My Favorite Dutch Snacks

I love Dutch Cuisine and even more so the snacks! Here is a list of Dutch snacks that I could eat for the rest of my lifetime:

Spekkoek Pandan

This is a delicious multilayer cake that originates from the Dutch East Indies. In the Netherlands, it goes by the name ‘Spekkoek’ which translates to bacon in Dutch because of the similar appearance. Original Spekkoek consists of layers in two colors which comes from brown and white sugar. There are many Spekkoek flavors like chocolate, banana, and coconut but my favorite is Spekkoek Pandan!

Pandan is a tropical plant that is used in many Southeast Asian dishes and known for its fragrant smell. It can almost be compared to vanilla and is a plant I am familiar because of the usage in many Filipino dishes and desserts.

Spekkoek is very difficult to make and takes lots of patience due to the numerous layers that must be baked separately. I have my heart set on making this dessert one day, but for now I’ll settle with buying it from the local Toko.

Poffertjes

The English translation for this is mini pancakes. They traditionally are served with butter and powdered sugar and I love them with caramel as well! I’m hoping to get a Poffertjes pan so I can make these on my own at home (hoping the Dutchie reads this one).

Stroopwafel

During my first time to the Netherlands this was the very first Dutch sweet I tried. The Stroopwafel originates from the city of Gouda and goes back to the 19th century. Whenever I head back to the states I brings bags of these with me because it it is difficult to find authentic tasting ones. My favorite way to eat them is fresh made from the local market. When eating Stroopwafel at home the Dutchie instructed me of the correct way to eat it. You must put the cookie over a piping hot cup of coffee or tea. This way the temperature will melt the caramel, soften the cookie and release more of its flavor.

Bitterballen

A typical Dutch snack, you can find this savory deep fried, breaded meatball served as bar snacks. Although not the healthiest Bitterballen is absolutely delicious and paired nicely along with a cold beer. You must be careful about immediately taking the first bite because it will absolutely burn your mouth!

Kibbeling

It’s hot, it’s crunchy and it is perfection. Kibbeling is a popular Dutch street food served with dipping sauce that you can find at any fish shop, market or street stall. It’s very similar to Fish and Chips but to be honest I prefer Kibbeling since it is more flavorful. Order them met (with) frites and you’ll be sure to have a happy stomach.