Roti, stamppot & co.: the 5 tastiest Dutch dishes

If you think the culinary world of the Netherlands starts with Kroket and ends with Frikandel Spezial, you should stick your nose out of the Febo and into Amsterdam’s food culture! In fact, there are countries of specialities, oceans of the finest drinks and one or two international influences that you might not have expected at first. Dutch cuisine has so much more to offer beyond classics such as vla and stroopwaffel than many people realise. Our beautiful capital city in particular reflects the multicultural character of the Netherlands and this is also reflected in the cuisine. Of course, you can also get the classic Dutch pancakes here. But in this blog, we hope to give you some more authentic Dutch dishes that you may never have heard of.

Here are 5 truly Dutch dishes that make our mouths water! So be sure to try them out on your trip to Amsterdam and broaden your culinary horizons. Pssst… If you can’t get enough of these tips, you should take a look at our cultural food tour. 😊

1) Bitterballen: Deep-fried happiness in ball form

So that all those travelling across the border for their beloved deep-fried goodies don’t miss out, our popular bitterballen must of course still come first. Bitterballen are small deep-fried balls filled with a kind of beef ragout. Super tasty, these little things! Incidentally, these are now also an option for vegetarians and vegans, as they are also available in plant-based form almost everywhere in the city. So head to the brown café (= really classic Amsterdam bar) of your choice, grab a beer or a glass of wine and a portion of bitterballen! If that’s not enough, you can order a whole “bitter garnish”. This consists of a mix of bitterballen, cheese sticks and deep-fried chicken and is usually served with all kinds of delicious sauces. The ideal starter platter for your borrel!

Fun Fact: Yes, the Dutch have invented a word for the activity of drinking beer/snacking/snacking: Borrel. Since all three pleasures of life are such a big part of Dutch culture, a separate word for this mix of enjoyable activities was a must.

2) Stamppot: The true national dish of the Netherlands

There is some truth in the fact that Dutch cuisine consists a lot of deep-fried snacks. But not only, of course! When we talk about Dutch dishes, there is one thing that should not be missing in autumn. Because if you like it really authentic and rustic, you should definitely try stamppot! This delicious potato/vegetable mash comes in all sorts of variations, with the one with endive being by far the most popular (“Andijviestamppot”). Theoretically, however, you could use any vegetable that goes well with mashed potato. A Dutch dish that you are guaranteed to only get here! It is usually served with a hearty “rookworst”, gravy and you have the perfect Dutch home-cooked meal! It also goes perfectly with the cosy autumn atmosphere and the temperatures right now… 🍁

In our opinion, the best stamppot can be found at Café Zonneveld in the beautiful Jordaan neighbourhood!

3) Roti: Surinamese speciality meets the Netherlands

Strictly speaking, roti refers to a specially prepared flatbread that is native to the Indian subcontinent. In the Netherlands, however, roti is one of the national dishes, thanks to the multicultural character of the Netherlands. This delicious dish originally comes from Suriname (one of the largest former Dutch colonies) and came to Europe mainly with the large waves of immigrants in the 1970s. Classically, this (not so) Dutch dish always consists of 4 parts: Specially pickled meat, pickled green beans, spiced potatoes and Surinamese bread. Every Dutch child grows up with a trusted roti shop and if you were to ask some Amsterdammers on the street, many would tell you roti is their favourite food. So Amsterdam is the perfect place to broaden your culinary experience and try a cuisine that you rarely find in Germany!

Insider tip: Almost every roti shop in Amsterdam is good, as most of them rely on family recipes. So just pop in and order the roti combination that appeals to you the most!

4) Fries: the all-time favourite

The Belgians used to be our biggest trade rival, but today they are still fighting with the Dutch over who makes the best fries. Both countries are known for their characteristically thick-cut fries. But these are only half the battle in the Netherlands. Just as important as the potato – if not more so – is the sauce you choose to go with them! Mayo is by far the most popular, but you can also get it at home. If you want to try something more unusual – and typically Dutch – you should try saté sauce (peanut), piccalilly (spicy sauce with pickled gherkins, onions and turmeric) or joppie sauce (curry mayo).

Fun fact: Here in Germany, the classic order is Pommes Schranke. Here in the Netherlands, you can order “war” fries (Patatje Oorlog) instead. Sounds gross? It is. These are fries with peanut sauce + mayo + small onions. So if you’re a little braver when travelling, try this typically Dutch combination 😉.

5) Indonesian: From saté sauce to rijsttafel

Before the Dutch were able to combine peanut sauce with their beloved fries, this (along with all sorts of other delicacies) first had to cross several oceans from Indonesia to Europe. As dark and problematic as the colonial history of the Netherlands is, it has made Amsterdam a cosmopolitan, very multicultural and free-spirited city. Indonesian cuisine is highly regarded here and a real favourite when it comes to exceptional Dutch dishes. For the best and most varied experience, order a “Rijsttafel”: a mix of typical Indonesian dishes served in small tasting portions at a table. Perfect if you’re looking for a great shared dining option for the whole family/group/football team!

Insider tip: If you still have room for dessert afterwards, you should definitely try the delicious “Spekkoek”. Don’t worry, it has nothing to do with bacon, but is a sweet, layered Indonesian treat – similar to our Baumkuchen!

So, which Dutch dish has piqued your curiosity? Whether you’re looking for hearty home cooking, flavoursome Surinamese cuisine or simply the best fries in town, you’re guaranteed to get your money’s worth in our beautiful Amsterdam. ❤️