10 Traditional Dutch Foods So Comforting You’ll Want To Move To Amsterdam

Meta Description: Discover 10 traditional Dutch foods that warm the soul and bring comfort like no other. Explore the spiritual lessons hidden in Dutch cuisine with insights from the Old Testament and the words of Jesus, written for a Messianic Jewish audience.

Introduction: When Food Feels Like Home

There are meals that go beyond filling your stomach—they heal your soul, remind you of community, and make you feel rooted in something deeper. The Dutch, though a small nation, have cultivated foods so warm and comforting that many travelers say, “I could move to Amsterdam just for the food.”

Food, after all, is never just about eating. In the Scriptures, bread, soups, fish, and wine all carried meaning far greater than nutrition. They were symbols of covenant, joy, healing, and restoration.

As it is written:
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8:3, echoed by Yeshua in Matthew 4:4)

So, let’s taste the Netherlands—not just with our mouths, but with our hearts and spirits. Here are 10 Traditional Dutch Foods So Comforting You’ll Want to Move to Amsterdam, paired with timeless biblical insight.

1. Stroopwafels – Sweet Layers of Covenant

Crispy waffles sandwiched together with warm caramel syrup. Stroopwafels are more than dessert—they remind us of sweetness hidden inside the ordinary.

Just as the Lord gave manna, a sweet taste of heaven, the stroopwafel whispers: “Taste and see that the LORD is good.” (Psalm 34:8)

2. Erwtensoep (Dutch Split Pea Soup) – A Winter Healer

Thick, hearty, and soul-warming, this pea soup is a Dutch winter staple. Families gather around steaming bowls, finding strength in the depth of the broth.

“He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)
This soup embodies God’s healing—warmth that revives the body and the spirit.

3. Stamppot – The Humble Meal That Feeds Nations

Mashed potatoes with greens and sausage may look simple, but stamppot is comfort in its purest form. It reminds us that God blesses the humble and lifts them high.

“The meek shall eat and be satisfied.” (Psalm 22:26)

4. Haring (Raw Herring) – Strength from the Sea

Eating raw herring “the Dutch way” (by the tail, with onions and pickles) may sound daring, but it is nourishing and bold.

Just as Yeshua fed multitudes with fish by the sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:17–20), Dutch herring points us back to the One who multiplies provision when we trust Him.

5. Poffertjes – Little Reminders of God’s Abundance

Tiny fluffy pancakes dusted with sugar, poffertjes are joy on a plate. Small things can bring immense happiness.

“Despise not the day of small things.” (Zechariah 4:10)
Every poffertje reminds us that small blessings, multiplied, are miracles in disguise.

6. Kibbeling – Crispy Bites of the Sea

Deep-fried fish chunks, seasoned to perfection. Kibbeling is the Dutch comfort snack of choice.

When Yeshua called His disciples, He said:
“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)
Kibbeling reminds us that food is fellowship, and fellowship leads to discipleship.

7. Appeltaart (Dutch Apple Pie) – A Slice of Shabbat Peace

Dutch apple pie is not your ordinary pie. With deep filling, rich cinnamon, and a crumbly top, it is best shared with family on a quiet afternoon.

“And you shall rejoice in your feast, you, and your son, and your daughter…” (Deuteronomy 16:14)
Appeltaart is a taste of rejoicing, a foretaste of Shabbat rest.

8. Bitterballen – Comfort in the Midst of Hardship

These savory, crispy meat-filled balls are a Dutch pub favorite. They remind us that even in times of bitterness, there can be comfort.

“You turned my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.” (Psalm 30:11)

9. Hutspot – The Food of Survival and Deliverance

Hutspot, a carrot, onion, and potato mash, is tied to Dutch history of endurance during the Siege of Leiden in 1574. It is food born from hardship, transformed into tradition.

This echoes Israel’s story—meals of remembrance that testify of deliverance:
“You shall eat unleavened bread… that you may remember the day when you came out of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 16:3)

10. Oliebollen – Sweet Hope for a New Beginning

Eaten on New Year’s Eve, these powdered sugar–covered fried dough balls symbolize hope for the year ahead.

Yeshua declared:
“Behold, I make all things new.” (Revelation 21:5 – though spoken in Revelation, it echoes Isaiah’s prophetic promise of renewal.)
Oliebollen remind us that God’s mercies are new every morning, and every year can begin with joy.

Biblical Insight: Food as a Foreshadow of the Kingdom

Dutch foods comfort not just because of taste, but because they mirror biblical truths: God provides, God heals, God restores, and God makes new.

When Yeshua broke bread, He wasn’t just feeding bodies—He was revealing the Kingdom. Dutch traditions, though not ancient Israelite, still echo the eternal truth: meals unite, heal, and remind us of covenant.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)

Final Thoughts: Will You Taste and See?

If food this comforting can make you dream of moving to Amsterdam, how much more should the Bread of Life draw us nearer to Him?

Dutch cuisine offers warmth for cold winters, but God offers eternal comfort for every soul. Next time you taste a stroopwafel, a spoon of erwtensoep, or a slice of appeltaart, remember: The true sweetness is found in the Lord.