Your Culinary Itinerary: 9 Must-Try Stops
This tour is more than just a tasting menu; it's a carefully crafted journey through Amsterdam's culinary landscape, led by a passionate local guide. With a small group, you get an intimate experience, discovering hidden gems you'd never find on your own.
1. FEBO: The Quirky Dutch Vending Machine
Your first stop introduces you to a Dutch institution: FEBO. This isn't your average fast-food joint. It’s an 'automat' where hot snacks are displayed in individual glass boxes. You simply insert your coins, open the window, and grab your treat. We started with a classic kroket, a deep-fried roll with a crunchy exterior and a savory, creamy ragout filling. It's a unique and quintessentially Dutch experience, showcasing the country's love for efficient and delicious snacks.
2. Fresh Yoghurt: A Taste of Dutch Dairy
The Netherlands is world-renowned for its dairy, and this stop proves why. You'll sample incredibly fresh, creamy, almost whipped natural yoghurt. Served elegantly in a small glass, it’s topped with sweet raspberries and a crumble of ginger-flavored biscuits. It’s a surprisingly light yet decadent treat that highlights the quality of local produce.
3. Surinamese Sandwich: A Flavor Explosion
Prepare for what might be the highlight of your tour. Tucked away in a small, Asian-inspired eatery, this stop celebrates the rich flavors of Suriname, a former Dutch colony. The sandwich you'll try is a burst of complex flavors—a true taste of heaven. This single bite is so incredible it might just inspire you to add Suriname to your future travel list. It’s a perfect example of how Amsterdam’s history has created a diverse and exciting food scene.
4. Hot Stroopwafels: Sweet, Gooey Perfection
You can't visit Amsterdam without trying a stroopwafel, but not all are created equal. The tour takes you to a stand in a bustling market known for serving the freshest and best in the city. You'll smell the sweet aroma of sugar, caramel, and cinnamon before you even arrive. A stroopwafel—two thin, freshly baked waffle layers with a warm caramel syrup filling—is best eaten hot and gooey, right off the press.
5. Dutch Cheese Tasting: Beyond Gouda
At a local cheese vendor's stall, you'll explore the sophisticated world of Dutch cheese. You’ll sample around five different types, from young and creamy to old and crumbly. Highlights include flavored varieties with ingredients like rosemary and even a distinctive blue cheese. The star is often a 5-year-aged cheese that’s crumbly yet melts in your mouth—perfect for imagining with a glass of wine after a productive day of work.
6. Indonesian Feast: A Hidden Courtyard Gem
Amsterdam has a profound Indonesian culinary influence, and this stop is a testament to that legacy. You'll be led through a small shop into a beautiful, hidden courtyard—a tranquil oasis run by a welcoming Indonesian host. Here, you'll enjoy a multi-course tasting cooked with love, featuring:
A fragrant soup with fresh herbs and condiments.
A tender chicken skewer with homemade satay sauce and spicy sambal.
A refreshing salad of tomato, red onion, fresh mint, and chili.
Crispy prawn crackers and fresh tea.
This is an authentic experience you would be unlikely to discover on your own.
7. Pickled Herring & Kibbeling: A Taste of the Sea
It's time to try two iconic Dutch seafood snacks. First, pickled herring. Served raw with diced onions and pickles, its texture is similar to sashimi or smoked salmon and is surprisingly mild. Don't let its appearance deter you; it's a local delicacy for a reason. Next, you'll have kibbeling—deep-fried, battered chunks of cod. Served hot with a tangy dipping sauce, it’s a scrumptious and satisfying snack beloved by all.
8. The Best Frites in Town: A Local Secret
You may think you know fries, but you haven't had them like this. The tour takes you to a legendary fries stall that locals claim is the best in the city—so good, they'll bicycle 20 minutes just to get them. The secret? The potatoes are twice-cooked for a perfectly crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. For the ultimate experience, have them served with a combination of mayonnaise and satay sauce, topped with finely diced raw onion. It's a game-changer.
9. The Perfect Chocolate Cookie: A Sweet Finale
Your culinary journey concludes at a super cute bakeshop with a laser focus on one thing: baking the perfect chocolate cookie. This isn't just any cookie; it's a scrumptious, decadent treat that serves as the perfect sweet snack to end your tour on a high note. It’s a testament to doing one thing and doing it exceptionally well.
