The best Dutch snacks you have to try

The Netherlands is home to some incredible snacks that range from sweet and comforting to tangy, salty, and bold. From the syrupy indulgence of stroopwafels to the briny kick of pickled herring, each of these iconic Dutch snacks will tickle your flavor palate.

Ready to dive in? Continue reading to explore the best the Dutch have to offer (snack-wise, anyway):

The best umami Dutch snacks

Bitterballen and kroketten

Bitterballen are the undisputed champions of Dutch snacks, and it’s easy to see why. Crispy on the outside and irresistibly creamy on the inside, these deep-fried meatballs filled with a savory ragout are the ultimate companion to a cold drink.

They are typically made with beef, veal, shrimp, or – for the vegetarians – beetroots, chickpeas, or mushrooms. Served with a dollop of grainy mustard, they’re often part of a bittergarnituur, a platter of fried finger foods. But be careful when you take that first bite: these little devils are lava-hot on the inside. Always proceed with caution.

Their cylindrical cousin, the kroket, offers the same glorious taste but in a longer shape. This popular snack is available in many bars, cafés, and restaurants throughout the Netherlands, including the legendary vending machine snack wall. They’re often enjoyed on their own or tucked into a slice of white or bread, whichever you prefer.

Haring met uitjes

Few Dutch snacks divide opinion more than this slippery delicacy: haring met uitjes. However, everyone will agree that this raw herring is an institution in the Netherlands. The fish is at its prime between May and July, which is when the best catches (Hollandse nieuwe) are available.

They’re sweet and tangy and – when served with chopped raw onions – offer the perfect umami bite. Herring typically comes on a plate or in a soft bun (broodje haring). But for the full experience, eat it the classic Dutch way: hold it by the tail, tilt your head back, and let the fish slide in.

The Dutch love for herring runs so deep that it’s celebrated annually at Vlaggetjesdag (Flag Day). During the festival, fishing boats wave flags, and women in traditional dress welcome the return of the herring fleet and feast on the new season’s catch.

HEMA worst

This is not an ad for the HEMA; this smoked sausage is just that good. The HEMA worst is a true Dutch icon, loved for its simplicity and hearty flavor. With its juicy, savory filling and slightly smoky aroma, it’s a comforting treat that’s perfect for a quick bite or a delicious stamppot sidedish.

The HEMA worst is served warm and with a dollop of mustard. While some people choose to eat it in a bread roll, traditional Dutchies eat it straight uit het vuistje.

Just to prove we aren’t lying: the Dutch love for HEMA worst was put to the test in 2007 when an employee revealed that Unox was actually behind the famous sausage. The leak sparked outrage – not at the sausage or its origins, but at the employee who dared to spoil the magic. The collective Dutch response was a resounding, “Yes, we know. Now hush and let us enjoy our worst.”

Oude kaas

A timeless classic, oude kaas (old cheese) is known for its deep, rich flavor. Aged for at least a year, this cheese packs a punch with its nutty, caramelized flavor and a sharp, tangy finish. The firm, crumbly texture – complete with those irresistible cheese crystals – is a hallmark of its careful aging process.

Whether you’re pairing it with a beer or wine or just eating it straight from the block (no judgment), oude kaas is a favorite for those who appreciate bold, well-rounded flavors. Found in markets and stores across the country, this cheese is bold, rich, and unapologetically Dutch.

Which sweet Dutch snacks must you try?

Oliebollen

Oliebollen are the ultimate Dutch winter treat. These golden, deep-fried dough balls are fluffy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and topped with powdered sugar for the perfect indulgent bite.

Found at street stalls across the Netherlands during the holiday season, oliebollen are a highlight of Dutch winters. Whether plain or filled with raisins, they’re best enjoyed warm, paired with champagne or hot chocolate.

Poffertjes

Poffertjes are the epitome of simple Dutch comfort food. These fluffy, coin-sized pancakes are made from buckwheat flour and yeast. This gives them a light, airy texture that practically melts in your mouth. Served warm with a pat of butter and a generous dusting of powdered sugar, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and satisfying.

Often enjoyed at outdoor markets and festive gatherings, poffertjes are a staple of Dutch street food. They’re quick to whip up, easy to share, and impossible to eat just one of.

Stroopwafels

Stroopwafels are the ultimate Dutch snack for anyone with a sweet tooth. These are two thin wafers sandwiched together with a layer of warm, caramel-like syrup – the perfect combination of crunch and chew.

Widely available at markets and bakeries across the Netherlands, these cookies are a favorite among many. They’re ideal for enjoying on the go or savoring slowly over a hot cup of coffee or tea. When you balance the stroopwafel on top of the mug, the steam softens the syrup, creating an indulgent bite every time. Simple yet irresistible, once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.

