Dutch cuisine

Bitterballen• So you went out for a few drinks. You forgot to

eat dinner. Those 8% Belgian beers are beginning to take their toll. What to do? The answer is in the bitterballen. Delicious, deep fried crispy meatballs traditionally served with mustard for dipping – they’re the ultimate in Dutch pub snacks and can be found on the menu at most Amsterdam drinking establishments.

Stroopwafel• If you try one Dutch sweet treat, make it a

stroopwafel. Two thin waffles stuck together with a layer of sweet syrup; these delectable delicacies are best enjoyed hot and gooey from a street market or bakery.

Thick Dutch fries• Yes, but not just any fries. Trust us. You might

see these thick cut fries called patat or frites on menus, and traditionally they come served in a piping hot paper cone slathered with any manner of tasty toppings. Ask for 'patatje oorlog' for a dollop of peanut satay sauce, mayo and onions, or a 'patat speciaal' for a mix of curry ketchup, mayonnaise and onions.

Raw herring• Raw herring may sound a little scary to the

uninitiated, but every visitor to Netherlands should give it a go. You’ll spot haringhandels (herring carts) serving up this Dutch speciality all over the city - ask for a ‘broodje haring’ to get the fish served in a small sandwich with pickles and onions. The best time to try raw herring is between May and July when the herring is said to be at its sweetest.

Kibbeling• If you’re not feeling quite brave enough to try

raw herring (see above), then you can still get your fishy fix from kibbeling – battered and deep fried morsels of white fish; usually cod. They’re every bit as delicious as they look, and usually served with a mayonaisey herb sauce and lemon. Try it hot and fresh from a street market or food truck for the best kibbeling experience.

Oliebollen• The name literally means ‘oil balls’ - but don’t

let that put you off. Essentially they are deep fried sweet dumplings (sometimes containing fruit pieces) and dusted in powdered sugar, and they’re so delicious that they only come out around New Year’s Eve, just before the January diet kicks in.

Stamppot• One for cold winter evenings, stamppot is

the ultimate Dutch comfort food, not dissimilar to British Bubble & Squeak. Translated literally as ‘mash pot’, this traditional dish involves potatoes mashed with other vegetables – traditional stamppot includes various combinations of sauerkraut, carrot, onion or kale - and is usually served with a big juicy sausage.

Dutch liquorice• Liquorice eating in Holland is something of a

national pastime – in fact the country boasts the highest per-capita consumption of the sweet in the whole world. But if anyone in Holland offers you some licorice (and they will). This is not liquorice as you know it, but a more salty, black version known as ‘drop’. Approach with caution, and don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Snert• Holland’s version of pea soup is a thick green

stew of split peas, pork, celery, onions and leeks, and contrary to its name, it’s completely delicious. Widely consumed all over the Netherlands, snert makes for a hearty winter snack traditionally served up by street vendors to ice skaters on the frozen canals.