Dutch cuisine doesn’t always get the global recognition of its French or Italian neighbors, but it’s a comforting, honest food tradition that deserves serious exploration. The Hague, with its fishing heritage and international influences, is the perfect place to dive into authentic Dutch food in 2026.
1. Hollandse Nieuwe Haring (Raw Herring)
The quintessential Dutch food experience. Hollandse Nieuwe is young herring, lightly brined and traditionally eaten by holding it by the tail and lowering it into your mouth. For the less adventurous, it’s also served diced with raw onions and pickles. Simonis, inside the Passage, is a The Hague institution for fish. Their herring is consistently fresh and perfectly prepared — expect to pay about €4.50. For the best experience, visit between May and July when the new catch arrives, celebrated with Vlaggetjesdag (Flag Day) in nearby Scheveningen.
2. Kibbeling
Chunks of white fish (usually cod) battered and deep-fried, served with garlic sauce or tartar sauce. Simonis again leads the pack, but the fish stands on the Scheveningen boulevard also serve excellent kibbeling with sea views. A generous portion costs €7-9. It’s the perfect beach day snack.
3. Stroopwafels
Two thin waffle layers sandwiched with gooey caramel syrup. While you can buy packaged stroopwafels anywhere, a fresh, warm stroopwafel from a market stall is a different experience entirely. The Haagse Markt has several stands making them fresh — the aroma alone is worth the trip. About €2.50 each.
4. Poffertjes
These tiny, fluffy pancakes are served with a generous knob of butter and a blizzard of powdered sugar. Poffertjeszaak De Haagsche Poffertjes near the Binnenhof is a dedicated poffertjes restaurant that’s been serving these little clouds of joy for decades. A plate of 12 costs around €7.
5. Erwtensoep (Pea Soup)
Thick enough to stand a spoon in, this split pea soup with smoked sausage and bacon is winter in a bowl. De Haagsche Kluis on the Plein serves a legendary version from October through March. At €8.50 a bowl with rye bread and smoked bacon on the side, it’s the most satisfying lunch you’ll have all winter.
6. Stamppot
The ultimate Dutch comfort food: mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables (kale, endive, or sauerkraut) and served with a smoked sausage (rookworst) and gravy. Restaurant Moeders (there’s a location near The Hague in nearby Voorschoten) is famous for their stamppot. Closer to home, Brasserie Américain on the Denneweg often has a seasonal stamppot on the menu for about €15.
7. Bitterballen
Crispy breaded balls filled with a savory beef ragout. These are the undisputed king of Dutch bar snacks, always served with mustard for dipping. Every bar on the Grote Markt serves them, but Boterwaag does a particularly good version — 8 pieces for €8.50. Order a round with your first beer and thank us later.
8. Appeltaart (Dutch Apple Pie)
Deceptively simple but deeply satisfying, Dutch apple pie is taller, denser, and spicier than its American cousin. Dudok on the Hofweg is a The Hague icon for its appeltaart — massive slices served with whipped cream. Their pie has a cult following for good reason. A slice with coffee runs about €8.
9. Kaas (Dutch Cheese)
The Netherlands produces some of the world’s finest cheeses. Beyond the famous Gouda and Edam, seek out boerenkaas (farmhouse cheese), aged oude kaas with tyrosine crystals, and cumin-spiced komijnekaas. Kaaswinkel De Wit on the Denneweg offers tastings and will help you find your perfect cheese. A good aged Gouda costs €15-20 per kilo.
10. Oliebollen
Deep-fried dough balls studded with raisins, dusted with powdered sugar. They’re traditionally a New Year’s treat, but oliebollenkramen (stalls) now appear in The Hague from early November through January. The stall on the Lange Voorhout during the Christmas market is the best known.
11. Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes)
Thinner than American pancakes but larger than French crêpes, Dutch pancakes can be savory (bacon and cheese) or sweet (apple and cinnamon). Pannenkoekenhuisje De Zeemeeuw in Scheveningen combines pancakes with sea views. A savory pancake costs about €12.
12. Drop (Dutch Licorice)
No Dutch food experience is complete without drop. The Netherlands consumes more licorice per capita than any other country. It comes in sweet, salty, and hard varieties — dubbelzout (double salt) is the ultimate test of commitment. Jamin candy stores across the city sell dozens of varieties by weight.
The Hague’s food scene reflects the city itself: unpretentious, welcoming, and anchored in tradition. Bring your appetite and an open mind — Dutch food rewards the curious. Eet smakelijk!
