Exploring the Netherlands as a vegetarian tourist opens up a world of unique and delicious snack options that capture the country’s rich culinary heritage with a plant-based twist. From the bustling streets of Amsterdam to quaint countryside markets, there’s a variety of local snacks that offer a taste of Dutch culture without the meat.
Indulge in classics like kaassoufflé—a crispy, deep-fried cheese treat—alongside freshly-made stroopwafels filled with caramel syrup, or try vegetarian versions of iconic dishes like bitterballen and Dutch pancakes. These savory and sweet options allow vegetarian travelers to savor authentic Dutch flavors while sticking to a plant-based diet, making every snack stop a memorable part of the journey.
Stroopwafels: a delicious treath
Vegetarian ‘Saucijzenbroodje’ (make sure you buy the vegetarian version)
The vegetarian saucijzenbroodje offers a delicious and satisfying twist on a classic Dutch snack, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the rich, savory flavor of this pastry with a lighter, plant-based touch. Made with seasoned vegetarian “sausage” filling wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry, the vegetarian saucijzenbroodje delivers the same hearty taste as the traditional version but without the meat. It’s an excellent option for those curious about plant-based foods or simply looking to reduce their meat consumption without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re a long-time vegetarian or just adventurous with your food choices, this vegetarian treat allows you to indulge guilt-free and enjoy a classic Dutch comfort food that’s kinder to animals and often lighter on the stomach.
Kaasbroodje: always next to the saucijzenbroodje as an option
When visiting the Netherlands, tourists should not miss the delightful experience of savoring a kaasbroodje, a delectable pastry that perfectly complements the more famous saucijzenbroodje. The kaasbroodje is a savory treat made from flaky, golden pastry dough, typically filled with rich, melted cheese, often Gouda or Edam, and sometimes enhanced with a sprinkle of herbs or spices for added flavor. Its irresistible combination of a crisp exterior and a gooey, cheesy interior makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Unlike the meaty saucijzenbroodje, which features seasoned sausage wrapped in pastry, the kaasbroodje offers a lighter, vegetarian alternative that highlights the Netherlands’ cheese-making heritage.
The country’s reputation for producing world-class cheeses makes the kaasbroodje a must-try for cheese lovers, providing a taste of Dutch culinary tradition in every bite. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack while exploring the charming streets of Amsterdam or as a comforting accompaniment to a warm cup of coffee in a cozy café, the kaasbroodje embodies the essence of Dutch snacking culture. With its delightful flavor and comforting texture, this pastry is an essential part of any food adventure in the Netherlands, showcasing the country’s rich gastronomic diversity and making it a delicious experience that no tourist should overlook.
Broodje (vegetarian) kroket with mustard
The vegetarian broodje (sandwich) kroket with mustard is a must-try when visiting the Netherlands, offering an innovative take on one of the country’s most iconic snacks. Traditionally, a broodje kroket features a crispy, deep-fried croquette filled with a savory meat ragout, served in a soft bread roll, often with a dab of mustard to add tangy warmth. The vegetarian version, however, substitutes the meat with a plant-based filling that captures the creamy, rich texture and flavor that makes the classic broodje kroket so beloved, but with a lighter, guilt-free twist. Paired with Dutch mustard—which is typically zesty and slightly coarse—this variation brings out a satisfying contrast between the smooth filling and the bold kick of mustard, creating a flavor experience that’s as close to the original as possible, but also unique in its own right.
This vegetarian option is ideal not only for vegetarians but also for anyone who wants to explore plant-based eating while savoring local Dutch cuisine in a sustainable way. Trying it offers a chance to experience a Dutch classic while reducing your environmental footprint and perhaps even finding a new favorite street food that you’ll want to seek out every time you return to the Netherlands. The vegetarian broodje kroket with mustard, then, is more than just a meat-free option; it’s a testament to how tradition and innovation can blend beautifully in modern Dutch food culture.
Kaassouflés: also known as cheese souflés
When in the Netherlands, one treat you simply must try is the iconic kaassoufflé. This delightful snack is a Dutch classic and a true comfort food: a golden, crispy pastry filled with melted cheese that oozes with every bite. The Dutch have perfected this savory snack, combining flaky, breaded outer layers with a rich, gooey cheese filling that strikes the perfect balance between creamy and slightly sharp flavors. Kaassoufflés are found all over the Netherlands, from bustling city cafés to quaint village snack bars, and are even available in popular vending machines known as automats, where they’re kept warm and ready for a quick grab-and-go experience.
Although they might look simple, the flavor and texture of a kaassoufflé make it a surprisingly memorable experience. Dutch cheese, known for its quality and depth of flavor, takes the center stage here, making each bite a tribute to the country’s cheese-making expertise. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, a side with fries and mayo, or pair it with a local Dutch beer, a kaassoufflé provides a uniquely Dutch flavor experience that combines the satisfaction of comfort food with a hint of indulgence. If you’re curious about Dutch cuisine, this little pocket of cheese-filled goodness is a fun, tasty, and affordable way to start exploring local flavors.
