One of the best ways to learn about a country is through its food. My first meal in a new city is always in a street food market, so I can taste samples of recommended favourites. In Amsterdam, the top 5 must haves:
1.
Poffertjes – mini light and fluffy pancake balls, made with yeast and buckwheat flour, dusted with icing sugar and drizzled with syrup or a side serve of jam. Not as sweet as I expected, and perfect as a shared snack.
2.
Frites – these are really the
best potato chips! Hand cut thick potato fingers, doubled fried for that crispy on the outside and fluffy potato goodness in the inside, perfection. Slathered with may, and your choice of satay, curry, spicy, or sweet and sour sauce, then topped with diced red onions. Personally, I can do without the onions.
3.
Herring sandwich – raw herring marinated in a mild vinegar pickle or brine, served on its own, with onions, or in a bread roll with onions. Though a delicate flavour, this is one of those treats you will probably only love if you grew up on it.
4.
Kroket – these are so popular, you can buy the rolls from vending machines! Think deep-fried breaded roll filled with beef (or chicken) ragout. Put these in-between a bread roll, add tomato, lettuce, and mustard, and you've got yourself a delicious**
kroket burger. Perfect for filling lunch.
5.
Stroopwafels - made from two thin layers of baked batter with a caramel syrup filling in the middle, these are best served warm out of the oven. Available gluten-free at the
Albert Cuyp market!
Of course, don't forget the local brews Heineken and Amstel – they go well with any of these street foods!
** according to friends.
What are your favourite street foods in Amsterdam? Please share in the comments.
