Amsterdam is a city with a rich culinary history, and one of the best ways to experience it is by trying the local snacks and street food. From savory stroopwafels to sweet poffertjes, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of the best snacks and street food to try during your time in Amsterdam, along with recommendations for where to find them. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a unique taste of the city, you’ll find it on this list.
Rather fancy a “proper” diner? Check out our Top Restaurants in Amsterdam (or for vegans: Best Vegan Restaurants in Amsterdam).
Stroopwafels – These thin waffles are made of two layers of dough with a caramel-like syrup filling in the middle. They are a popular snack in the Netherlands and can be found at many street vendors and cafes. A great place to try stroopwafels is at The Stroopwafel Bakery, which has several locations throughout the city.
Poffertjes – These small, fluffy pancakes are a popular street food in Amsterdam. They are often served with butter and powdered sugar, and can also be topped with fruit or chocolate sauce. A great place to try poffertjes is at De Poffertjeskraam, a street vendor that specializes in these delicious treats.
Bitterballen – These deep-fried balls of meat and gravy are a popular bar snack in the Netherlands. They are often served with mustard for dipping. You can find bitterballen at many bars and pubs throughout the city.
Kroketten – Similar to bitterballen, kroketten are deep-fried balls of meat and gravy. They are a popular snack in the Netherlands and can be found at many street vendors and cafes. A great place to try kroketten is at FEBO, a chain of vending machine-style restaurants that serve a variety of deep-fried snacks.
Frites – These Belgian fries are a popular snack in Amsterdam and can be found at many street vendors and cafes. They are often served with a variety of sauces for dipping, such as mayonnaise or peanut sauce. A great place to try frites is at Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx, a popular frites stand that has been serving up delicious fries for over 50 years.
Gouda cheese – Amsterdam is known for its delicious Gouda cheese, and it is a must-try snack while you’re in the city. You can find it at many cheese shops and street markets, such as the Albert Cuypmarkt or the Noordermarkt.
Appeltaart – This Dutch apple pie is a sweet and delicious snack to try while you’re in Amsterdam. It is often served with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream. You can find appeltaart at many cafes and bakeries throughout the city.
Kibbeling – This snack is made of deep-fried chunks of white fish and is often served with a variety of sauces for dipping. It is a popular street food in Amsterdam and can be found at many vendors and markets. A great place to try kibbeling is at Kibbeling Express, a popular street vendor that specializes in this delicious snack.
Raw herring – This traditional Dutch snack is made of raw herring served on a small bun with onions and pickles. It is a popular street food in Amsterdam and can be found at many vendors and markets. A great place to try raw herring is at Haringhandel, a street vendor that has been serving up fresh herring for over 60 years.
Oliebollen – These deep-fried dough balls are a popular snack in the Netherlands and are often served at fairs and festivals. They can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings, such as raisins or cheese. You can find oliebollen at many street vendors and markets during the holiday season.
Amsterdam is a city with a rich culinary history, and trying the local snacks and street food is a great way to experience it. From savory stroopwafels to sweet poffertjes, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. We hope our list of the best snacks and street food to try in Amsterdam, along with recommendations for where to find them, has given you some ideas for tasty treats to try during your time in the city. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a unique taste of Amsterdam, you’ll find something to suit your taste on this list. Bon appétit!