Bucket list experience:
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.
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Destination Guide >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.
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
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.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
These cosy, centuries-old neighbourhood pubs are the most authentic place for a local pint.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | Any
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
A sprawling food, shopping and cultural complex tucked inside a turn-of-the-century red-brick complex, that includes an indoor food hall with over 20 different international street food stalls.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
One of the city’s most popular attractions is the historic 1867 Heineken brewery, which has retained the original brewing room with its enormous vintage copper vats and antique brewing equipment.
Best for ages: 18+ | £18
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Ultra-plush five-star luxury in a landmark hotel. Perfectly located on the southern of the character-filled Canal Ring, walking distance to the big art museums.
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Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Character-filled hotel in historic canal-facing buildings. The quintessential heritage stay, and perfectly located for exploring the city and enjoying up the Canal Ring atmosphere.
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Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Eclectic interiors, a stellar canal-front setting and the almost perfect location make this design hotel a true standout.
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Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
An intimate hotel in historic canal-facing buildings, with stylishly updated interiors. One of the trendiest places to stay in Amsterdam.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
North Holland, Netherlands
Picturesque Golden Age canals, premier league art, cosy cafés, and liberal urban living combine to make Amsterdam one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals.
