Practically every cuisine in the world can be found in Amsterdam, from sophisticated French fare to the renowned Indonesian rijsttafel. Enjoy an Argentinean steak in a decor that evokes the vast pampas, dine on a pleasure boat cruising the canals, stop at any of the inexpensive Middle Eastern grills that seem to be on every other block, or try one of the small Chinese restaurants lining the Zeedijk and its many cross streets.
At least once, you should try a paper cone of french fries served with mayonnaise, peanut-butter sate sauce or any of an ever-increasing number of exotic condiments. The best french fries are called vlaamse frites (Flemish fries). Other Dutch specialties reflect the locals' close relationship with the sea, such as smoked eel and raw or pickled herring (which is usually eaten whole with chopped onions and gerkins). In winter, locals savor hearty meals of mashed potatoes combined with vegetables such as endive, cabbage, onions and carrots (stamppot) topped with delicious smoked sausage (rookworst). Another cold-weather favorite is snert (also called erwtensoep), a thick pea soup usually served with sausage. Make a meal of the pannenkoeken, large Dutch pancakes with bacon, cheese, apples or other ingredients mixed into the batter; or poffertjes, tiny pancakes with powdered sugar. Cafes often serve a plate of three fried eggs with ham or cheese, known as an uitsmijter. The Dutch usually have it for lunch, although it makes an excellent breakfast.
The hearty Dutch breakfast consists of a selection of breads, local cheeses, sliced meats, butter, chocolate sprinkles called hagelslag and jam. Lunch is generally a snack, with dinner being the main meal, eaten between 6 and 8 pm. Most restaurant kitchens close by 10 pm. Reservations are advisable because restaurants are often small and may be crowded during peak periods.
The Dutch are famous for their gin (jenever) and beer (bier). A popular winter drink is a rich herbal liqueur called Beerenburg. Bottled imported wines are expensive, but a carafe of house wine is of good quality for the most part. The Dutch drink their coffee strong, usually with cream and sugar, or opt for a kofie verkeerd, a cup of Joe that contains more milk than coffee. Tea is normally taken weak and without milk.
Expect to pay within these general guidelines, based on the cost of a dinner for one, not including drinks, tax, tip and service charge: $ = less than 10 euros; $$ = 10 euros-25 euros; $$$ = 26 euros-50 euros; and $$$$ = more than 50 euros.
