Discover Dutch Cuisine in The Hague
Dutch cuisine may not have the global fame of French or Italian food, but it’s hearty, comforting, and full of surprises. The Hague, with its coastal location and international influences, offers some of the best spots to sample traditional Dutch fare. Here are the top 10 foods you absolutely must try.
1. Bitterballen – The King of Dutch Bar Snacks
Deep-fried, crispy breadcrumb balls filled with a savory beef ragout. Served with mustard for dipping, they’re the perfect companion to a Dutch beer. Best spot: Café De Oude Mol in the city center serves legendary bitterballen.
2. Stroopwafels – The Sweet Icon
Two thin waffle layers sandwiched with caramel syrup. While supermarket versions are fine, nothing beats a fresh, warm stroopwafel from a street market. Best spot: The Haagse Markt (open Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat) has vendors making them fresh — the smell alone will draw you in.
3. Raw Herring (Haring) – The Dutch Sushi
A true Dutch delicacy: raw herring served with chopped onions and pickles. Eat it the traditional way — hold the fish by the tail and lower it into your mouth. Best spot: Simonis aan de Haven near Scheveningen harbor for the freshest catch.
4. Kibbeling – Fried Fish Perfection
Chunks of cod battered and deep-fried, served with garlic sauce or remoulade. A beach day essential. Best spot: Any fish stall along Scheveningen boulevard.
5. Erwtensoep (Pea Soup) – Winter Comfort
Thick green split pea soup with smoked sausage, bacon, and vegetables. So thick a spoon should stand upright! Best spot: Café De Posthoorn serves a legendary version during winter months.
6. Poffertjes – Fluffy Mini Pancakes
Small, puffy pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar. Often found at markets and fairs. Best spot: The poffertjes stand at Lange Voorhout during events and Christmas markets.
7. Stamppot – The Ultimate Comfort Food
Mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables (kale, sauerkraut, or carrots), served with rookworst (smoked sausage) and gravy. Best spot: Restaurant Hagedis near the Peace Palace for authentic stamppot.
8. Dutch Cheese – More Than Gouda
The Netherlands produces world-class cheese. Try aged Gouda, Edam, Leerdammer, and cumin-spiced Leyden cheese. Best spot: Kaashuis De Wit on Denneweg for expert advice and tastings.
9. Appeltaart – Dutch Apple Pie
Different from American or French versions, Dutch appeltaart is deep-dish with a lattice crust, packed with apples, raisins, and cinnamon. Served with whipped cream. Best spot: Dudok, a Hague institution near the Binnenhof.
10. Drop (Licorice) – An Acquired Taste
The Dutch eat more licorice per capita than anyone else. Varieties range from sweet honey drops to aggressively salty dubbelzout. Best spot: Jamin, a classic Dutch candy shop chain found throughout The Hague.
Where to Shop for Dutch Food
The Haagse Markt (Herman Costerstraat) is one of Europe’s largest outdoor markets and the best place to experience Dutch food culture. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8:45 to 17:00 (opening days and hours: Gemeente Den Haag), it offers fresh produce, cheese, fish, and street food at excellent prices.
Eet smakelijk! (Enjoy your meal!)
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