Half of the fun of traveling to Amsterdam is trying some of the foods and treats the city is famous for. The Dutch dishes below, which I tried and loved, have to be on the menu during your next trip. In no particular order, here are the seven unforgettable foods I recommend you try in Amsterdam:

1. Fries

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? I’ve read 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 parmesan cheese from Fabel Friet. Go to the location on Oude Hoogstraat for less of a crowd.

2. Poffertjes

Mini pancakes, “poffertjes,” are found at dessert shops around every corner in Amsterdam.

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 (thin pancakes)

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

Amsterdam is a famous gouda producing city, so it only makes sense that you try some fresh gouda while visiting. Gouda is a 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 this guided day trip to villages outside of Amsterdam).

5. Stroopwafel

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.

6. Bitterballen

A thick meat stew breaded and fried is the Dutch savory bite known as bitterballen. They remind me of croquetas from Spain. Dipped in mustard, they are really tasty.

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

7. Cafe Sonneveld’s Ribs

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!