One of the great things about traveling, particularly in Europe, is that no matter where you go you are given a plethora of options in the way of what to eat. And a good bit of it is authentic and delicious. In Amsterdam for example, you can find anything from traditional Dutch, to French, to Chinese, there truly is something for every appetite. I like to eat the traditional food of where we visit personally, but it’s nice to have the variety. Here are a few of my recommendations.
1.Albert Cuyp Market
This outside market was out first stop when we arrived in Amsterdam. Like many outside markets in Europe, this one is filled with flowers, clothes, books, and, of course, food! Here is where we found the national treat of Stroopwafels. In particular, the stand of “Original Stoopwafels.” It is here you can watch as they prepare each stroopwafel by hand, with instructions on the best way to eat it for optimal flavor and less mess.
Stroopwafels are freaking delicious. Stroofwafel translates to “syrup waffle” in Dutch and is essentially two thin, crisy waffels with carmel in the middle. You can get it plain or dunked in melted chocolate. They do sell them in bags, multiple at a time, but freshly prepared where the carmel and chocolate are still warm was the best experience in my opinion. It’s a staple. Don’t miss out!
2. Confectionary Lanskroon
Dutch apple pie with whipped cream was another “bucket list” food item when in Amsterdam. We found that at the little bakery on the corner of a building called Confectionary Lanskroon. It was served warm and dougly and delicious. I’m generally not a big apple pie fan, preferring to not have pieces of fruit in my desserts, but it wasn’t overpower like it was when I had it back home. They also have a bunch of other delicious looking treats readily available if you aren’t an apple pie fan. The location is quaint and the staff was friendly.
3. Moeders
Probably our favorite foodie stop in Amsterdam, Moeders (“Mothers”) is a traditional dutch restaurant dedicated to wel… mothers! Photos of hundreds of mothers line every visible inch of the walls and window sills. We went with some friends (one of which is a mother!). I happened to have my instax camera on me, so I took a picture of her, and now she is forever part of the decor.
The food was great. Anthony got the stamppot which consisted of mashed potatoes with vegetables, sausage, bacon and a meatball, all served together in a adorable little red pot. I got the Sudderviees: stewed beef with red cabbage and boiled potatoes. Our friend also got the green pea soup. Everything was hot, delicious and traditional. You can find the full menu here.
I do have to say that we were waiting for a while for our food when the waitress came over and admitted that she had forgotten to put the order through. To make up for it we were given free wine/beer and also a free shot of their traditional digestif. Everyone was nice, and we were enjoying the warm and cozy atmosphere as opposed to the chiling rain outside, so we really didn’t mind the mishap… but we gladly took the free drinks.
Final Thoughts
There is much more to Amsterdam than just these three places, but these three were standouts from our couple of days there.
Have you been to Amsterdam? Let me know in the comments where your favorite places to eat were!
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And feel free to check out my post about must sees in Amsterdam below.
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Prost,