Top 5 summer dishes in the Netherlands: Fresh flavors in the land of windmills

The Netherlands – the land of tulips, windmills and picturesque canals not only captivates visitors with its ancient beauty but also with its sophisticated and rustic culinary art. Discovering the top 5 summer dishes in the Netherlands is not only a culinary journey, but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the slow, friendly and liberal lifestyle of the Dutch. In each dish, you will find the aroma of the countryside, the sweetness of the sea, and the romantic freedom of the windy lowlands.

1. Haring

Haring is a fresh raw herring dish that represents the nimble sea spirit of the Dutch (Photo source: Collected)

Summer food in the Netherlands is not complete without herring or Haring, a fresh raw herring dish that represents the nimble sea spirit of the Dutch. When summer comes, the fishing boats arrive with the first catch of herring, and the whole country seems to be bustling with a simple yet joyful culinary festival.

Haring is served in a very rustic yet charming way. Fresh herring is cleaned and lightly soaked in salt water to retain its softness and original fatty taste. When eating, the Dutch often hold the fish by the tail, tilt their heads up and let the soft fish melt in their mouths. The light saltiness, creamy fat combined with the fresh aroma of the ocean makes the diner feel like they are being caressed by a cool wave in the middle of a summer afternoon.

You can also enjoy Haring with chopped onions and pickled cucumbers, sold from small carts along the canals or squares filled with laughter. Under the gentle sunlight, the sound of water lapping the shore, the cool taste of herring is like a song of the sea, forming the soul of Dutch summer cuisine.

2. Stamppot

In summer, Stamppot takes on a fresh, light and cool look (Image source: Collected)

When it comes to summer food in the Netherlands, many people will think that Stamppot is only for winter. But in the summer, Stamppot actually takes on a fresher, lighter and more refreshing appearance.

In its summer version, Stamppot is no longer a heavy mashed potato with simmered kale, but a gentle harmony of fresh greens, soft boiled baby potatoes and extra virgin olive oil. Carrots, peas, green onions or fresh spinach are mixed gently, retaining their natural color and crunch. The flavor of the dish is a blend of the sweet and nutty taste of the potatoes, the freshness of the greens and the delicate creaminess of the olive oil.

The Dutch often eat Stamppot in the summer for a light lunch, with grilled sausages or golden fried fish. In the warm sunshine, a plate of Stamppot exudes a fragrant smell of damp earth after the rain, evoking the peaceful and rustic soul of the countryside. It is a Dutch summer dish that brings people back to their roots, with sincerity and simplicity in every bite.

3. Kibbeling

Kibbeling is a crispy fried fish dish that attracts anyone who visits outdoor markets or wharves (Photo source: Collected)

Summer food in the Netherlands is indispensable Kibbeling – a crispy fried fish dish that anyone who visits the open-air markets or the docks is attracted by the aroma wafting in the wind. Summer is the season of fairs, the season when Dutch people gather together on the riverbanks, canals, sit on makeshift wooden benches and share hot, crispy pieces of fish.

Kibbeling is usually made from fresh cod, cut into bite-sized pieces, seasoned simply but richly with salt, pepper, garlic, then dipped in flour or beer batter and deep-fried. When removed, the crust is golden and crispy like sunlight bursting on the water surface. Inside, the fish meat is pure white, soft, moist and sweet, as if retaining the cool taste of the North Sea.

The best way to enjoy Kibbeling is to dip it in aromatic garlic aioli or rich remoulade sauce. Amidst the sounds of seagulls, the salty smell of the sea and the cheerful laughter of the market, a piece of Kibbeling encapsulates the spirit of the Dutch summer – free-spirited, joyful and full of life.

4. Salade Huzarensalade

Huzarensalade has a long history, inspired by army salads but transformed by the Dutch (Photo source: Collected)

As the summer days stretch on endlessly, with light lingering until late at night, the Dutch summer favourite is a refreshing and flavourful salad. Among them, Huzarensalade is a delicate, elegant yet full-bodied and soulful choice.

Huzarensalade has a long history, inspired by army salads but transformed by the Dutch into an elegant dish for park picnics or garden parties. The main ingredients are usually boiled and diced potatoes, carrots, peas, pickles, onions, cold cuts or tuna. All are mixed lightly with a refreshing mayonnaise sauce, with a touch of golden mustard for a subtle accent.

This salad is not only beautiful but also has a cool, fatty but balanced taste. When the sun is shining, Huzarensalade is served on a white porcelain plate, sprinkled with fresh green herbs, making every meal like a sophisticated summer party. It is a Dutch summer dish that brings you closer to a gentle, neat and natural lifestyle.

5. Poffertjes

Summer food in the Netherlands is not complete without Poffertjes (Photo source: Collected)

A Dutch summer meal is not complete without Poffertjes – tiny, puffy pancakes that resemble miniature suns, with a sweet and buttery aroma. In the summer, when outdoor markets and festivals flourish, Poffertjes carts become a popular meeting place for children and adults, where the smell of butter lightly charred on a cast iron pan wafts like a sweet invitation.

Poffertjes are made from flour, yeast and milk, fried in a special pan with a circular indentation to make the cake rise evenly. When cooked, the outside is slightly crispy but the inside is soft and smooth, as if embracing a layer of melted butter and a layer of fine white powdered sugar on top. Taking a bite of Poffertjes in the middle of a summer afternoon, you will feel the delicate sweetness, the faint smell of butter and milk and a warm feeling spreading like the gentle smile of the seller.

Even though it is just a snack, Poffertjes embodies the spirit of the Dutch summer: cheerful, sweet, and ready to share the smallest joys. Sitting on a wooden bench in the park, listening to live music, holding a plate of hot Poffertjes in your hand – these are unforgettable summer memories.

The top 5 summer dishes in the Netherlands are not just a list of delicious dishes but also slices of life, culture and the soul of the Dutch people. Each dish is a story about a country that is below sea level but has a high spirit, about people who love freedom but are always closely attached to the community. Let the summer dishes in the Netherlands lead you deeper into the heart of this country, so that each trip is not only about seeing but also about tasting, not just about stopping by but also about remaining – in memory and in love for the land of windmills.

Source : https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/mon-an-mua-he-o-ha-lan-v17516.aspx