As the majestic silhouette of our cruise ship glides gracefully towards the historic waterways of Amsterdam, a palpable buzz of excitement ripples through us. We’ve sailed these waters countless times, seen countless cities, but Amsterdam – with its charming canals, vibrant culture, and surprisingly diverse culinary scene – always holds a special place in our hearts (and our stomachs!). Whether this is your inaugural cruise vacation or you’re a seasoned globetrotter with countless passport stamps, get ready for a delightful culinary adventure. We’ve put together our top ten food experiences you simply must try during your port day here, designed to tantalize your taste buds and leave you with delicious memories long after your cruise booking has been made for your next adventure.
Indulge in Iconic Dutch Delights
When we think of Dutch food, a few classic images immediately spring to mind, and for good reason! These treats are deeply woven into the fabric of Amsterdam’s culture, and experiencing them is an absolute must.
Stroopwafels: A Sweet Symphony of Caramel and Waffle
Ah, the stroopwafel! This isn’t just a cookie; it’s an experience. Imagine two thin, crispy waffle halves embracing a luscious layer of warm, gooey caramel syrup. We’ve seen them prepared fresh right before our eyes at markets like Albert Cuyp, and the aroma alone is enough to draw you in. The best way to enjoy a stroopwafel, in our humble opinion, is to place it over your hot coffee or tea cup for a minute or two. The steam gently warms the caramel, making it even more melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Trust us, once you’ve had a fresh, warm stroopwafel, the pre-packaged ones just won’t cut it. They’re a perfect, portable treat to enjoy as you explore the city, or a sweet souvenir to bring back to the cruise ship.
Bitterballen: The Ultimate Pub Snack
Don’t let the name deter you; there’s nothing bitter about these delightful, deep-fried morsels! Bitterballen are essentially small, crispy, breaded balls filled with a savory, creamy ragout, often made with beef, broth, flour, and butter, seasoned with herbs. We’ve enjoyed countless plates of these at traditional “brown cafes” (pubs) across Amsterdam. They’re typically served with a side of mustard for dipping, and they pair perfectly with a local beer. They’re a fantastic, authentic way to experience Dutch pub culture and a truly satisfying snack that we always recommend as a top shore excursion culinary stop. Don’t be afraid to try them; they’re surprisingly addictive!
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Explore Amsterdam’s Street Food Scene
Amsterdam isn’t just about quaint cafes and traditional dishes; its bustling streets offer a vibrant and diverse street food scene that’s perfect for a quick, delicious bite as you wander from one picturesque canal to the next.
Haring: A Salty Taste of the Sea
For the adventurous eaters among us, or simply those who appreciate fresh seafood, herring (haring) is an absolute must-try. This isn’t your average pickled herring; it’s served raw, often with chopped onions and pickles. You’ll find cheerful street vendors across the city, especially near the cruise port, skillfully preparing these silvery fillets. The traditional way to eat it is to hold it by the tail, tilt your head back, and gently lower it into your mouth. It’s a surprisingly delicate, melt-in-your-mouth experience, a true taste of the North Sea. If you’re feeling a bit hesitant, try a “broodje haring” – herring served in a soft bun. It’s less daunting but equally delicious. We’ve always found it to be incredibly fresh and a unique culinary memory from our cruise vacation.
Patat (Fries) with a Twist
You might think “fries are fries,” but in Amsterdam, they elevate this simple snack to an art form. Forget ketchup; here, it’s all about the sauces! We’ve spent many a delightful afternoon debating our favorite patat topping. Our top pick, and a local favorite, is “patatje oorlog” (literally “war fries”), which comes with a delightful combination of peanut sauce, mayonnaise, and raw onions. It sounds unusual, but the blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors is truly irresistible. Other popular options include classic mayonnaise, curry sauce, or even a simple satay sauce. You’ll find patat stalls everywhere, and they’re a perfect, inexpensive, and utterly satisfying snack to fuel your explorations. Don’t leave without trying at least one!
Savor Sweet & Savory Baked Goods
The Dutch have a real knack for baking, and Amsterdam’s bakeries and cafes are treasure troves of delicious treats, both sweet and savory.
Appeltaart: The Dutch Apple Pie
Forget everything you think you know about apple pie; Dutch appeltaart is in a league of its own. It’s typically a much deeper pie, with a thicker, crumblier crust and a rich, spiced apple filling that’s often chunky rather than smooth. We’ve enjoyed countless slices, often served with a dollop of whipped cream, in cozy cafes throughout the city. It’s comforting, hearty, and wonderfully fragrant. It’s the perfect treat to warm you up on a crisp day or to simply enjoy as an afternoon pick-me-up. Many cafes pride themselves on their secret family recipes, so each slice can offer a subtly different and delightful experience.
