A Guide to the Netherlands’ Festive Foods

10/04/2025
Food

The Dutch culinary calendar is punctuated with seasonal treats that mark various festivities and traditions.

Oliebollen: New Year’s Delight

As the year draws to a close, street vendors across the Netherlands set up stalls to sell oliebollen. These deep-fried dough balls, often filled with raisins and dusted with powdered sugar, are a quintessential New Year’s Eve treat.

Speculaas: Spiced Holiday Cookies

Traditionally baked for Sinterklaas (the Dutch precursor to Santa Claus), speculaas are spiced shortbread cookies imprinted with festive designs. Their rich flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves evoke the warmth of the holiday season.

Hollandse Nieuwe Haring: A Spring Tradition

Come spring, the arrival of Hollandse Nieuwe herring is eagerly anticipated. This raw herring, caught between May and July, is celebrated with festivals and enjoyed with chopped onions and pickles.

Asparagus Season: The White Gold

In early summer, the southern regions of the Netherlands celebrate the harvest of white asparagus, often referred to as “white gold.” This delicacy is typically served with boiled eggs, ham, and a buttery sauce.

Embracing the Seasons

Participating in these seasonal culinary traditions offers a delicious way to engage with Dutch culture and experience the country’s festive spirit firsthand.

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