15 Dutch Snacks You Need To Try in the Netherlands

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You might be wondering what Dutch snacks are popular in Dutch food culture. Well, there are actually quite a lot! As a Dutch person who has lived in the Netherlands for more than 20 years, I can say I’ve eaten a lot of Dutch snacks in my life.

From sweet to savory snacks, there is something here for everyone. To make things a little easier for you, I’ve compiled this list of 15 Dutch snacks you need to try in the Netherlands. Read on to find out more about traditional Dutch food.

Dutch snacks you need to try in the Netherlands

I always feel like you get a better idea of a culture when you’ve tried their food, especially their snacks. Going on a food tour in Amsterdam is a perfect chance to get to know more about Dutch food. Some snacks you can also buy in the supermarket yourself.

To get a better idea of Dutch food culture, I highly recommend trying the following snacks during your next trip in the Netherlands:

Haring: a seafood sensation

Kickstart your snacking experience with haring, a Dutch delicacy that is especially recommendable for seafood lovers. I must say I do find the structure a bit intense!

This raw herring is often served with onions and pickles and offers a flavor that showcases Dutch maritime traditions.

Poffertjes: bite-sized pancakes

If you’re more of a sweet tooth, then you should definitely try poffertjes. They’re one of my favorite snacks of the Netherlands. They kind of look like small pancakes and are eaten with ”poedersuiker”, also known as powdered sugar.

poffertjes with poedersuiker in a bowl with a fork in it — Poffertjes with poedersuiker

Kroket: crispy and creamy

During your time here, you should definitely try a kroket. I’m not sure if this even exists in other parts of the world. I’ve never seen it somewhere else to be honest. It’s a deep-fried breaded roll that is filled with meat.

You can also have different kind of fillings, such as a vegetarian kroket or a shrimp kroket. This golden snack is very popular among locals!

Bossche Bol: a delight from Brabant

Originating from the Brabant province, Bossche Bol is a round pastry filled with whipped cream and coated in rich dark chocolate. It’s really delicious and if possible, try to get one in Brabant itself.

Especially if you’re a chocolate lover or a sweet tooth in general, this is a must-try when visiting the Netherlands.

Patatje Oorlog: flavorful fries

Another favorite of Dutch locals is called patatje oorlog. Weirdly enough this translates to chips war. If you like chips with a twist, you should definitely try it.

It combines crispy French fries with a combination of toppings, including mayonnaise, satay sauce, and chopped onions. You either love it or you hate it. It’s not my favorite, but my boyfriend loves it. Personally, I prefer a patatje joppie.

chips with sate sauce mayo onions — Patatje oorlog

Frikadel: a different kind of sausage

My favorite Dutch snack: the frikadel! This is a grilled minced meat sausage. I’m not sure if anyone knows what exactly is inside. I think it’s a combination of meats, which doesn’t sound tasty, but it actually is.

This handheld snack is often enjoyed on its own or served in a white bun, making it a popular choice for a quick and satisfying snack on the go.

frikadel with garden in the background — Frikadel

Stroopwafels: the sweetheart of Dutch treats

You probably have heard of stroopwafels, the famous Dutch sweet snacks. No journey through Dutch snacks would be complete without having some stroopwafels. These thin, caramel-filled waffle cookies are a national treasure.

You can buy them on a market or you can just buy them in the supermarket. If you buy them on the market, they mostly have the option to chose ”stroopwafelkruimels” as well, which translates to stroopwafel crumbles. If you get the chance, definitely try these.

Drop: licorice magic

Another famous Dutch snack: drop. Drop is the beloved Dutch licorice candy. There’s a wide range of flavors and textures, from sweet and fruity to salty, drop is a snack that captures the Dutch passion for licorice.

Take a bite and discover your favorite kind of drop. My personal favorite are the ”dropfruit duo’s”, which you can find in the supermarket for a few euros.

Tompouce: an elegant Dutch pastry

For a sweet taste of elegance, treat yourself to a tompouce. This iconic Dutch pastry consists of layers of flaky puff pastry filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with a delicate pink glaze. In the Netherlands, tompouce is often served for special occasions or as a luxurious snack.

Appelkruimelvlaai: a slice of Dutch tradition

Treat yourself to a slice of appelkruimelvlaai, a traditional Dutch apple crumble pie. It has a buttery crust, sweet apple filling, and crunchy crumble topping. In the Netherlands it’s a classic.

You might see it get served when you’re attending a verjaardag (birthday) here. It’s one of the most delicious Dutch snacks out there.

Bitterballen: bite-sized delights

Bitterballen are small, round croquettes filled with a mixture of meat ragout, herbs, and spices. These crispy and flavorful snacks are often enjoyed with a side of mustard for dipping.

You’ll often see bitterballen at Dutch borrels (social gatherings) as they are perfect for sharing with friends while having some drinks. In most Dutch cafes, such as the local bars in Amsterdam, they will have bitterballen for you to order.

Kapsalon: an intense fast food favorite

A favorite among many locals: the kapsalon. This is the ultimate Dutch fast food experience. This dish features fries topped with grilled meat, melted cheese, salad, and a drizzle of garlic sauce. It’s a very filling meal that brings together the best of street food and comfort food in one delicious package.

A lot of the time locals eat this after they’ve gone out clubbing or drinking. You can also order a kapsalon at most kebab places on Thuisbezorgd, which is the Dutch go to website to order your food. It literally translates to delivered at home.

Zeeuwse Bolus: a sweet and delicious spiral

Originally from Zeeland province, the Zeeuwse Bolus is a tasty pastry with a unique twisted shape.

This sweet and sticky treat is made by rolling dough in a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and butter, resulting in a delicious caramelized coating.

The Zeeuwse Bolus is a true local specialty that is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. If possible, try this snack in Zeeland.

Zeeuwe Bolus: brown, sugary and sticky round Dutch treat

Oliebollen: a New Year’s sweet tradition

As the New Year approaches, you will see stalls appear that serve oliebollen. The Dutch celebrate New Year’s with oliebollen. These deep-fried dough balls, often dusted with powdered sugar, are a very beloved treat during the end of the year.

You can also chose to have a ”krentenbol”, which is an oliebol filled with raisins. This is my personal favorite. If you’re in the Netherlands during New Year’s, definitely welcome the new year with an oliebol!

Whenever you see a ”Gebakskraam”, know that you can buy an oliebol there!

gebakskraam in Amsterdam where you can eat Dutch snacks

Kibbeling: fried fish bites

Kibbeling is a popular Dutch snack made from small pieces of white fish, typically cod or haddock, coated in a light and crispy batter. These golden fish bites are often served with a side of dipping sauce, such as garlic or tartar sauce.

Kibbeling is definitely one of the best Dutch snacks to try in the Netherlands for seafood lovers. Try kibbeling when you’re here, especially when you’re visiting coastal places, such as Castricum.

In conclusion

The Dutch snack scene is home to quite a few culinary traditions. From the iconic haring to the sweet stroopwafels and poffertjes, these snacks offer a delicious glimpse into Dutch food culture. If you’re here during the end of the year, you’ll also get the chance to try some oliebollen.

I highly recommend tasting at least a few of these Dutch snacks during your travels in the Netherlands. Most of these snacks you will find in the supermarket, on markets or at Dutch cafes.

Whether you’re exploring the streets of Amsterdam or enjoying a cozy evening in, don’t miss the opportunity to try these Dutch snacks to experience true Dutch food culture.

Away with Danae

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15 Dutch Snacks You Need To Try in the Netherlands