Highlights of dutch food & amsterdam history in 2.5 hours

A Short Food & History Tour Full of Local Flavor

This 2.5-hour walking tour takes you through the charming Jordaan district and the lively Haarlemmerdijk—one of Amsterdam’s most popular streets for food, shopping, and local life. Led by an experienced local Dutch guide, you’ll learn about the city’s history and culture while enjoying four handpicked tastings that reflect the variety and depth of Dutch cuisine. Here’s what’s waiting for you—bring your appetite!:

Dutch Apple Pie

The tour begins in one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful and well-known brown cafés, run by the same Jordaan family for over 60 years. Housed in a historic canal house that’s over 360 years old, this cozy spot offers the perfect setting to start your experience.

You’ll enjoy a slice of homemade Dutch apple pie with a drink of your choice—coffee, tea, a soft drink, or, if you prefer, a local beer or jenever. Apple pie in the Netherlands isn’t just a dessert—it’s one of the most beloved and gezellige ways to start the day.

Dutch Sausage

Next, you’ll stop at a well-known local broodjeszaak (sandwich shop) known for high-quality ingredients and a true Jordaan atmosphere. This family-run shop has been a favorite for over 25 years.

You’ll try a warm baguette with grillworst—a spiced pork sausage that’s one of the most popular among the Dutch—topped with honey mustard, mayo, arugula, and pine nuts. Served with a drink of your choice, including wine or non-alcoholic options. Vegetarian alternatives are available.

Dutch Seafood

From Saturday to Friday, the tour includes a visit to a traditional Volendam-style fish shop for two beloved Dutch classics. First, you’ll try herring—slightly fermented, lightly salted, and topped with chopped onions and pickles. Don’t worry if you’re unsure—thousands of guests have been happily converted into herring fans. Next, enjoy kibbeling—crispy battered chunks of cod served with a tangy dipping sauce. Both are staples of Dutch seafood culture.

On Sundays and Mondays, when fish shops are closed, you’ll instead enjoy a shrimp croquette from Holtkamp, one of Amsterdam’s most renowned patisseries. Made with a rich North Sea shrimp ragout and coated in a golden crust, it’s an elegant take on a beloved snack.

Dutch Farmhouse Cheeses

From Tuesday to Sunday, the tour features a cheese tasting in a private room at one of Amsterdam’s most exclusive cheese shops. While the shop is in the city, the cheeses are aged just outside Amsterdam in a former military bunker—now their cheese fort—where over 300 varieties are refined and selected for Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels. You’ll taste a selection of raw milk boerenkaas, including two aged Goudas, a creamy Dutch blue, and a rich Jersey milk cheese.

On Mondays, when the cheese shop is closed, you’ll enjoy an equally high-quality cheese board with Dutch and Belgian varieties, served in the West-Indisch Huis—the former Dutch West India Company headquarters, where the founding of Nieuw Amsterdam (modern-day New York City) was decided. Now a stylish restaurant, it still retains the charm of 300 years ago.

At both locations, a drink of your choice such as wine, Dutch crafted beer, or non-alcoholic is included.

Tour Highlights

• 4 tastings that together make up a full, satisfying meal

• Explore the Jordaan and Haarlemmerdijk with a local guide

• Learn about Amsterdam’s food culture, history, and daily life

• Visit real local favorites, from cafés to cheese and fish shops

• Bookable as a shared or private experience online

• Duration: 2.5 hours 
• Stops: 4 (2 seated and inside)
  
• Goes on rain or shine
• Cancellation: Free to cancel up to 24 hours before the tour. 
• Group size: max. 10 people
  
• Minimum bookings: If less than 4 participate, we will try to reschedule you or issue a full refund. This will be decided upon latest 48 hours before your tour start.
• Food and drinks are included and make up for a large meal
  
• Under 18’s get a discount
• Dietary accommodations: Vegetarian and pescatarian diets can be accommodated, as well as nut and shellfish allergy allergies, no beef or pork and alcohol-free lifestyles.  Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for the vegan lifestyle and those with celiac disease. Suitable for those with a lactose intolerance who can have some processed butter and hard ripened cheese (contains no or near zero lactose). Please, be aware that we can never completely rule out any cross contamination. When you book online, you will be able to list your dietary requirements upon checking out.
  
• Languages: English (Book as a private tour for Dutch, German or French)
• Starting point: Cafe ‘t Papeneiland
• End point: Cafe Nieuw Amsterdam
• FAQ

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