Trifter

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If you find yourself visiting The Netherlands, you will experience the true cosmopolitan and international spirit in every aspect. There are so many tourists from all continents and at the same time the people who live in Holland are diverse as well. As a matter of fact, Amsterdam is one city which is a true proof of globalization with residents from every race, ethnicity and religion. This multiplicity is also reflected in the wide assortment of cuisines that one can try. You can have an American bagel for breakfast, followed by lunch in an Afghani restaurant and a cozy dinner at an Argentinean steak house. But in case you are wondering what the typical Dutch cuisine offers, here is a list of some dishes that you should definitely try.

1) Cheese might not be a dish on its own but we all know its significance in our daily menu. The Netherlands is among the countries with a long tradition in producing hard and semi-hard world renowned cheeses like Gouda, Leyden and Edam.

2) Hutspot is a dish made of mashed potatoes, onions and carrots and dates back to the siege of the city of Leiden in 1574. It even served as a symbol of freedom during the Nazi occupation because its ingredients are grown underground and the orange color of the carrots represents Holland’s national color. It is usually used as a side dish to meat or sausages and is covered with pickled onions or applesauce. Stamppot is a popular variation of hutspot but is different in the fact that it often includes a variety of vegetables apart from carrots and onions.

3) Pea Soup is popular among almost all North European countries. However, the Dutch version of it, called snert, is rather a stew than a soup and could even include sausage or pork. It is usually served with buttered rye bread. It is a tasty treat during the cold winter days.

4) Oliebol, referred in English as Dutch Donuts, is a dessert that is traditionally consumed on New Year’s Eve. Tit is simple yet delicious. The deep fried dough can include zest, raisins and apple pieces and is popularly eaten with powdered sugar.

5) Stoopwafel is probably among the most common sweets and my personal favorite as well. It is made of thin waffles that are sliced to form a sandwich and glued to each other with syrup.

Here are a couple of honorary mentions: kale with sausage, Tom Pouce (a mouth-watering pastry), liquorice and blinde virk (minced meat wrapped in bacon).