive crowd-pleaser.
Indulge in Dutch Apple Pie, a scrumptious dessert with a spiced apple filling and beautiful lattice top. This sweet delight is an absolute must during your wintery visit to Amsterdam.
For a true taste of the sea, savor some Kibbeling, which is fried cod usually served with a side of tartar sauce. It’s a popular street food that will undoubtedly leave you craving more.
Lastly, don’t leave Amsterdam without trying Dutch Fries. Ask for ‘patatje oorlog’ to experience the unique combination of peanut satay sauce, mayo, and onions, or ‘patat speciaal’ for a mix of curry ketchup, mayonnaise, and onions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the traditional Dutch foods during Christmas?
During Christmas in the Netherlands, traditional Dutch foods include hearty dishes like stampotten, a mashed potato dish with vegetables like kale or carrots mixed in, and rookworst, a smoked sausage.
Another popular dish is erwtensoep, a thick pea soup with ham and smoked sausage.
What are some must-try snacks in Amsterdam during the festive season?
In Amsterdam during the festive season, be sure to try some delicious snacks like oliebollen, deep-fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar, and poffertjes, small fluffy pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar.
Gevulde speculaas, a cross between a cookie and a cake, is another delightful treat with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg to add a delightful Christmas flavor.
Which restaurants serve the best Christmas meals in Amsterdam?
For a special Christmas meal in Amsterdam, Michelin-starred restaurants La Rive and Bord’Eau are excellent choices.
Additionally, seafood lovers can enjoy fine dining at Meneer Nieges or Hoek van Holland, two of the city’s best seafood restaurants.
What are the local Christmas food traditions in the Netherlands?
Local Christmas food traditions in the Netherlands include enjoying festive treats like kerstkransjes, buttery or almond cookies often hung on Christmas trees.
Furthermore, Dutch families often prepare gourmetten, a fun meal where participants cook small pieces of meat, fish, or vegetables on a tabletop grill accompanied by various sauces and side dishes.
Are there any unique sweets or desserts to try in Amsterdam at Christmas?
Amsterdam offers a variety of unique sweets and desserts at Christmas, such as Banketstaaf, a puff pastry roll filled with almond paste.
Another popular treat, speculaas cookies, are thin, spiced cookies traditionally eaten in the shape of a windmill or other festive designs.
Where can we find Christmas-themed food markets in Amsterdam?
For a Christmas-themed food market experience in Amsterdam, visit the Neighbourfood Market in Westergasfabriek, particularly during their Christmas Edition on December 19 and 20, where you’ll enjoy a festive atmosphere and a wide selection of holiday foods and treats.
Final thoughts
In Amsterdam during Christmas, you’ll find various delightful food options to indulge in. Some of the must-try foods at Christmas markets include Dutch cookies, Banketstaaf (pastry filled with almond paste), Jan Hagel cookies, and warming up with mulled wine.
These festive treats are not only delicious, but they also bring an authentic Dutch experience that truly captures the essence of the holiday season in the Netherlands.
So, make sure to savor these delicacies and enjoy your Christmas visit to Amsterdam.