Cheese Tasting: A Dairy Delight
The Netherlands is synonymous with cheese, and a visit to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without indulging in a proper cheese tasting. You’ll find dedicated cheese shops (kaaswinkels) throughout the city, offering an incredible array of Gouda, Edam, Maasdammer, and many more. We love stepping into these shops, often adorned with towering wheels of cheese, and letting the friendly staff guide us through a tasting. They’ll often offer samples, explaining the different ages and flavors. From young, creamy Gouda to aged, crystalized varieties, there’s a cheese for every palate. Many shops also offer vacuum-sealed cheese, making it a perfect, albeit delicious, souvenir to bring back to the cruise ship to share with fellow travelers. Consider it an essential part of your cruise booking research!
Experience Diverse International Flavors
Amsterdam is a truly global city, and its culinary landscape reflects this vibrant multiculturalism. Don’t be surprised to find incredible international cuisine right alongside traditional Dutch fare.
Rijsttafel: An Indonesian Feast
Given the Netherlands’ colonial history, Indonesian cuisine has a strong and delicious presence in Amsterdam. The “rijsttafel” (rice table) is a truly unique and memorable dining experience. It’s not a single dish but an elaborate spread of small dishes – think curries, satays, sambals, vegetables, and rice – designed to be shared. We highly recommend booking this for dinner if your shore excursion allows for an evening meal, or seeking out a scaled-down version for lunch. It’s a fantastic way to sample a wide variety of Indonesian flavors in one sitting, and we’ve always found it to be a communal and incredibly satisfying experience. It’s a testament to Amsterdam’s rich cultural tapestry.
Turkish Pizza (Lahmacun) or Döner Kebab
With a significant Turkish population, Amsterdam boasts an incredible array of authentic Turkish eateries. For a quick, flavorful, and inexpensive bite, we often seek out a lahmacun – sometimes called “Turkish pizza.” It’s a thin, crispy dough topped with spiced minced meat, vegetables, and herbs, often rolled up and enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon. Alternatively, a döner kebab, particularly after a long day of sightseeing, is a comforting and incredibly popular choice. The succulent meat, fresh salad, and tangy sauces in warm pita bread are simply divine. These are excellent options if you’re looking for something fast and filling before heading back to the cruise port.
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Unique Culinary Experiences
Beyond the traditional and international offerings, Amsterdam has a few culinary surprises up its sleeve that are worth seeking out for a truly unique experience.
Dutch Pancakes (Pannenkoeken): Sweet or Savory
Pancakes in Amsterdam are not your average American breakfast flapjacks. Dutch pancakes, or pannenkoeken, are much larger and thinner, similar to crepes, and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. What makes them truly special is the incredible variety of toppings. We’ve indulged in everything from classic sweet options like apple and cinnamon, or bacon and syrup, to savory combinations like cheese, ham, mushrooms, and even salami. There are dedicated pancake restaurants (pannenkoekenhuizen) that offer dozens of choices, and it’s a wonderfully relaxed and fun meal, especially for families on a cruise vacation. It’s a versatile dish that we find appeals to almost everyone.
Craft Beer Tasting: A Hoppy Adventure
While not strictly a “food” experience, a craft beer tasting in Amsterdam is an integral part of its culinary scene. The city has seen a craft beer revolution in recent years, with numerous microbreweries and specialty beer bars popping up. We love exploring these establishments, many of which are housed in atmospheric old buildings. Trying a flight of local brews, often accompanied by those delicious bitterballen, offers a fantastic insight into the Dutch brewing culture. From crisp lagers to robust stouts and experimental IPAs, there’s a beer to suit every palate. It’s a great way to unwind after a day of exploring and experience a different side of Dutch hospitality before making your way back to your cruise ship. Many breweries are conveniently located or easily accessible from the main tourist areas, making it a viable shore excursion option for beer lovers.
Making the Most of Your Culinary Day in Amsterdam
When planning your culinary journey in Amsterdam, we always recommend a few key tips. First, be adventurous! Don’t be afraid to try new things; some of our most memorable food experiences have come from stepping outside our comfort zones. Second, consider a guided food tour. These can be fantastic shore excursion options, allowing you to sample a variety of dishes with an expert who can offer fascinating insights into the local food culture. Third, remember to hydrate and pace yourselves! With so many delicious options, it’s easy to get carried away.
As your cruise ship prepares to set sail, leaving the charming canals and delicious aromas of Amsterdam behind, we hope you’ll carry with you not just souvenirs, but also a collection of unforgettable flavors. These ten culinary experiences are just a starting point, but they represent the very best of what Amsterdam’s food scene has to offer. So, whether you’re a first-time cruiser eagerly anticipating every new port or a seasoned traveler adding another incredible city to your list, we encourage you to savor every bite. Happy eating, and we look forward to seeing you on our next cruise vacation adventure!