Food Tours in Amsterdam: 13 Tastings in the Jordaan District

Amsterdam is one of the most popular city break destinations in Europe. It’s a fantastic museum city; the nightlife and the canals add to the unique atmosphere.

Not only that, but you’ll be spoilt for choice with the amazing range of delicious dishes that Amsterdam has to offer.

This guide recommends the best food tours in Amsterdam, where you can discover traditional and contemporary specialties.

Amsterdam Food Tour

The historic centre of Amsterdam is bustling with locals and tourists. You’ll find incredible food in this part of the city.

Cool cafes, hipster bars, craft breweries and diverse street food add to the flavours of Amsterdam.

But away from the touristy areas, there is even more to discover. Neighbourhoods like Jordaan, De Pijp, Oud-West and the 9 Streets district are all great foodie areas.

Jordaan is especially great for experiencing the foodie scene and that’s the location of Amsterdam’s best food tour.

Location of the Jordaan District

Next Best

If you’re not interested in the top recommended food tour in Amsterdam, don’t worry; there are plenty of other options to choose from.

If you’re looking for a more personalized experience, you might want to consider a private food tour. This will allow you to customize the tour to your specific preferences and dietary restrictions, and you’ll have the undivided attention of your guide.

Alternatively, if you’re a fan of craft beer, you might want to check out the craft beer tour. This tour will take you to some of the best craft breweries in Amsterdam, where you’ll get to sample a variety of local beers and learn about the brewing process.

The Dutch street food tour is a must-try for those who want to explore the local street food scene. You’ll get to try a variety of traditional Dutch snacks and treats, such as stroopwafels, bitterballen, and herring, while your guide shares insights about the history and culture behind these beloved snacks.

Private Food Tour

Private Food Tour with a Local
Duration: 3 hours
A private food tour in the De Pijp neighbourhood district of Amsterdam is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a more personalised experience.

De Pijp is a vibrant, multicultural neighbourhood that’s known for its lively atmosphere and diverse food scene. The walking food tour will take you through the bustling streets of De Pijp, where you’ll get to experience the local food culture firsthand.

Your guide will introduce you to Dutch food culture and share interesting insights about the history and tradition behind each dish. You’ll have the opportunity to taste Dutch specialties at a number of different venues, including a street market where you’ll find a variety of fresh, local produce and food products.

The tour includes 10 different Dutch treats, including authentic stroopwafel and bitterballen, two beloved Dutch snacks that are not to be missed.

Stroopwafels are sweet, caramel-filled waffles that are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Bitterballen, on the other hand, are savoury meatballs that are crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside.

The private food tour in De Pijp is an ideal way to explore Amsterdam’s food scene and get a taste of Dutch culture. The personalised attention of your guide will allow you to ask questions, make requests, and tailor the tour to your specific preferences.

This is a great option for couples, families, or groups of friends who want to enjoy an intimate and immersive food experience in Amsterdam.

Highly-Rated Tour

Secret Food Tours Amsterdam
Duration: 3 hours
This food tour in Amsterdam is a must-try for foodies looking to experience the city’s diverse and delicious cuisine.

The guide takes you on a journey through family-run businesses and small, locally owned and operated restaurants, where you learn about the history of the food you taste and how it’s made.

The tour allows you to experience the “Dutch Way” of living through its food, and the guided tour along the canals and through the narrow streets of the Jordaan area is a unique experience.

Starting the day with traditional Dutch pancakes called Poffertjes, enjoying a guided tour of a beautiful, hidden garden courtyard, trying some of the finest Dutch cheeses, and dining on herring and traditional kibbeling are all highlights of the tour that make it an unforgettable experience.

Craft Beer Tour in Amsterdam

Guided Craft Beer Brewery Bus Tour with Tastings
Duration: 3 hours
If you’re a craft beer lover or just looking for something to complement your food tour, you might want to consider taking a craft beer tour in Amsterdam. This tour will take you on a journey through the city’s best breweries and pubs, where you’ll get to sample a variety of local craft beers and learn about the brewing process from experienced brewers.

The tour includes visits to three different breweries, each with its own unique atmosphere and brewing style. You’ll have the opportunity to taste nine different craft beers in total, each carefully selected by your guide to showcase the best of Amsterdam’s beer scene.

The tastings will range from light and refreshing beers to bold and complex brews, ensuring that there’s something for every palate.

Throughout the tour, your guide will share fascinating insights about the history and culture of craft beer in Amsterdam and the brewing process itself.

You’ll learn about the ingredients, techniques, and traditions that go into making great beer and gain a deeper appreciation for the art and science of brewing.

The craft beer tour is a great way to explore Amsterdam’s local beer scene and discover new flavours and brews. It’s perfect for beer enthusiasts who want to learn more about the city’s rich brewing heritage and try some of the best beers in town.

So if you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to spend an afternoon or evening in Amsterdam, the craft beer tour is definitely worth considering.

Street Food Tour

Dutch Street Food Market Tour
Duration: 2 hours
If you’re a foodie who loves trying new and exciting street food, then the Street Food Tour in Amsterdam is the perfect choice for you. Amsterdam has a vibrant and diverse street food scene waiting to be explored, and this tour will take you to the heart of it.

The tour begins at Albert Cuyp, Amsterdam’s famous street market, where you’ll get to experience the hustle and bustle of this lively and colourful market.

Your guide will take you to several different stalls where you’ll get to sample a variety of delicious snacks and street food. From fresh stroopwafels and herring to traditional Dutch cheese and croquettes, there’s something for every taste and appetite.

