Half of the fun of traveling to Amsterdam is eating your way through the city.

I did extensive research before traveling to make sure I was trying all of the classic dishes. During my trip, I tried all of the foods on this list so you know exactly what to get your hands on when you step off that flight.

The Dutch dishes below deserve to be on the menu during your next trip. In no particular order, here are the six unforgettable foods I recommend you try in Amsterdam, including a bonus feature of my favorite meal in the city:

6 Foods to Try in Amsterdam

1. Dutch fries (patat)
2. Poffertjes
3. Pannenkoeken
4. Gouda cheese
5. Stroopwafels
6. Bitterballen

If six foods seem like too much, make sure you at least try some poffertjes, gouda cheese and stroopwafels.

Check out the details of these six delicious Dutch foods:

1. Dutch Fries (Patat)

Fries are famous in Amsterdam! And they’re some of the best I’ve ever had, served piping hot and with sauces and cheese but also tasty on their own.

Why fries? Fries are so popular in the Netherlands because of the proximity to and influence of Belgium. Potatoes have also historically been popular in Dutch cuisine. And take it from me: the Dutch clearly know how to make some delicious fries.

Don’t skip the truffle mayo fries with cheese from Fabel Friet.

Pro Tip: Go to the location on Oude Hoogstraat for less of a crowd.

These fries are easily the best I’ve ever consumed – the photo doesn’t capture the melt-in-your-mouth Parmesan and savory truffle sauce. I treated it like an entire meal.

2. Poffertjes: Tiny Dutch Pancakes

Poffertjes are found at dessert shops around every corner in Amsterdam. They are small, fluffy Dutch pancakes that are usually served with powdered sugar and butter, although you’ll find plenty of creative toppings around the city.

A popular spot is “Pat’s Poffertjes” which serves 10 decadent mini pancakes with whichever toppings and sauces you desire.

These are absolutely 10/10. The combination of the pillowy, sweet pancake with a drizzle of pistachio sauce and dusted with powdered sugar is something your tastebuds need to experience.

3. Pannenkoeken: Traditional Dutch Pancakes

If you’re looking for traditional Dutch pancakes in Amsterdam, pannenkoeken are a must-try.

Pannenkoeken are pancakes, but in Amsterdam they are thinner than traditional American pancakes. They are more like crepes.

If you’re looking for the best place to try them, there’s no better place than Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs, a 4-table restaurant where the kitchen and dining room are all one tiny room on the second floor of a historic Amsterdam house.

You will need a reservation because the place is so tiny. You can call no sooner than a week before you want to visit, and you can find all of the information on their website.

The restaurant has been featured on tv, including on TLC and an episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. It’s also highly rated by Trip Advisor and on Google. It was a great experience!

4. Gouda Cheese: A Dutch Classic

You cannot visit Amsterdam without trying Gouda, the famous semi-hard Dutch cheese.

I learned while I was there that there are two main types of gouda – young gouda, which is more mild and smooth, and aged gouda, which is more firm and has a nuttier flavor.

Visit the cheese museum in the city for free samples, have gouda and wine on a canal cruise, or take the short journey to Simonehoeve for the complete cheese tasting experience, like I did on an epic day trip to villages outside of Amsterdam. Check in out here: Zaanse Schans Day Trip.

5. Stroopwafels: Amsterdam’s Favorite Sweet Treat

Arguably the most traditional Dutch dessert, the stroopwafel is my personal favorite. You might have had a prepackaged stroopwafel served on a Delta flight in the past, but nothing compares to a hot, fresh stroopwafel.

What is a stroopwafel? It’s a super thin waffle split in half, filled with a sweet syrupy sauce and often served dipped in chocolate.

Looking for the best in the city? Visit Hans Egtorf.

Looking for viral + aesthetic? Check out Van Wonderen.

Looking for a great chocolate dipped stroopwafel? Try Firma Stroop.

Want to know which Amsterdam stroopwafel was my favorite? Check out my guide to the best stroopwafel in Amsterdam.

6. Bitterballen: A Classic Dutch Bar Snack

Bitterballen are deep-fried Dutch snacks traditionally filled with a thick, savory meat ragout. They’re usually served with mustard and are especially popular as a bar snack or appetizer. They remind me of croquetas from Spain.

Bitterballen is definitely a unique dish in the Netherlands that you have to try. They are popular as an appetizer or a bar snack.

BONUS: Where I had my favorite meal

Now, I can’t say that ribs are big in Amsterdam, but I can say that the ribs I ate at Cafe Sonneveld were unforgettable.

Incredible seasoning and a flavorful sauce, perfectly tender meat… and I wouldn’t even call myself a ribs connoisseur.

I promise, you won’t stay hungry on a trip to Amsterdam.

What are you SO looking forward to trying in Amsterdam? Let me know!

Need more ideas for your trip to Amsterdam?

While the food is a highlight, make sure your days are planned with the best activities Amsterdam has to offer. Get inspired from my article: Best of Amsterdam: My Top 9 Activities.

Or if you need an entire itinerary, check out my day-by-day guide for the city: 48 Hours in Amsterdam: A First-timer’s Itinerary.