Be more familiar with Netherlands Dishes

Dutch cuisine is, and will continue to be, not very special and surprising, but varied and personalised enough for the Dutch lifestyle, so you will need some time to get used to it.

We know very well from every employee who goes to the Netherlands to work that Dutch Cuisine needs to be digested slowly in order for an expat to get used to it. So, in order not to be completely surprised by this, here is some information that will help you go to the Netherlands prepared, even from the point of view of gastronomy.

Dutch cuisine - What are the popular Netherlands dishes

Being based on a rather poor culture in terms of variety, at least until the 1800s, the Dutch 500 years ago did not focus much on variety. An ordinary family, with rather low incomes, in the era of the 1500s would have eaten potatoes at every meal, three times a day, seven days a week. Potatoes were one of the most consumed foods of that time. Since then, because of imports and the Dutch abilities to commerce, more and more ingredients made their way on the tables of Dutch cuisine.

Today, some of the most popular Dutch dishes still contain potatoes. In order to be able to identify them more easily but also to know exactly that you have arrived in a restaurant that serves traditional food, here are some of the most famous dishes in Dutch cuisine.

Pannenkoeken - A dish that can be prepared with eggs, milk, flour, and a little salt. The result is very similar to those famous American pancakes. The Dutch add a lot of jam to these pannenkoeken, sweet toppings, but they also serve them with salty foods such as smoked fish, salmon, or bacon.

Stamppot - A famous dish made from crushed boiled potatoes and vegetables. Served most often with smoked sausages.

A very famous dessert in the Netherlands is Poffertjes. It is very possible that you have already seen dozens of videos on social media with these small pancakes, cooked in huge trays or pans, with dozens of places for each small pancake. These are turned from side to side with a wooden tool. These little pancakes can be found all over the Netherlands, especially at social events such as festivals or fairs.

The specific diet of Dutch Cuisine, and Netherlands Dishes

The Dutch are famous for their diet and the gastronomic behaviour they have adopted over the years. With a rather limited history of what to grow and more spices being added to the Dutch cuisine, citizens tend not to consume extravagant and complicated dishes. However, the Netherlands is one of the countries with the healthiest inhabitants.

Let's talk a few words about the specific diet in Dutch cuisine, and you will understand that food is not one of the main concerns of the Dutch.

As for the very everyday behaviour of an ordinary Dutchman, he is comfortable with the lack of breakfast and with a high consumption of dairy products, cereals, snacks, and foods rich in sugar.

Moreover, the Dutch are the ones who adopt the most a diet in which they will eat at least 6 times a day, to which snacks are added. 70% of Dutch families eat dinner together, and 25% of food comes from animals, while 10% is from drinks.

The percentage of 25% of food of animal origin is quite small compared to other European countries, which does not mean that the tendency to be vegan or vegetarian in the Netherlands is increasing.

Breakfast Netherlands Dishes

Although most Dutch people are used to skipping breakfast or always serving it when they have already left for the office or in the city, they have distinguished themselves by a dish that is as simple as it is popular in the Netherlands.

Hagelslag is a dish that the Dutch love and consume almost daily. Chocolate flakes are put on a slice of bread that has been greased with butter. Moreover, the Dutch consume more than 14 million kilograms of Hagelslag in a year, which again proves the pleasure of foods rich in fats, carbohydrates, and sugar.

Lunch Netherlands dishes

Although lunch is not as hearty as in other European countries, the Dutch place a lot of value on eating together. You will notice how all the workers have lunch together at the same time. This signifies the opportunity for socialization and friendship. However, the most common lunch dish is the famous sandwich. Bread, cheese, and a few slices of quality meat and the workers are ready to continue their day. Hot lunches are a rarity in Dutch cuisine.

Dinner Netherlands dishes

We've already talked about having dinner with the family, usually around very early 6 pm, and the famous dish for this meal is Stamppot. But the Dutch will continue to have snacks after 6 p.m.

The favourite snacks of the Dutch

A snack that the Dutch love is Bitterballen. Meatballs or mushroom balls, fried in an oil bath and then served with mustard. The Dutch appreciate the second part of the day as an excellent reason for socializing, a time to relax and get to know each other. During this time, the Dutch usually eat fried snacks and enjoy local beers or favourite drinks.

Netherlands Dishes for the Holidays

Like many countries around the world, the Dutch also celebrate Christmas, Easter and other holidays where food is influenced by the culture and history that have left their mark on gastronomy. The holiday tables are a bit more spectacular, and each of them deserves a few words.

Christmas meal in Dutch cuisine

Christmas in Dutch cuisine is again a reason to eat something more special. The Dutch enjoy a dish in the early hours of the day called kerststol, a bread with fruit and raisins.

Christmas dinner usually includes rollade, a roll of pork, turkey, or venison.

A very important habit is gourmetten. Several family members gather at a table where everyone begins to cook their favourite vegetables and meats in small pans. It is an interesting process that provides time for socialization.

New Year's Eve meal in the Netherlands

Oliebollen is one of the most famous dishes you will have the opportunity to taste between Christmas and New Year. A dough fried in an oil bath filled with all kinds of jams and fruit jams that is very similar to donuts.

Netherlands dishes for a perfect Dutch birthday

Birthdays in the Netherlands are celebrated through socializing and laughter. The Dutch expect all food consumption to be paid for by the celebrant. If you have been called by your Dutch friends to be asked what you want to receive for your birthday, don't be surprised. The Dutch are direct people.

They feast on shots of alcohol, talk, and drink coffee and apple pie.

Conclusion

Dutch cuisine is not rich in ingredients and variety, but it will always come bundled with special moments, socializing and large groups of friends trying to get closer and closer