Amsterdam's Street Food Bucket List: From Bitterballen to Raw Herring

Amsterdam's food scene is more than just stroopwafels. While you should absolutely eat those, the city has a genuinely diverse range of street food that reflects its history and global connections. This isn't just about quick bites; it's about experiencing the city's flavour on the go.

Bitterballen: The Dutch Classic

These deep-fried, crispy, meat-ragout-filled balls are ubiquitous in Amsterdam's bars (brown cafes). Served with mustard, they're the ultimate pub snack. Look for them on almost any bar menu. The quality varies, but even a mediocre bitterbal is usually satisfying. For an excellent version, head to a traditional brown cafe like Café Chris in the Jordaan.

Raw Herring (Haring): For the Brave

Yes, raw herring. Served with chopped onions and pickles from a street stall (haringkraam). It's a fresh, briny taste of the North Sea. The traditional way to eat it is to hold it by the tail and lower it into your mouth. If that feels like too much, ask for it in a bun (broodje haring).

Find haringkraams at markets like Albert Cuyp Market or near busy squares. Don't knock it until you've tried it. Seriously.

Stroopwafels: The Sweet Treat

Thin waffles with a caramel syrup filling. Best served warm, where the caramel melts slightly. You'll find them pre-packaged in every supermarket, but for the real experience, look for fresh ones made to order at markets or small bakeries. The warmth makes all the difference.

Patat (Fries): With a Twist

Dutch fries are thick-cut, twice-fried, and often served in a cone with a generous dollop of sauce. Forget ketchup. The classic sauce is fritesaus (a mayonnaise-based condiment), but also try pindasaus (peanut sauce), oorlog (a mix of fritesaus and peanut sauce with raw onions), or speciaal (fritesaus, curry ketchup, and onions).

Manneken Pis near Centraal Station is famous, but smaller independent fry shops often do it better.

Indonesian and Surinamese Snacks

Amsterdam has strong culinary links with Indonesia and Suriname. You'll find these influences everywhere, especially in street food.

Lumpia: Indonesian spring rolls, usually larger and richer than Chinese spring rolls.

Bapao: Steamed buns, often filled with char siu pork or chicken.

Broodje Pom: A Surinamese sandwich with a stewed chicken and pomtayer (a root vegetable) filling. Flavourful and genuinely unique.

Look for these at markets or in De Pijp. If you want to really get into the food scene, a guided street food tour through Viator covers all of these stops in a couple of hours — a good option if you're only in Amsterdam for a few days and want someone to lead the way.

Where to Find Them

Albert Cuyp Market: Your best bet for a one-stop street food tour. You'll find herring, stroopwafels, patat, and numerous Indonesian and Surinamese stalls here.

Local markets: Smaller neighbourhood markets often have a few dedicated food stalls.

Brown cafes: For bitterballen and a traditional atmosphere.

Our full Amsterdam guide maps out the best markets and specific recommendations for each of these street food essentials, helping you plan your culinary adventure.