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Shortly after the end of World War II, the Dutch
colony of Indonesia was granted independence. This
resulted in a large number of Indonesians emigrating
to Holland. Their effect on the bland Dutch cuisine
has been excellent, spicing it up considerably.
Classic Dutch Main
Meals
If you are on a budget then eetcafe are
the best option. These are bars that serve lunch and
dinner as well. They offer excellent value food
which, in most cases, is well cooked. Food is
normally on offer at lunchtime and from 6pm to
around 10pm. Typical prices for a main meal range
from 5 to
10.
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Amsterdam is about average as far as
restaurants and cafes go. The quality is in
general and the prices unsurprising for a
capital city.
We could review many of them and give you
our recommendations but it is a rather
pointless exercise, the food standards
change day by day. But if you are looking
for quality Chinese food at a bargain price
in the centre of Amsterdam then you can't
beat Dim Sum Court on Rokin. As much as you
can eat for 8.50,beat that! |
If you have more money to spend then restaurants
are open in the evenings, typically from 6pm to
10pm. These charge around
15 to
20 for a main meal
from the a la carte menu. If you opt for the dish of
the day (dagscgotel) then expect to pay less,
around 12 for a substantial meal.
Below we list the classic Dutch dishes with a
short description of each
Balkenbrij a liverwurst type of sausage
made from cheap cuts of beef and / or pork.
Stamppot this dish varies considerably but
the basic is mashed potato mixed with vegetables
such as cabbage or spinach. The mash is topped with
some form of meat, sausages or chunks of meat, all
drowned in rich gravy. As if that wasnt enough
calories, it is frequently served with dark rye
bread (rogerbrood).
Smert / erwtensoep a heart warming thick
soup made from dried peas and chopped ham chunks or
bacon. It is served with dark rye bread (rogerbrood).
Gestoofde runderlappen a beef casserole
with vegetables and beer.
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Nasi Goreng or Bami Goreng An Indonesian
dish of fried rice (nasi) or noodles (bami)
often served with meat or eggs.
Rijsttafel Ask for this in an Indonesian
restaurant and you will be served with rice or
noodles accompanied with lots of small tasty and
often spicy side dishes. This is a treat, see the
picture on the left.
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Snacks in Amsterdam
Chips
The much maligned chip (friet / patat) is
taken to a higher level in Amsterdam! Flemish style
(vlaaamse) will get you chips, salted and smothered
in mayonnaise.
The more adventurous will substitute
the mayonnaise for a goulash or peanut satay (sateh)
sauce (see picture on the right), delicious. |
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Kroketten mince meat (normally beef) is
mixed with spices then covered in breadcrumbs and
deep fried (see picture on the left).
Fricandel very similar to a frankfurter,
sometimes slightly spicy.
Shwarma the ubiquitous doner kebab.
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Haring
raw herring! Sold on the street from
haringkars. Rollmops and eel are common
alternatives (see picture on left).
Poffertjes -
Small pancakes sprinkled with confectioners sugar
(see picture on right). Deeper and softer compared
to a standard pancake.
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Uitsmijter
Bread and butter topped with a
couple of eggs then topped again with ham or cheese.
In Amsterdam, you will often find snack
compartments as shown in the picture on the
left. Pay your money, open the door and a
hot snack is there for you to eat on the
spot. It certainly saves on the queues. |
Typically these snacks will cost around
3 to 5
in cafes or from street vendors.
Cheese
The Dutch
are famous the world over for Edam and Gouda cheese.
Why they are popular is a mystery because even the
Dutch consume very little Edam cheese, its mainly
exported.
There are several specialist cheese shops in
Amsterdam, three of the larger ones are:
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Kaasland Haarlemmerdijk 1 (Jordaan and
Western Docklands) Arxhoek Damstraat 19 (Old Centre)
De Kaaskamer Runstraat 7 (Grachtengordel
West)
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Although the cheeses may not be as exciting and
varied as French or British cheeses, the major
cheese markets are fascinating.
Click here
for the best way to see the Amsterdam cheese
markets.
Pies and Cakes
Not to be missed is a slice of Dutch apple pie (appelgebak).
Packed full of apple and cinnamon flavours this is
best eaten with whipped cream (met slagroom)
and a strong cup of coffee.
Very tasty Dutch style biscuits, speculaas,
are crunchy and flavoured with spices, principally
cinnamon. The bottom of the biscuit is coated with
almond slices.
Probably the most famous Dutch snack is the
oliebollen. Slightly more substantial tasting
compared to a doughnut, these are deep fried buns
topped with raisins and icing sugar.
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