Did you know that you can sample traditional Dutch food at the airport? From herring covered in raw onion to bitterballen dipped in mustard, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste. Got a sweet tooth? We’ve got you covered too. Here are five Dutch foods not to be missed at Schiphol!
The most popular deep-fried snack in the Netherlands, the frikandel is basically a skinless sausage. It is typically ordered as a side dish with a portion of chips. What makes it speciaal is the way of serving the snack: split down the middle and filled with mayonnaise, ketchup (or curry ketchup) and chopped raw onion. You can order this special sausage at FEBO.
Haring, or Dutch herring, is a culinary icon of the Netherlands. Not only the fish itself, but the way of eating it is a beloved tradition. Simply grab the fish by its tail, throw your head back and take a big bite. While herring is often thought to be raw fish, it is actually prepared by way of freezing and salting. Enjoy it plain, with chopped raw onions or sliced gherkin. Head to Happy Seafood to try this Dutch delicacy.
A sweet treat of course had to be included on this list. And not the usual stroopwafel, because that has already spread its wings and landed in shops all over the world. No, here we are putting the tasty tompouce in the limelight. A tompouce is a custard slice: a layer of pastry on the bottom, vanilla custard in the middle, and a layer of pastry with pink glazing (or orange for King’s Day in April) on top. You’ll find them at Hema.
Cheese is everywhere in the Netherlands and, amazingly, this small country is the world’s second largest exporter of cheese. By far the most popular is Gouda, but there are many different kinds of Dutch cheese to try at Schiphol. You’ll find it pretty much everywhere at the airport, but visit these speciality shops for the widest selection: Say Cheese, Dutch Food Gifts, Fine Food and Old Amsterda
Last but not least, bitterballen. These are deep-fried balls filled with ragout and covered in breadcrumbs, typically served with mustard and washed down with a beer. These snacks are a regular addition to social gatherings; whether at home, in a bar, or at a work event. The best place to enjoy bitterballen at the airport is Café Rembrandt, a cosy and traditional-style pub at Schiphol Plaza. Just be careful not to bite too eagerly and burn your mouth!