What to Eat in Amsterdam: A Food Guide

What to eat in Amsterdam

• Bitterballen

  Deep-fried beef ragout balls — the classic borrel (drinks) snack.

• Stroopwafel

  Warm, syrup-filled waffles fresh off the iron at Albert Cuyp Market.

• Haring

  Raw herring with onions, eaten upright at a fish stand — Dutch tradition.

• Indonesian rijsttafel

  Colonial-legacy tasting spread — try Blauw or Tempo Doeloe.

What to drink

Tap water is excellent and served free on request. Genever (Dutch gin), Trappist beers and modern craft beers are local strengths.

Dining etiquette and practicalities

• Direct communication is normal and not rude — Dutch will say what they think plainly.

• Tipping 5–10% at restaurants is appreciated but not obligatory (service is included).

• Split the bill (going Dutch) is common and unremarkable.

Where to eat in Amsterdam

• Grachtengordel (Canal Ring)

  UNESCO 17th-century canals — the postcard Amsterdam base for first-timers.

• Jordaan

  Café-lined canals, independent boutiques, Anne Frank House and the Nine Streets shopping district.

• Museum Quarter

  Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk and Concertgebouw around Museumplein.

• De Pijp

  Multi-cultural, Albert Cuyp Market and modern-Dutch food; great value stays.