Things to Do in Volendam: Enjoy a Taste of Traditional Dutch Cuisine

Volendam, a charming fishing village situated in the North Holland province, is one of the oldest and most picturesque towns in the Netherlands. Known for its quaint Dutch architecture and cobbled streets, it’s also an excellent place to sample some of the country’s traditional cuisine. From fish dishes to cheeses, pancakes and waffles, there’s plenty to try and enjoy in Volendam. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full meal, here are some of the best things to do in Volendam to get a taste of Dutch food.

1. Enjoy Traditional Fish Dishes

Fish dishes are a staple of Dutch cuisine, and Volendam is one of the best places to sample them. From fish platters to herring and smoked eel, there’s a great selection of dishes to choose from. For a real taste of Dutch culture, try the local specialty of raw herring with onions, served on a skewer with bread. For something a bit more substantial, head to one of the local seafood restaurants for a delicious fish platter, a selection of the freshest fish from the harbor.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, you can also find fish dishes in one of the local cafes. Try a croquette of smoked eel, served in a flaky pastry shell, or a plate of pan-fried fillets with a side of fries. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious and authentic taste of Dutch cuisine.

For a unique twist on the traditional fish dishes, try the fish pancakes. These delicious pancakes are made with a mixture of mashed potatoes, flour, and fish, then served with a dollop of butter and a sprinkle of herbs. They make a great snack or light meal.

2. Sample Local Cheeses

Cheese is another traditional Dutch staple, and Volendam is the perfect place to sample some of the best varieties. You can find a range of cheeses in the local shops and markets, from mild Gouda to strong aged Gouda, as well as Edam and Leerdammer. For a true taste of Dutch culture, try the aged cheese, which has been matured for several months and has a strong and nutty flavor.

If you’re looking for something a little different, you can also find goat’s cheese and sheep’s cheese in Volendam. These cheeses have a strong and distinctive flavor, and are often served with a side of bread or crackers. For a real treat, try a traditional Dutch cheese platter, served with a selection of different cheeses and accompaniments.

If you’re not a fan of cheese, you can still enjoy some of the local delicacies. The local markets are filled with a range of delicious treats, from jams and jellies to honey and syrups. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in Volendam.

3. Try Dutch Pancakes and Waffles

Pancakes and waffles are a popular treat in the Netherlands, and Volendam is one of the best places to sample them. Traditional Dutch pancakes are thin and crispy, served with a variety of toppings, from sugar and butter to fruit and chocolate. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Dutch version of the American pancake, served with bacon, eggs and cheese.

For a real treat, head to one of the local cafes and sample some of the delicious Dutch waffles. These waffles are thick and fluffy, served with a variety of toppings, from ice cream and fruit to chocolate and nuts. If you’re looking for something a little different, try the Dutch version of the American waffle, served with bacon, eggs and cheese.

For a unique twist, try the Dutch version of French toast. This dish is made with thick slices of bread, soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk and sugar, then fried until golden and crispy. It’s served with a variety of toppings, from syrup and jam to fruit and honey.

4. Try Local Specialties

If you’re looking for something a bit more unusual, there are plenty of local specialties to sample in Volendam. Try the smoked eel, served with a selection of accompaniments, from pickles and onions to mustard and mayonnaise. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try the local delicacy of raw herring, served with onions and bread.

For a unique experience, head to one of the local cafes and sample some of the traditional Dutch snacks. Try the bitterballen, deep-fried balls of mashed potato and beef, served with a variety of sauces. Or, if you’re feeling brave, try the Frikadel, a deep-fried patty of beef, pork, and spices, served with a dollop of mustard.

If you’re looking for something a bit sweeter, try the Dutch version of the doughnut, called the oliebollen. These deep-fried balls of dough are served with a variety of toppings, from sugar and cinnamon to syrup and jam. They make a great snack or sweet treat.

5. Visit a Local Bakery

If you’re looking for something sweet, you can’t go past a visit to one of the local bakeries. From delicious pastries and cakes to savory pies and breads, there’s something for everyone in Volendam. Try the traditional Dutch stroopwafel, two thin waffles filled with syrup and served with a dollop of cream. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try the local specialty of poffertjes, small pancakes served with butter and sugar.

For something a bit different, try the Dutch version of the croissant, called the kruidkoek. This sweet treat is made with a mixture of flour, butter, sugar, and spices, and is usually served with a dollop of jam or honey. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, try the Dutch version of the French macaron, called the macaroon. This delicious pastry is made with a mixture of egg whites and almond flour, and is usually served with a selection of delicious fillings.

