Dutch food is distinctive. While some of the local fare can be traced back to Germanic and French roots a number of dishes could not be called anything but Dutch. The most famous perhaps is friet or potat (french fries) served with a dollop of mayonnaise. Other distinctly Dutch dishes include:
Hutspot which is made with potatoes, carrots and onions and normally served with sausages or bacon or a variation of bacon called speck.
Andijviestamppot which consists of raw endive mashed with hot potatoes and served with diced fried speck.
Hete bliksem which is boiled potatoes and green apples, served with syrup or tossed with diced speck.
Zuurkoolstamppot is a favorite consisting of sauerkraut mashed with potatoes. It is often served with; you guessed it, fried bacon or sausages.
Boerenkoolstamppot, curly kale mixed with potatoes, served with gravy, mustard, and rookworst sausage. One variation, Boerenkoolmetworst is one of the oldest and most popular Dutch dishes. The dish is mentioned in cookbooks dating back to 1661.
Like everything in Holland food can be expensive but it doesn’t have to be for regular restaurant meals or if you are willing to visit the many food markets. There are food chains, like FEBO, which specialize in cheap nutritious meals and they are generally open well into the wee hours of the morning.