Did you know that Amsterdam alone has over 180 nationalities living there? Or that over 200 nationalities are represented across The Netherlands? Dutch food is a melting pot of cuisines from countries and regions all over the world and what we might consider ‘traditional’ now, was probably the invention of an immigrant that we made our own. Here are some excellent options for Dutch food, both sweet and savoury, that you should try on your trip to Rotterdam.
Poffertjes
Poffertjes are probably one of the most famous Dutch sweets. What Americans might call dollar pancakes, Poffertjes are small puffy pancakes, light and spongey in texture and made with yeast and buckwheat flour. They are baked in an iron skillet or a special Poffertjes pan and served with melted butter and dusted with icing sugar. Some people prefer them with lemon and sugar or chocolate. They can be found fresh in street food stalls, on a café menu and also pre-made in supermarkets.
Kapsalon
Although it wouldn’t be considered traditional having only been invented in 2003, Kapsalon has become a staple in Rotterdam. It’s a takeaway dream and popular with many nightclub lovers and late-night snackers. Kapsalon is a street food dish of French Fries topped with meat, like kebab or gyro, topped with slices of gouda cheese and heated in an oven until the cheese melts. It’s typically served with salad and various sauces – mainly garlic. For vegetarians, it can also be made with falafel. It’s all served in a metal takeaway tray and served to go. It’s delicious after a couple of Belgian beers or to cure a hangover.
Oliebollen (Dutch Doughnuts)
Oliebollen are a Dutch treat traditionally eaten during the winter months and are very popular at Christmas Markets. They are essentially a Dutch doughnut – deep-fried balls of sweetened dough served hot. We like to think it inspired the American version of the modern doughnut, but we can’t be sure. You’d usually get them at a market stall served with a generous sprinkling of icing sugar, or from your Grandma made with raisins or currents. Once you try one, you’ll find it hard to stop!
Stamppot
Also known as Hutspot, Stamppot is a hearty stew type dish incorporating vegetables, mashed potato, and smoked sausage. There are different versions of the dish depending on where it’s made and whether kale, sauerkraut or endives are used to finish it. The sausage used also varies from Dutch Rookworst, Spanish Chorizo or Polish Kielbasa. It’s a real belly-warmer and often a traditional dinner on a cold winter evening or before a long journey.
Stroopwafel
Stroopwafel is another Dutch treat that has probably travelled the furthest owing to large coffee chains like Starbucks mass producing them as an accompaniment to their hot drinks. Originating in Gouda, it is said that the first Stroopwafel was made in the 18th Century when a baker sweetened leftover breadcrumbs with a thick syrup. It’s basically a delicious caramel sandwiched between two thin waffles. A trick is to let your cookie rest over a hot drink to encourage the caramel inside to melt and make them sticky and gooey. Delicious! You’ll find them everywhere from bakeries to supermarkets.
Kroketten (Croquettes)
While you can find modern potato croquettes in bags frozen in the supermarket, nothing compares to a croquette made with love by Oma. Cousin to the popular Bitterballen, Croquettes are golden brown, deep fried, sausage-shaped snacks served hot from the oil. Inside a pocket of crispy breadcrumbs, you’ll find a mixture of mashed potato, beef, butter, herbs, and spices. They’re traditionally served with a mild mustard, but many prefer them alone.
PREMIER SUITES PLUS Rotterdam is the perfect place to stay to try some of our delicious Dutch cuisine. Our central location means we are surrounded by everything from traditional restaurants to fast food joints and everything in between. If you want to have a go yourself, you can become a chef in your private kitchen inside your suite. Book your stay using our official website for exclusive access to our best available rates and special offers. We look forward to welcoming you to PREMIER SUITES PLUS serviced apartments in Rotterdam.
