One of the best things about traveling to another country is trying out the food. You can tell a lot about a culture based on how and what the locals eat and it's always fun to try new things. Especially if you can't get them at home. The Dutch are certainly not known for their culinary genious. Most of their food is a mass of vegetables, boiled and mashed together with a worst on the side.
However, one thing the Dutch do do well is snack food.
Patat, frikadel, kroket, bitterball, krentenbol, have all found their way to my waist, hips, butt, and thighs, attesting the fact that I, at any rate, have taste buds addicted to Dutch cuisine. Even my dog loves it!
Each time I head to the US for a visit, I have half (sometimes a whole) suitcase devoted entirely to eirenkoeken, stroopwaffels, kinder chocolate, and, during Sinterklaas, taai taai, kruidnoten, and chocolate letters. Let that be a lesson to you not to get your friends and family hooked on Dutch treats!
About a year ago, I wrote up a guide to Dutch treats for my Examiner column. Poffertjes, patat, drop, and a host of others made it onto the list as things you must try while in the Netherlands.
Check these foods and more out in Typical Dutch foods to try in the Netherlands. What are your favorite Dutch foods?
Photo: Clogs and Tulips