One of the highlights of the Street Food Tour is the opportunity to try some Indonesian food. Amsterdam has a large Indonesian community, and Indonesian cuisine has significantly influenced the city’s food scene.

Your guide will take you to some of the best Indonesian stalls at the market, where you’ll get to taste traditional dishes such as nasi goreng and satay.

Throughout the tour, your guide will share insights about the history and culture of street food in Amsterdam and the stories behind each dish.

You’ll learn about the different ingredients and techniques that go into making these tasty treats and gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and creativity of Amsterdam’s street food scene.

Traditional Dutch Food

If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam and want to experience the best of Dutch cuisine, be sure to keep an eye out for these classic Dutch foods.

Alternatively, you can also join a food tour to try them all in one go, with the added benefit of learning more about the history and culture behind each dish.

• Stroopwafels: A quintessential Dutch treat, stroopwafels are thin, crispy waffles filled with caramel syrup. They’re a popular snack that can be found at street markets, cafes, and bakeries throughout Amsterdam. They’re best enjoyed warm, with the caramel filling oozing out with each bite.
• Poffertjes: These small, fluffy pancakes are a Dutch breakfast favourite. They’re traditionally served with butter and powdered sugar but can also be topped with fruit, whipped cream, or syrup. You can find poffertjes at cafes and food stalls throughout the city.
• Dutch cheese: Cheese lovers won’t want to miss out on trying some of the famous Dutch cheeses, such as Gouda, Edam, and Maasdam. You can find these cheeses at markets, cheese shops, and cafes throughout Amsterdam. Be sure to pair them with a glass of wine or beer for the full Dutch experience.
• Bitterballen: Bitterballen are fried, crispy balls filled with meat ragout. They’re a popular snack served in bars and cafes throughout Amsterdam and are often enjoyed with a cold beer.
• Herring: Raw or pickled herring is a classic Dutch dish that locals and visitors enjoy. It’s often served with onions and pickles and can be found at street food stalls and seafood shops throughout Amsterdam.
• Stamppot: This traditional Dutch dish is a hearty mix of mashed potatoes and vegetables, such as kale or sauerkraut. It’s a popular comfort food that’s often served with sausage or meatballs.
• Oliebollen: These deep-fried dough balls are dusted with powdered sugar and are a popular treat during the holiday season. They’re often filled with raisins or currants and can be found at food stalls and markets throughout Amsterdam.
• Kibbeling: If you’re a fan of seafood, you won’t want to miss out on trying kibbeling. These battered and fried chunks of cod are often served with tartar sauce and can be found at fish stands and seafood restaurants throughout Amsterdam.
• Appeltaart: This traditional Dutch apple pie is made with a crumbly crust and a cinnamon-sugar filling. It’s a popular dessert that’s often served with whipped cream or ice cream and can be found at bakeries and cafes throughout Amsterdam.
• Jenever: This traditional Dutch liquor is made from juniper berries and is often served in small glasses, similar to shots. It’s a popular drink in Amsterdam and can be found in bars and cafes throughout the city.

This guide is part of our series on Dutch food and what to eat in the Netherlands.

Responsible Travel Tips

Many of us are increasingly concerned about climate change and sustainability. Here are a few ideas on how we lower our impact when Amsterdam.

• Choose sustainable transport options: You can rent a bike, use public transport or walk instead of taking taxis or renting a car to reduce your carbon footprint. Cycling is the best way to get around Amsterdam.
• Visit local farmers’ markets: You can buy locally grown produce and support small businesses, reducing food miles and minimising food waste. Some food tours mentioned here take you to a farmer’s market.
• Minimise your waste: Carry your reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and shopping bags to reduce single-use plastic waste. Use recycling bins in public areas, which are widely available in Amsterdam.
• Opt for renewable energy: Choose hotels or accommodations that use renewable energy sources to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Take a sustainable food tour: Explore Amsterdam’s local food scene by taking a sustainable food tour focusing on locally sourced, organic ingredients and supporting small, family-run businesses.
• Try a sustainable diet: Try eating vegetarian or vegan while in Amsterdam, as the city offers plenty of options for plant-based eating, reducing your carbon footprint.
• Support local community initiatives: Participate in community-led projects like litter-picking or local gardening projects, which help reduce waste and encourage sustainable living in Amsterdam.

By making conscious choices during your stay in Amsterdam, you can make a significant contribution to preserving the environment and supporting the local community.

If you’re looking for information to help plan your trip to the Netherlands, Visit Holland is a great starting point.

Final Thoughts

Taking a food tour in Amsterdam is an excellent way to experience the city’s rich culinary culture and learn about the history and traditions behind its most beloved dishes.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for a fun and unique way to explore the city, a food tour can offer a great balance of sightseeing, tasting, and learning.

One of the great things about food tours in Amsterdam is the variety of options available. From private tours that can be customized to your specific preferences to group tours that offer a more social experience, there’s something for every type of traveller.

Additionally, Amsterdam’s diverse food scene means that there’s no shortage of delicious and unique dishes to try, from classic Dutch snacks to international cuisines.

Taking a food tour can also be a great way to get off the beaten path and discover local neighbourhoods and markets that you might not have explored otherwise.

Many food tours take place in areas outside of the city centre, giving you a chance to see a different side of Amsterdam and experience its more authentic, local flavours.

Overall, a food tour is a great way to taste your way through Amsterdam and gain a deeper appreciation for its rich culinary culture.

If you have any questions or would like to leave a review or share your experience, please do so in the comments.

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Recommendations are independently chosen by our travel editors. This post contains affiliate links to tours in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.