Dutch delights in The Hague

Stamppot: a hearty meal

Stamppot (sort of stew) is a traditional Dutch dish that dates back to the 16th century when potatoes came to the Netherlands. The dish therefore consists mostly of potatoes, right, mashed. Add a vegetable such as kale, carrots and onions, or sauerkraut and voilà: stamppot. Mash everything, make a dimple in the middle for the gravy, eat it with or without a sausage or bacon and enjoy a nutritious and inexpensive meal. Because we are frugal in the Netherlands too!

Erwtensoep: winter comfort food

It is called soup but it is actually a meal, particularly popular in the winter months for warming up. After ice-skating, for instance. Erwtensoep (peasoup) is a rich soup full of vegetables like carrots and celery and of course split peas that make soup even fuller and from which it gets its name. Again, optional bacon and/or sausage in it. Some rye bread on the side and you have a full meal that will last you a while.

Pannenkoeken : everyone's favourite

While most countries serve pannenkoeken (pancakes) for breakfast or dessert, in the Netherlands it is on the lunch menu. And even on the dinner menu in typical pancake restaurants. Children especially love them. There are sweet versions with sugar, syrup or fruit. But the savoury versions with cheese and bacon are also delicious. Add a generous dash of syrup over these too. The meal pancakes are richly filled with vegetables or tuna for example. There really is a pancake to suit everyone's taste.

Poffertjes: small pancakes

Poffertjes are actually mini pancakes, a bit thicker and a bit fluffier. Actually what the bitterbal is to the croquette. Poffertjes are therefore eaten in portions. With butter melted over the warm poffertjes and then generously sprinkled with icing sugar, mmmmmm! Poffertjes are often on the menu in pancake restaurants but are also sold at markets or fairs.  In a crazy mood? Then add a dash of liqueur on top!

Haring: the Dutch sushi

If you love sushi, you probably also like haring (herring). While some people hate this salty snack, others love it. Enjoy it raw with a chopped onion. Outside, you usually eat herring at a stall. In The Hague, you have to be careful that the seagulls don't steal your fish!

In Scheveningen, we celebrate Vlaggetjesdag (Flag Day) every year; the arrival of the Dutch new herring.

Bitterballen: a must eat with drinks!

You probably know the croquette. The bitterball is actually the croquette's little sister. A deep-fried ball with a creamy ragout filling and a crispy jacket. Bitterballs are mostly eaten with drinks in a pub. Dip them in mustard, blow a little to it cool down, and enjoy. Nowadays, there are vegetarian variations with oyster mushrooms or cheese. And culinary versions with truffle or asparagus. Tip: never put a whole bitterball in your mouth!

Kaas (cheese): as Dutch as it gets!

The Dutch are called 'Kaaskoppen' (cheeseheads) because they eat so much cheese : 17 kilos per person per year! Cheese with drinks, sliced with the cheese slicer (a typical Dutch tool) on a sandwich or grated over dishes. Not to brag but Dutch cheese is quite delicious and diverse. You buy the tastiest cheese on a cheese farm or at a cheese shop. And for a real traditional cheese experience, go to the cheese market in Gouda or Alkmaar.

Rookworst and gehaktbal: Don't miss this Dutch treat!

So ordinary but so special: smoked sausage and meatballs, two culinary treasures not to be missed during your visit to the Netherlands.
Rookworst (smoked sausage), a hearty and flavourful sausage smoked over an open fire. With its smoky flavour and juicy texture, the smoked sausage tastes great in pea soup or stew.
The gehaktbal (meatball), is made of seasoned minced meat, it is simple and tasty with dinner or on a sandwich.