Studera utomlands

As someone who loves trying new foods, I’ve been doing my best to try as many traditional Dutch foods as I can, so here’s a review of some of the ones I’ve had so far!

Stroopwafels

Does it get more Dutch than stroopwafels? Probably not. If you haven’t heard of them, they’re basically two thin biscuit layers with a spiced caramel/syrup filling in between. You find them in all grocery stores, but they’re best freshly made! Still one of the best things I’ve had and it’s also a great gift option! There are also soooo many stroopwafel-flavoured things here!

Kaas (Cheese)

The Dutch absolutely love their cheese and the one they’re most known for is Gouda. Other than in grocery stores, you can also get cheese at specific cheese stores and at the farmers market. You’ll find Gouda of all ages and also different flavours eg. sambal, spring herbs, italian herbs, cumin etc. I’m not a huge cheese fan so I can’t tell you much about them, but they taste pretty good and are also a great gift option for cheese lovers!

Pindakaas (Peanut butter)

Did you know peanut butter was invented in the Netherlands? I didn’t. Peanut butter is really popular here and can be found in lots of dishes, especially in the form of a peanut butter sauce. There are even stores selling only peanut butter and with different flavours! Apparently, it’s also a gift option here. I’ve tried both the peanut butter from the grocery store and the peanut butter store, I think they taste basically the same, both really nice though.

Frites (Fries)

Fries or frites as they’re called here are a super popular snack / street food, you’ll find them sold everywhere! There are also many shops selling only fries! Dutch fries are eaten with lots of different condiments and a combo of mayo, curry sauce and onions is a classic here. Although in my opinion, the curry sauce isn’t really curry but more a sweet-and-sour sauce – not really my thing. But the fries here are generally really good and the traditional condiments are worth a try!

Appletaart (Apple pie)

Apple pies are also a very Dutch thing as I have learned. Other than the fact that they seem to be served cold (at least that’s been the case when I or my friends have ordered them), there’s nothing too different about them. Personally, I’m not a fan of apple pie in general, but if you like apple pies, I think they could be worth a try.

Harring (Soused herring)

Harring is raw herring soaked in a preserving liquid, either a mild vinegar pickle or a brine of sorts. It’s very Dutch and you can have it on its own, or I see it often served inside a bread roll. I tried it on its own during orientation week and it’s quite the acquired taste. The texture is kind of like sashimi, but it’s got a very very fishy taste that I can’t say I enjoyed. I wouldn’t exactly recommend it, but it could be a fun experience and maybe you’ll like it, who knows?

That’s it for this entry, if you have any questions feel free to ask them below! 

See you in my next entry!

/ Rebekah