A visit to Amsterdam is not only a feast for the eyes but a feast for the taste buds. With its many cultural influences, it is a place which offers a varied selection of cuisines to both challenge and satisfy the palate. From Dutch to Ethiopian, it is an adventure in eating that will open doors to another world.

For vegetarians, Amsterdam offers plenty of tasty choices which are more readily accessible than one might find elsewhere. One can experience vegetarian dining across many cultures in Amsterdam, from spicy to raw foods. Indian, Italian, Dutch, and Western cuisine, some restaurants even cater to special diet needs upon request.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are a number of restaurants in Amsterdam to please the palate of any meat lover. From steak to leg of lamb, there is no shortage of mouth-watering multifarious options. You can go for the Persian lamb and chicken or perhaps some tempting Peruvian grilled meats, while the authentic African fare will take you on an adventure for a crocodile steak together with a nice banana beer.

The Dutch are also great when it comes to cheese and they take pride in their delicious kaas, Gouda, Edam, hand-crafted farmer’s cheese or goat cheese. Most of the cafes in Amsterdam will offer some sort of kaas broodje (cheese on a bread roll), making for a highly pleasing breakfast.

A popular dish every visitor should partake in features Dutch pancakes, or pannekoeken. The Dutch routinely eat pannekoeken for both lunch and dinner. However, you should know that most pancake houses close pretty early, usually no later than eight or nine o’clock.

Pannekoeken is often served in large portions and can be either salty or sweet, depending on how they come. One can try a pancake with smoked salmon and dill sauce or a cajun chicken pancake. They can also be enjoyed topped with sweet whipped cream, nuts, and other luscious toppings.

And speaking of sweets, beware (in a highly positive way) of the Stroopwafels — syrup waffle — as they’re really sinful. Two buttery waffle layers stuck together with a sweet, gooey molasses, the stroopwafels are everywhere from grocery stores to small corner markets and souvenir shops, and come with savory gooey molasses. My favorite … the caramel Stroopwafel.

Not to be forgotten are the french fries, served primarily with a healthy dollop of mayonnaise, though they are also offered with a choice of sauces in some places. Vlaamse frites are a staple in Amsterdam and can be found everywhere. To fully experience Amsterdam, visitors must try these fabulous, often addictive fries.

Amsterdam is a cultural melting pot reflected in the eclectic cuisines offered in restaurants and other food outlets throughout this beautiful city.

Images courtesy of Daveness, thenextweb, sami, whiskerj, tnarik (1 + 2), abundantc, Robert Thomson, celesteh, tavallai, learntospell.

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