Tompouce

Based on the French millefeuille, the tompouce is a classic Dutch pastry that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. This rectangular treat consists of two layers of crisp, flaky puff pastry filled with a thick, creamy custard and topped with a glossy pink – or sometimes orange – icing.

Often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, the tompouce is a staple during special celebrations, such as King’s Day. It’s famously tricky to eat without making a mess, but that’s part of the fun.

What Dutch snacks are sour in flavor?

Amsterdamse uitjes

Amsterdamse uitjes, or Amsterdam onions, are a classic Dutch snack staple, loved for their unique combination of sharpness and sweetness. These small pickled onions are soaked in bright yellow, turmeric-infused vinegar, giving them their distinctive yellow hue and sweet-and-sour flavor.

With a crisp texture and a tangy kick, they’re the perfect accompaniment to rich and savory dishes. Often served on a snack platter or as a simple side dish, Amsterdamse uitjes are a must-try for anyone exploring Dutch culinary traditions.

Zure matten

Want to wake up your taste buds with something truly sour? Zure matten is a Dutch candy that delivers a mouth-puckering sourness with a hint of sweetness.

These colorful, flat strips of chewy candy are coated in a fine layer of sugary, sour dust, available in a rainbow of flavors like apple and strawberry. Simple, bright, and irresistibly tart, they’re a nostalgic treat for children and adults alike.

Rolmops

If you are feeling adventurous, rolmops (rollmops) are a quintessential Dutch snack that brings a burst of briny, tangy flavor to the table.

These rolled fillets of pickled herring are wrapped around a gherkin and served with chopped onions. With the taste of the sea and a refreshing kick of acidity, rollmops pair beautifully with fresh bread or a crisp beer.

This unique snack is typically served to the older Dutch generation, with many young people flat-out refusing to go near it.

What are the best salty Dutch snacks?

Kapsalon

French fries are a popular snack throughout the world, but nobody eats them quite like the Dutch – with piles and piles of zaanse mayonaise. But if you’re craving bolder flavors, why not try a kapsalon, a true icon of Dutch street food culture?

Invented in Rotterdam, this dish is hearty, messy, and utterly satisfying. The kapsalon has a base of crispy fries loaded with juicy döner or shawarma meat, melted cheese, and fresh salad. The whole dish is finished with a generous drizzle of garlic sauce and hot sauce for a perfect mix of creamy and spicy.

Loved for its over-the-top combination of flavors and textures, the kapsalon is a Dutch snack indulgence you’ll want to have tried yesterday.

Zoute drop

Adored by locals and often bewildering to newcomers, zoute drop is a staple in Dutch snack culture. Firm and chewy, these salty licorice candies come in a variety of shapes, textures, and levels of saltiness. But their bold, salty kick divides opinions like few other snacks. 

Whether they love it or hate it, many Dutch people view this as a nostalgic snack that’s perfect for nibbling on the go or sharing during long car rides.

Some of the bitter Dutch snacks

Jenever bonbon

Jenever bonbonnen are a modern twist on the traditional liquor bonbons. These bite-sized treats combine the rich decadence of chocolate with the iconic flavor of Dutch jenever. The result is a perfectly balanced confection: sweet and creamy on the outside, with a warm and bitter kick on the inside.

While not yet widely available, jenever bonbons celebrate the Netherlands’ rich distilling heritage in a delectable form.

Taai taai

Taai taai is a classic Dutch snack for those who appreciate its subtly sweet, slightly bitter flavor. Made with rye flour and a mix of hearty spices like anise and cinnamon, this chewy cookie has a firm yet pliable texture – earning its name, which loosely translates to “tough tough.”

The cookie is traditionally shaped into festive figures and enjoyed during Sinterklaas. But, because it pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea, taai taai is also a comforting treat on chilly days.

Other snacks you have to try

The Netherlands has so many other Dutch snacks that can answer whatever craving you may have, including:

• Bosche bol – a giant cream puff covered in chocolate
• Frikandel – a deep-fried sausage and one of the most popular snacks in the Netherlands. Popular variants are:
  • Frikandel speciaal – a classic frikandel with mayonnaise, curry sauce, and raw chopped onions
  • Jos Brinkie – a chicken frikandel with peanut sauce and dry-fried onions
• Haagse hopjes – square, hard candies made from coffee, milk, and lots of sugar
• Kaasstengels – fried cheese sticks, the perfect snack for drinks (borrel) with friends
• Kibbeling – classic fried fish nuggets
• Ontbijtkoek – a sweet, spiced cake made with rye flour and sugar; traditionally eaten at breakfast or elevensies
• Ossenworst – a raw beef sausage originally from Amsterdam, similar to steak tartare
• Patatje oorlog – crispy fries with mayonnaise, saté (peanut) sauce, and chopped onions
• Pepernoten – small, round cookies with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves; traditionally available during Sinterklaas
• Zeeuwse babbelaar – square, hard candies made from (full-cream) butter, vinegar, and lots of sugar