In my interactions with Dutch people, I have noticed that they are not boastful about their unique food dishes. My Dutch friend once said that people don’t come to the Netherlands for the food. Food culture in the Netherlands is less about flavor and more about the experience or getting together with family and friends. Gezellig is a frequently used word that roughly translates to “good atmosphere.” However, as a new resident, I find the food appealing and tasty! In addition to delicious traditional food items (like kaas, cheese), there is a wide variety of unique dishes!
I have tasted a lot of food here but there is still so much more to try! My favorite savory dish so far is bitterballen. These are small deep fried balls of dough filled with cheese and meat. They taste a bit like gravy back in the US. While many meat and cheese-based dishes are popular, the sweets are the most beloved food. That is good for me because I have a huge sweet tooth! For example, licorice drops are a favorite candy. At work, my mentor teacher keeps a small bag next to his desk. I’ve also had the opportunity to try tiny, circular Christmas cookies called kruidnoten. One Friday, my co-worker and I went for tea after class and stopped at a specialty store (Kruidvat) to grab small inexpensive bags of these treats.
