Where to Find a Proper Stroopwafel in Amsterdam (Skip the Airport)

Fresh stroopwafel being made at Albert Cuyp Market, Amsterdam.

The stroopwafel gets sold everywhere in Amsterdam. Airport shops, hotel gift corners, supermarket checkouts — it shows up as a reliable souvenir and a perfectly adequate biscuit. The problem is that a factory-sealed stroopwafel has almost nothing in common with a fresh one.

What a Proper Stroopwafel Actually Is

A stroopwafel is two thin waffle discs, pressed and baked until crisp, then sandwiched together with a layer of caramel syrup. Factory versions cook the caramel solid, making it firm and easy to package. Fresh versions, made to order, leave the caramel warm, stretchy, and slightly runny — a completely different texture.

The standard Dutch move is to balance a fresh stroopwafel over a hot cup of coffee or tea for 30 seconds before eating. The steam softens the caramel and warms the waffle. It takes patience. It's worth it.

Where to Find One in the City

Albert Cuyp Market (De Pijp): The most reliable spot. Several stalls make stroopwafels to order, pressing them right in front of you. They come out hot, slightly caramelised at the edges, and far too good to eat slowly. Saturday mornings are busy; arrive before noon for the best experience.

Noordermarkt (Jordaan): Runs on Saturdays and usually has a fresh stroopwafel vendor among the food and organic stalls. The market crowd is more local than tourist, which means the food tends to be better.

Waterlooplein Market: A permanent market open most days. Food quality varies by stall, but fresh stroopwafels are usually available.

Any bakery (banketbakkerij): Look for the word "banketbakkerij" on a shopfront. Dutch bakeries range from average to excellent, and a good one will make stroopwafels in-house. They won't always be hot off the iron, but they'll be fresher than anything sealed in cellophane.

What to Avoid

Albert Heijn packaging: Dutch supermarkets sell reasonable stroopwafels by the box, but they're the sealed version. Fine for home, not worth prioritising on a trip.

Tourist shop versions: Any shop near Centraal Station selling them for €3 each has already priced in the tourist premium. You can do better two tram stops south.

The Daelmans tin: Recognisable, widely exported, not the real experience.

The One Rule

Buy them hot, eat them immediately, or balance them on a hot drink first. Letting them cool completely defeats the purpose.

If you want to combine the best of De Pijp's food markets with a guided introduction to Dutch street food culture, a food tour through Airbnb Experiences is worth considering — a good guide will take you to the best stroopwafel stall at Albert Cuyp before the afternoon crowds arrive.

Our Amsterdam guide covers the full De Pijp food scene, including which market days are best and which stalls regularly appear on the list of best street food in the city.