Why Amsterdam Smells Like Stroopwafels (And Where They Come From)
Some cities have a skyline. Amsterdam has a smell. Walk through the city on a cool afternoon and you’ll notice it before you see it, warm caramel, melting syrup, a hint of baked dough drifting through the streets. Follow it, and you’ll likely end up at a market stall or shop, watching a fresh stroopwafel […]
Layers of Cream, Chaos and Culture: The Dutch Tompouce
What Is a Tompouce? If you’ve ever stepped into a Dutch bakery and noticed a pastry with a glossy pink top and an air of quiet confidence, you’ve met the tompouce. A tompouce is a classic Dutch pastry made from two layers of crisp puff pastry, filled with thick vanilla cream and finished with a […]
From Lost Bread to Local Legend: The Story of Wentelteefjes (and the Amsterdam Café Keeping It Deliciously Alive)
Comfort Food With a Long Memory Some dishes survive because they’re clever; others because they’re comforting. Wentelteefjes, the Dutch take on French toast, survive because they’re both; a golden, cinnamon-scented way to turn old bread into something irresistible. What began as a practical trick in ancient kitchens has since travelled the world, adopting new names, […]
Rainy Days in Amsterdam: Cozy Spots and Comfort Food
When the Rain begins to fall Rain in Amsterdam has a rhythm of its own. It softens the city’s edges, makes the canals shimmer, and sends locals drifting into cafés as if it’s all part of the plan. When the skies turn grey, Amsterdam doesn’t hide, it glows. This is when the city smells of […]
Dutch Snack Culture: Bitterballen, Frikandel & The Art of Snacktime
When you think of Dutch food, you might picture stroopwafels or hearty pancakes, but there’s a secret culinary hero lurking in the background: the Dutch snack. Yes, those deep-fried delights that are as iconic here as tulips and bicycles. A Crispy History: From Market Treats to National Obsession Dutch snacks have a long history rooted […]
Cheese!
Say Cheese! Why the Dutch Are Obsessed With Cheese (And Why You Should Be Too) If there’s one thing the Dutch do well — besides bikes, canals, and not apologizing for directness — it’s cheese. From wheels so big they need their own postal code to bite-sized cubes served with mustard, cheese is practically a […]
Cooking on Gin & Dutch Courage: The Buzz-Worthy History of jenever/gin
Long before gin & tonics were the glamorous darlings of Instagram brunches, the story of this spirited drink was already being written in the cobblestoned streets of Amsterdam. Let’s rewind the tape and uncover how the Dutch helped put the ‘gin’ in ‘gingerly sip this or you’ll fall off your bike.’ Dutch Courage in a […]
Herring: The Raw Dutch Delight That’s Kind of a Big Deal
When people think of Dutch cuisine, they often picture cheese, stroopwafels… maybe even pancakes. But ask any true local, and one slippery snack always swims to the top: haring. Raw, salty, unapologetically fishy – and eaten with onions, for reasons unknown. Whether you’re a fan or still recovering from your first bite, there’s no denying […]
Bitterballen: The Ultimate Dutch Snack (And Why We Can’t Get Enough!)
Ah, the bitterbal. That golden, crispy, deep-fried little ball of happiness. If the Netherlands had a national mascot, this would be it. If you’ve ever been to a Dutch bar, chances are you’ve seen them on the menu—or, better yet, you witnessed someone come dangerously close to burning their tongue. Every Dutch person knows them, […]
The Evolution of Dutch Cuisine from Traditional Dishes to Modern Gastronomy
Dutch cuisine has undergone a remarkable transformation over the centuries, evolving from simple, hearty meals to a diverse and innovative culinary scene.