Dutch food highlights: Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam

Welcome to the vibrant world of Dutch food and cuisine! Nestled in the heart of Europe, the Netherlands may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of gastronomic delights. However, this picturesque nation has much more to offer than just tulips and windmills. From indulging in hearty stroopwafels to devouring local delicacies like haring (herring) and bitterballen, the Netherlands has a rich culinary scene that is begging to be explored.

I have written about the Netherlands before because I really loved the food. However, I think my recent visit to the Netherlands gives me ample opportunity to talk more about the culinary delights of the Netherlands. In this blog post, I will take you on a tantalizing journey through the wonders of Dutch food, uncovering hidden gems and sharing insider tips along the way.

Here are my highlights of the cities I visited:

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is such a beautiful and unique city, one of my favourites. I have visited a few times now and it never disappoints. It is a place that captures the imagination of travellers from around the world. With its picture-perfect canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this enchanting city. There’s also a vast array of great eating places, which makes it hard to choose which one to visit.

d’Vijff Vlieghen

This was such a cute restaurant, housed in a building full of character and history. My advice is to book ahead as it tends to get busy in the evening. It’s décor is unique and it is great if you want to visit a place with traditional Dutch food. There are also four- and- five course menus but it’s fine to have less courses.

The Hague

The Hague (also known as Den Haag) is vastly underrated, in my opinion. Home to the Dutch government, numerous international organizations, and the royal family, The Hague exudes a sense of grandeur and importance. Seafood lovers can enjoy delicious fresh catches from the nearby North Sea but there are lots of food options.

The Beachroom, Scheveningen

Discovering this gem on the Scheveningen seafront was an absolute win. Often, beachfront dining experiences are a gamble, but this establishment stands out as a great choice. This place is located only a few steps away from the beach, so must be lovely in the summer, but it was still great to see the sea in October.

Yes, you might pay a bit more, but the cuisine justifies every penny. I had the schnitzel- it was really tasty. As for the cocktails, they’re divine.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam, the second-largest city in the Netherlands, is a vibrant and modern metropolis that stands in stark contrast to its historic counterpart, Amsterdam. It is also a haven for food lovers, with a diverse culinary landscape that offers everything from street food markets to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Euromast Brasserie

Look, the main reason we visited this restaurant was because of the amazing 360 degree view over Rotterdam. But honestly, we were impressed because the food was much cheaper than we expected. It was absolutely pouring it down and this place was so cosy. I could have stayed there all day. The customer service wasn’t the best and there were a few times when we had to wait, but we weren’t in any rush, so this was fine for us. We were grateful that they got us a table when we hadn’t booked.

I actually really enjoyed my risotto- it had a good texture and plenty of flavour. The afternoon tea (which I didn’t try) look great as well.

Just be warned that you do have to pay the entrance fee to go up, but once up the tower you can stay as long as you want. And did I say that there were fabulous views?

Matelief

Boasting a diverse menu that ranges from steak to grilled pumpkin, this eatery is a feast for the senses. The exotic decor adds to the dining experience, making it a true culinary escape. It would be worth visiting during the summer months and enjoy the opportunity to dine with a picturesque view of the ‘Oude Harbor’.

Good Friday night vibe and attentive service- they didn’t even bat an eyelid when I asked for my steak to be well done.

Tips for visiting The Netherlands

• Amsterdam can be super pricey for accommodation. Places such as The Hague and Utrecht are cheaper to stay.
• Buy an OV- Chipkaart (OV- chipcard) for public transport. Remember to tap in and out.
• If you’re going out for dinner in Amsterdam, dress code is casual.
• And- watch out for the bikes!