Top Homemade Meals To Eat With A Local When Visiting Amsterdam

Guest Blogs Guest post by
TWB proudly presents...

Growing up with a Dutch mother I adore home made Dutch food. And as much as we enjoyed trying all the foods in Amsterdam, nothing beats home made. 

There are many things to do in Amsterdam but there is no better way to get to know the locals and immerse in the unique Dutch culture other than eating a homemade meal with a local. And I love that Withlocals you can do just that.

While there are plenty of fancy restaurants to go around, sharing a meal with a local will provide you with an insight into the lives of Amsterdam residents and result in a much richer experience.

Pannenkoeken

These are sweet and savory Dutch pancakes. They are traditionally eaten with sweet or savory foods such as bacon, apple syrup called stroop, chocolate, raisins, nuts, etc. Some locals eat these with smoked salmon and may even add some fresh cream. Tourists will take an All You Can Eat Cruise, but we suggest getting some home made. 

Hollandse Nieuwe Haring

This is a soused herring that is usually served with chopper raw unions and pickles. However, you can’t call it Hollandse nieuwe haring unless the fish has been caught between May and July, as that is the only time of the year when the fish has gathered an ideal amount of fat. That is usually around 16 percent and gives the fish its rich and distinct texture and aroma. Traditional fishermen first clean and gut the fish, but leave the pancreas to allow the fish to mature. The fish is then preserved in brine and eaten with or without bread.

Erwtensoep

Erwtensoep is a thick and extremely rich pea soup. Locals say that you need to stand a spoon in it, that’s how thick it must be. It is made of dried green peas and other vegetables such as onions, leeks, potatoes, carrots as well with various pork cuts. This soup is usually served with roggebrood, a rye bread, and katenspek, smoked bacon, along with butter and cheese.

Oliebollen

These are Dutch doughnuts which are usually eaten on New Year’s Eve, but locals love to have them anytime during winter. The word "oliebollen" actually means oil balls - not because they have too much oil, but because they are deep fried. The dough is made with flour, eggs, sugar and lemon zest and may also contain dried fruits. The oliebollen are served hot with plenty of powdered sugar and a cup of tea or coffee on the side.

Stamppot

Stamppot is anything but a pretentious food like on those fancy restaurants, but locals love it. It is nutritious and tasty and it is also meant to keep you warm during the harsh Dutch winters. The dish consists of smashed potatoes and other vegetables mixed with spices which are usually served with sliced smoked sausage and some delicious gravy. There are different versions of stampoot, such as hutspot, made with carrots and onions, zuurkol with sauerkraut, and boerenkool, made with fresh kale.

Find A Local To Share A Meal With

If you’re in Amsterdamdon’t miss out on the opportunity to eat with a local, enjoy savory foods and share a glass of beer/wine and a story. Find a local willing to provide you with a unique Dutch culinary experience on Withlocals and enjoy an unforgettable experience. It is a great way to eat like a like a local and experience some authentic Dutch dishes. Withlocals is a peer-to-peer online travel marketplace that unites local people with travelers through food and experiences. Engaging with a local can be the ideal way for foreign travelers to add overall authentic and individual charm of the traveling moments. Can there be a better way to be introduced to a new culture than by sampling native cuisine?

Dan is extremely fond of delicious food. Whenever he visits a new destination he always attempts to enjoy the local food. 

Write Your Comment