The deepfried snack of the North: the Eierbal (‘egg ball’)
If you’re visiting the Netherlands, especially the northern regions like Groningen and Friesland, trying an eierbal is a must. This regional delicacy, which translates to “egg ball,” has become an iconic snack in the North and is deeply loved for its unique and flavorful combination. An eierbal consists of a boiled egg wrapped in a savory mixture of meat ragout, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to golden perfection. The crispy outer layer contrasts beautifully with the creamy, rich ragout and the tender boiled egg at the center, creating a snack that is satisfying and memorable. Locals enjoy the eierbal as a popular treat from snack bars or as a filling appetizer in many northern eateries, where its distinct texture and flavor offer something different from the more widely known Dutch snacks like bitterballen and kroketten. The eierbal has such a strong fan base in the North that it’s celebrated as a cultural specialty, something that proudly distinguishes the region’s culinary heritage. Whether you’re a food adventurer or just looking to experience an authentic taste of Dutch regional cuisine, an eierbal is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the flavors of Northern Netherlands.
The vegetarian ‘bamischijf’ or ‘nasischijf’
If you’re looking to dive into some of the Netherlands’ unique snack culture, trying a bamischijf or nasischijf should be at the top of your list. These two savory, deep-fried treats are inspired by Indonesian flavors, showcasing the Netherlands’ longstanding culinary influences from Southeast Asia. The bamischijf features a round or oval-shaped patty filled with bami, a traditional noodle dish seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and spices.
Similarly, the nasischijf is filled with nasi goreng, a spiced fried rice mix that combines rich flavors like lemongrass, chili, and a hint of curry. Both are breaded and deep-fried to a crispy golden brown, giving them a delightful crunch on the outside that contrasts with the tender, flavorful filling inside. These snacks are incredibly popular at Dutch snack bars (snackbars) and are often enjoyed as a quick bite, alongside other classics like frikandellen and kroketten.
Snack during New Years Eve: oliebollen or krentenbollen
Oliebollen and krentenbollen are beloved Dutch treats, deeply embedded in the Netherlands’ New Year’s Eve traditions. Oliebollen, literally meaning “oil balls,” are a type of doughnut made by frying dough in oil, typically enriched with raisins or currants and then generously dusted with powdered sugar. This treat dates back to the Middle Ages and was first enjoyed by the Batavians and Frisians, who are believed to have made similar fried treats to nourish themselves in the harsh winter. In time, oliebollen evolved into a symbol of good fortune and indulgence as the year ends, representing the culmination of the year’s efforts with something warm and satisfying. Krentenbollen, or currant buns, are similarly revered in Dutch culture; they are sweet, fluffy buns filled with currants or raisins, known for their lighter and more wholesome texture compared to oliebollen’s rich, fried goodness.
While krentenbollen are popular year-round, their presence on New Year’s Eve brings a contrasting balance to the festive treats spread. Together, oliebollen and krentenbollen are integral to New Year’s celebrations, symbolizing both the past and the future—oliebollen for the end of an indulgent year and krentenbollen for a fresh, hopeful start. Families gather around, sharing these traditional sweets as they reminisce about the past year and express hopes for the coming one. The ritual of preparing or buying fresh oliebollen and krentenbollen adds a comforting, nostalgic touch to the holiday, uniting generations through a culinary tradition that has been preserved for centuries.
Poffertjes: smaller than pancakes
Dutch poffertjes are delightful mini pancakes known for their fluffy, light texture and sweet, buttery flavor, making them a beloved treat in the Netherlands and beyond. Unlike typical American pancakes, poffertjes are made with a yeast-based batter, sometimes enriched with a bit of buckwheat flour, which contributes to their unique airy and slightly chewy texture. Traditionally, they’re cooked in a special cast-iron or non-stick poffertjes pan with shallow indentations that allow the batter to form small, round cakes, each about the size of a coin. These tiny treats are flipped halfway through cooking to achieve a golden-brown exterior on both sides while keeping the inside soft and almost meltingly tender.
Once cooked, poffertjes are typically served with a generous dusting of powdered sugar and a pat of melting butter, which creates a perfect balance between sweet and savory flavors. They are often enjoyed as a street food, especially during winter markets and festive gatherings, where the smell of butter and sugar fills the air, drawing people in for a warm snack. Some variations include adding whipped cream, syrup, or fresh fruit on top, but purists argue that the simple, classic combination is best. In Dutch culture, poffertjes hold a nostalgic charm, evoking memories of childhood outings and family celebrations. Making them at home or buying them fresh from a vendor has become a ritual that carries with it a sense of tradition and comfort. Whether enjoyed as a dessert, a snack, or even a whimsical breakfast, poffertjes bring a touch of sweetness and warmth, embodying the cozy, indulgent side of Dutch cuisine.