6. Enjoy a Cup of Dutch Coffee

If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, you can’t go past a cup of Dutch coffee. This strong, black coffee is served in small cups and is usually accompanied by a small piece of cake or pastry. If you’re looking for something a bit sweeter, try the Dutch version of cappuccino, called the koffie verkeerd. This delicious coffee is made with a mixture of espresso and milk, and is usually served with a dollop of whipped cream.

For something a bit more indulgent, try the traditional Dutch hot chocolate. This thick, creamy drink is usually served with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Or, if you’re in the mood for something a bit stronger, try one of the local beer varieties, served in a variety of sizes and styles.

7. Sample Local Beer and Wine

If you’re looking for something a bit stronger, why not sample some of the local beers and wines? Volendam is home to a number of traditional Dutch breweries, offering a range of different beer varieties, from light and fruity to dark and malty. Or, if you’re feeling brave, try one of the local craft beers, brewed with a unique blend of ingredients.

If you prefer wine, you can sample a range of white, red and sparkling wines from the local wineries. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try one of the local specialty liqueurs, such as the jenever or the advocaat? Whatever you choose, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste.

8. Sample Dutch Snacks

If you’re looking for something to snack on, you won’t be disappointed in Volendam. The local shops are filled with a range of delicious Dutch treats, from traditional Dutch biscuits and cakes to savory pies and pastries. Try the traditional Dutch speculaas, cookies made with a mixture of spices, or the stroopwafel, two thin waffles filled with syrup and served with a dollop of cream.

If you’re in the mood for something savory, try the Dutch version of the French fry, called the friet. These deep-fried strips of potato are usually served with a variety of sauces, from mayonnaise and ketchup to curry and garlic. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try the local delicacy of bitterballen, deep-fried balls of mashed potato and beef, served with a variety of sauces.

9. Visit a Local Market

For a unique experience, why not visit one of the local markets in Volendam? Here, you’ll find a range of fresh produce, from vegetables and fruits to fish and cheese. You can also find a selection of traditional Dutch snacks, such as bitterballen and stroopwafel, as well as a range of souvenirs and gifts. If you’re in the mood for something special, why not try the local specialty of haring, served with onions and bread?

For a unique experience, why not visit one of the local markets in Volendam? Here, you’ll find a range of fresh produce, from vegetables and fruits to fish and cheese. You can also find a selection of traditional Dutch snacks, such as bitterballen and stroopwafel, as well as a range of souvenirs and gifts. If you’re in the mood for something special, why not try the local specialty of haring, served with onions and bread?

10. Try Dutch Desserts

If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t be disappointed in Volendam. The cafes and bakeries are filled with a range of delicious Dutch desserts, from traditional cakes and pastries to pancakes and waffles. Try the traditional Dutch apple pie, served with a dollop of cream, or the Dutch version of the crêpe, called the pannekoek. For something a bit different, try the Dutch version of the ice cream sandwich, called the ijsje.

For a real treat, try the traditional Dutch oliebol. This deep-fried pastry is usually served with a selection of toppings, from sugar and cinnamon to syrup and jam. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try the Dutch version of the fondue, called the kaasfondue? This delicious dish is made with a selection of cheese and served with a variety of accompaniments, from apples and pears to bread and crackers.

11. Enjoy a Glass of Dutch Gin

If you’re looking for something a bit stronger, why not sample some of the local Dutch gins? Volendam is home to a number of traditional Dutch distilleries, offering a range of different gin varieties, from light and floral to dark and smoky. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try one of the local craft gins, infused with a variety of different flavors?

For something a bit sweeter, why not sample some of the local Dutch liqueurs? These sweet, syrupy drinks are usually served with a variety of accompaniments, from ice cream and cream to fresh fruit and chocolate. Try the traditional Dutch jenever, made with juniper, or the advocaat, a creamy liqueur made with brandy and egg yolks.

12. Visit the Local Cafes and Bars

If you’re looking for a place to relax, you can’t go past the local cafes and bars. From cosy traditional bars to lively pubs and clubs, there’s something for everyone in Volendam. Enjoy a glass of Dutch beer or a cup of local coffee, or sample some of the delicious Dutch snacks and dishes. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste in Volendam.

Volendam is a charming fishing village in the North Holland province of the Netherlands. With its traditional Dutch architecture and cobbled streets, it’s the perfect place to sample some of the country’s traditional cuisine. From fish dishes to cheeses, pancakes and waffles, there’s plenty to enjoy in Volendam. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full meal, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Volendam.

So why not take a trip to Volendam and enjoy a taste of traditional Dutch cuisine? From traditional fish dishes to local cheeses, pancakes and waffles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this charming fishing village. So why not take a trip to Volendam and sample some of the best Dutch food the country has to offer?