Eating Out The Dutch love going out to eat! Across the Netherlands, you’ll find cozy pizzerias, trendy sushi restaurants, and traditional Dutch eateries serving local favorites like stamppot, herring, and kibbeling.

All Tastes Welcome

The Netherlands is a true food lover’s paradise, offering a mix of authentic Dutch cuisine and international flavors from sushi, pizza, and roti, to curry, kebab, and more.

Whether you’re exploring Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or a small village café, you’ll find delicious options everywhere. From hearty Dutch comfort food to modern global dishes, you can taste the world right here in the Netherlands.

Eating Out or At Home

Dutch people enjoy dining in many different ways. Some love visiting fine dining restaurants for a special night out, while others prefer grabbing a quick bite from a local snackbar, a classic part of Dutch food culture.

You can enjoy your meal indoors, relax outside on a terrace, or order food online using popular Dutch delivery apps. Many restaurants and snack bars in the Netherlands offer takeaway and home delivery, so you can easily enjoy Dutch and international dishes without leaving your home. Eating Out

Dining Times – The Dutch Eat Early

Dinner in the Netherlands is usually served between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM, which is earlier than in many other countries. Most restaurants close around 10 PM, while snack bars often stay open a bit later.

If you’re used to late-night dining, plan ahead as Dutch kitchens close early!

Make a Reservation

Going out to eat is especially popular on weekends. Restaurants can get busy, so it’s a good idea to book a table in advance. During the week, there’s usually more space for walk-ins.

Dutch dishes explained

First time eating out in the Netherlands? Here are the most common dishes and snacks you need to know, and definitely try! Whether you’re visiting a cozy café, a traditional restaurant, or a classic snackbar, these Dutch favorites are everywhere and worth tasting.

• Bitterballen Small, round, deep-fried snacks filled with a creamy beef ragout. Crispy on the outside and soft inside. Usually served with mustard, a must-try bar snack.
• Kroket (Croquette) Cylindrical, deep-fried snack with a smooth meat filling (often beef or veal). Commonly eaten on a bread roll (broodje kroket).
• Frikandel Skinless, spiced meat sausage (a mix of pork, beef, and chicken). The famous frikandel speciaal comes with mayo, curry ketchup, and chopped onions.
• Cassoulet A hearty bean and meat casserole originally from France but sometimes found in Dutch menus. Made with sausage, beans, and vegetables – rich and comforting.
• Patat / Frites Dutch-style fries: thick, golden, and crispy. Popular toppings include mayonnaise, curry ketchup, or peanut sauce (satésaus). Try patatje oorlog (“fries war”) for a mix of all three plus onions!
• Loempia A large, crispy spring roll with a filling of meat and vegetables, inspired by Indonesian and Chinese cuisine. Served with sweet chili sauce.
• Haring Fresh raw herring, a Dutch delicacy! Served with chopped onions and pickles. Traditionally eaten by holding the fish by the tail and taking a bite.
• Kibbeling Battered and fried pieces of white fish (usually cod), served with garlic or tartar sauce. Like fish and chips, but in delicious bite-sized chunks.
• Broodje Means “sandwich” or “bread roll.” Favorites include broodje kaas (cheese sandwich), broodje kroket, and broodje gezond (healthy sandwich with ham, cheese, egg, and salad).
• Stamppot Traditional Dutch comfort food made from mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables like kale (boerenkool), carrots and onions (hutspot), or sauerkraut (zuurkool). Served with smoked sausage (rookworst).
• Erwtensoep (Snert) Thick, hearty pea soup made from split peas, pork, and sausage. A true winter classic, often served with rye bread and bacon.
• Appeltaart A list is not complete without a dessert and Dutch apple pie is a staple. A deep, buttery crust filled with cinnamon-spiced apples and often raisins. Served with whipped cream (slagroom). A must for dessert lovers! Eating Out