Travel bucket list idea:
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Chips and mayonnaise
Dutch food has a reputation for being stodgy, but has undergone a renaissance in recent years.
In 2022, Amsterdam counted 19 Michelin-starred establishments, while across the board, restaurant kitchens have embraced local ingredients — from regionally grown produce to locally raised beef to fresh seafood from the North Sea.
Non-Dutch eateries predominate in multicultural Amsterdam and the diverse array of international offerings continues to grow. French, Italian, Japanese, Asian-fusion and Mediterranean are among the most popular, while the thriving immigrant communities in East Amsterdam — namely Indonesian, Ethiopian, Surinamese, and Turkish — have brought their cuisine to the capital.
Indonesian restaurants are particularly prevalent — the Dutch East India Company introduced the cuisine into Holland in the 17th century. The rijstaffel, or rice table, is a staple here; it features dozens of small plates — everything from spicy grilled satay to egg rolls to fried coconut — all served with plain white rice.
Traditional hearty Dutch dishes to try here include snert, a thick pea soup with meat, and stamppot (mash mixed with veg).
Snacks include pickled raw herring, chips with mayonnaise, and bitterballen (deep-fried meat croquettes). Popular for lunch is a broodje (sandwich), which can be stuffed with anything from ham and cheese to kroketten (croquettes).
The Netherlands is, of course, famous for cheese and you’ll stumble across excellent cheese shops dotted around the city.
Stroopwafels (round waffle cookies with caramel filling), poffertjes (mini pancakes dusted with sugar), and wedges of apple pie are classic Dutch treats.
But locals also like their sweets in the morning, and you’ll spot children and grown-ups alike topping their toast with chocolate sprinkles (hagelslag).
And of course, you’ll want to wash down your meal with a famous Dutch beer like Heineken or Amstel, or try a local craft brew from Brouwer ‘t IJ.
Editor: See our round-up of traditional Dutch foods you must try in the Netherlands.
Amsterdam’s version of the classic London pub – brown cafes (or brown bars) – have served as traditional drinking establishments for centuries. So named for their dark wood interiors and nicotine-stained walls, brown cafes are cosy spots for sampling local beers or shots of jenever (Dutch gin) while soaking up the historic atmosphere.
Eetcafés are food-oriented neighbourhood pubs with simple menus, while so-called ‘grand cafés’ are classic historical spaces serving more upscale cuisine.
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Experience
Stretching a half-mile, Amsterdam’s biggest street market has over 250 stands hawking everything from fresh produce to clothing to kitchenware and small electronics. Fuel up on local delicacies like stroopwafels, kibbling (fried fish) and Gouda cheese.
Good for age: 18+
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Amsterdam’s version of the classic London pub – brown cafés (or brown bars) – have served as traditional drinking establishments for centuries.
So named for their dark wood interiors and nicotine-stained walls, brown cafes are cosy spots for sampling local beers or shots of jenever (Dutch gin) while soaking up the historic atmosphere.
While these casual, convivial neighbourhood bars can be found across the city, some of the oldest are located in the Red Light District. Many brown cafes in the Canal Ring and Jordaan also sport lovely canalfront terraces in the warmer months.
Good for age: 18+
Duration: Any
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
This sprawling food, shopping and cultural destination is tucked inside a turn-of-the-century red-brick complex.
The biggest draw is Foodhallen, an indoor food hall with around 23 international street food stalls. Communal tables are made for mingling, or grab a stool at one of the four bars, including one dedicated exclusively to G&Ts. There’s also terrace seating in warmer weather.
Other attractions include the nine-screen De FilmHallen, which showcases arthouse films, plus a variety of concept stores and rotating art exhibitions.
Good for age: 18+
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
While Heineken is now brewed elsewhere in The Netherlands, this redbrick former brewery is where the brand started, back in 1867. A 1.5-hour self-guided tour here is a high-tech interactive experience, covering the history of Heineken, the heritage building, and the brewing process.
One of the highlights is visiting the original brewing room with its enormous vintage copper vats. Along the way you’ll see displays of antique Heineken signs, coasters, and other promotional materials.
At the end of the tour, you’ll learn how to pull the perfect draught at the Best ‘Dam Bar, located underground in the former fermentation cellar of the brewery, plus try two beers (included in the price of admission). And of course, you’ll exit through the gift shop — chock-full of Heineken-embossed items, from T-shirts to keychains to bottle openers.
If you’re really into beer, consider booking a pricier 2.5-hour VIP tour featuring a live guide, behind-the-scenes access (including a visit to the roof), and tastings of multiple beers from the Heineken portfolio.
Adult price: £18
Min age 18
Good for age: 18+
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Experience
This café at Noordermarkt 43 is justly famous for its home-made apple pie. It comes in thick, crusty wedges, and is flavoured with cinnamon.
Good for age: 18+
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Experience
This no-frills, standing-room-only proeflokaal (tasting house), hidden away off Dam Square and dating back to 1679, is an authentic place to try ‘Dutch gin’ (jenever). Choose from a wide selection of house-brewed, flavoured jenevers and liqueurs that line its precariously sagging shelves.
Min age 18
Good for age: 18+
Amsterdam’s casual, convivial neighbourhood ‘brown cafes’ can be found across the city, some of the oldest are located in the Red-Light District. Many brown cafes in the Canal Ring and Jordaan also sport lovely canalfront terraces in the warmer months. Good restaurants and eetcafes are also scattered around the canals and central district.
The Nine Streets have many small, quality cafes and restaurants, where you can sit on the street and watch the world go by. The same is true of the Jordaan district, home to the city’s most characterful brown cafés.
If you’re after ethnic eats, head to East Amsterdam and the culturally diverse Indische Buurt district. On and around Javastraat, its main artery, are all manner of foodstuffs, including Surinamese, Indonesian, and Indian, restaurants, Asian supermarkets, and Turkish bakeries and takeaway joints.
For a lively night out, head for Leidseplein, which has the biggest concentration of bars and nightclubs in Amsterdam – including famous, multi-purpose venues the Melkweg and Paradiso.
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