Rotterdam may be known for its bold modern architecture and vibrant harbor views, but its culinary scene is equally captivating. This innovative Dutch city serves up a flavorful mix of tradition and trend — from cozy comfort foods to gourmet street snacks. Whether you're cycling through its city streets, browsing the iconic Markthal or exploring a cheese farm nearby, you'll find something fresh and satisfying at every turn.
If you're wondering what to eat in Rotterdam, we've put together a tasty lineup of the city’s most iconic and beloved dishes. These are the best foods in Rotterdam to try while soaking in the city's creative energy.
1. Stroopwafels
Stroopwafels are a must when eating your way through Rotterdam. These thin waffle-like cookies are sandwiched with a gooey layer of caramel syrup, and best enjoyed warm from a market stand. Though popular across the Netherlands, tasting one fresh from the griddle at Rotterdam’s bustling Markthal elevates the experience. Pair your stroopwafel with a coffee and you’ve got yourself a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
2. Kibbeling
Kibbeling is Rotterdam’s answer to British fish and chips — bite-sized pieces of white fish (usually cod) are battered, fried to golden perfection and served with garlic or tartar sauce. Sold at street stalls and fish shops across the city, kibbeling is a local go-to for a quick, savory snack. It's salty, satisfying and crunchy in all the right ways. Try it near the harbor for that perfect seaside atmosphere.
3. Dutch Fries (Patat)
Dutch fries — or patat — are thick-cut, crispy and generously topped with sauces like mayonnaise, curry ketchup or the famous “patat oorlog” combo of mayo, satay sauce and chopped onions. Rotterdam’s street vendors take their fries seriously, often serving them in paper cones with mini forks. These make for a great snack between sightseeing stops or after a bike ride around town.
4. Haring “Hollandse Nieuwe”
Not for the faint of heart, raw herring is a Dutch delicacy and a rite of passage for adventurous eaters. The fish is delicately cured and traditionally enjoyed by lifting it by the tail and dropping it into your mouth whole. Alternatively, you can choose a more accessible version, where it's served with onions and pickles in a bread roll. Rotterdam’s harborside fish stalls offer some of the freshest haring around.
5. Poffertjes
These fluffy, mini pancakes are a sweet Dutch treat that’s especially popular at markets and festivals. Cooked on a special cast-iron griddle, poffertjes are golden on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re typically served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a pat of butter melting over the top. In Rotterdam, you can find them year-round at street fairs and pop-up carts.
6. Gouda Cheese
No food tour of Rotterdam would be complete without sampling some Gouda. While it hails from a nearby town of the same name, this semi-hard cheese is beloved across the country. It ranges from creamy young varieties to aged versions with complex, nutty flavors. For the full experience, head out on the Gouda Cheese Tasting excursion, where you can learn about traditional cheese-making and taste the real thing straight from the source.
7. Indonesian Rijsttafel
Rotterdam has deep cultural connections with Indonesia, and the influence is especially evident in the city’s food. Rijsttafel — meaning “rice table” — is a feast of small dishes like spicy beef rendang, sambals, peanut satay and fragrant rice. The flavors are bold, diverse and incredibly satisfying. Local favorites like Kantjil & de Tijger or the more modern Satebar offer memorable rijsttafel experiences that combine Dutch hospitality with Indonesian flair.
8. Bitterballen
Bitterballen are savory, deep-fried spheres filled with a creamy, spiced beef or veal ragout. Crispy on the outside and molten inside, they're the ultimate Dutch bar snack, often served with a side of mustard and a cold beer. Whether you’re relaxing at a canal-side café or stopping at a pub after a tour, bitterballen are one of the best foods in Rotterdam to nibble on while you unwind.
9. Erwtensoep (Dutch Pea Soup)
Thick, hearty and perfect for chilly days, erwtensoep — or “snert” — is a traditional Dutch pea soup made with split peas, pork and root vegetables. It's often served with rye bread and slices of rookworst, a smoked sausage. While it’s more common in winter, some local eateries serve it year-round as a comforting meal. It’s a dish that tastes like home, even if you’re only visiting.
10. Kapsalon
This local fast-food invention has become something of a cult favorite in Rotterdam. Kapsalon is a layered dish of fries, shawarma meat, melted cheese, garlic sauce, sambal and salad — usually served in a foil tray. It was first created by a hairdresser (hence the name, which means “barbershop”). While it may not be light fare, it’s a wildly satisfying late-night bite or hearty lunch.
11. Oliebollen
Traditionally enjoyed around the New Year, oliebollen are deep-fried dough balls often dotted with raisins or currants and dusted with powdered sugar. They’re like Dutch doughnuts and are sold at winter markets and food trucks throughout Rotterdam during the holiday season. Even if you're visiting outside of winter, some bakeries and cafés offer year-round variations worth tracking down.
12. Dutch Apple Pie (Appeltaart)
Unlike its American cousin, Dutch appeltaart is thicker, heartier and often flavored with cinnamon and lemon. It typically has a buttery, crumbly crust, and is served warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Whether at a cozy café or a waterside restaurant, a slice of this pie paired with a hot coffee is the perfect way to wrap up your culinary adventure.
Food Excursions That Celebrate Rotterdam’s Flavors
Want to go beyond the plate? Rotterdam offers several food-focused shore excursions that allow you to explore the city’s flavors in immersive ways:
- Gouda Cheese Tasting
- Travel outside the city to explore the heritage and taste of world-renowned Gouda cheese. Learn about Dutch dairy culture and sample multiple aged varieties while surrounded by charming countryside scenery.
- Bike & Bites
- Combine sightseeing with street food on this active culinary excursion. As you pedal through Rotterdam’s most scenic neighborhoods, you'll stop at local hotspots to enjoy bite-sized Dutch specialties. It’s a great way to connect with the city while satisfying your appetite.
What Foods is Rotterdam Famous For?
Rotterdam is famous for stroopwafels, kibbeling, Indonesian rijsttafel, Gouda cheese, herring and patat frites — each one a must-try when visiting the city. These iconic bites reflect Rotterdam’s unique blend of Dutch tradition and international influences, offering a taste of its bold and multicultural food scene. From sweet to savory, the best foods in Rotterdam are a flavorful expression of the city's creative and ever-evolving spirit.
Keep Exploring Rotterdam, Netherlands
Want to learn more about this gem? Check out these guides to plan your next trip:
- Rotterdam, Netherlands Shore Excursions - Uncover the best of Rotterdam with shore excursions that take you on unforgettable adventures.
- What is Rotterdam, Netherlands Known For? - Learn more about the city's cutting-edge architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
- When is the Best Time to Visit Rotterdam? - Plan the best time for your perfect getaway.
- What to Buy in Rotterdam - Discover the best souvenirs, from timeless Dutch classics to quirky, design-forward finds.
