Highlights of Dutch Food & History
so much to see and taste in just 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.
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
End your Dutch food tour with some of the best quality Dutch cheeses and a drink, 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.
Tour Highlights
4 tastings that together make up a full, satisfying meal
- 3 drinks included
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 deli and fish shops
- 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
Maps
Starting point
End point
If you’re looking to experience the real Amsterdam beyond the usual tourist spots, this tour is absolutely perfect. It offers a fantastic journey through hidden corners, unique places, and special tastings that you wouldn’t come across on your own. The guide is empathetic and highly engaged, making the whole experience incredibly enjoyable and well worth every cent. For those who wish to explore Amsterdam through its food and culture, this tour is a golden opportunity.
We had a really great time on our Grand Dutch Food & History tour. Rudolph was an excellent guide – very knowledgeable, entertaining and also very humorous. The food and wine selection was very good and we learned a lot about Amsterdam, its history and its food culture. We would highly recommend the tour.
Enjoyable tour! So much valuable information shared with the group. All the food was delicious. Definitely recommend this food tour!
Just finished a tour with our excellent guide – David. He was informative and knowledgeable about the history as well as the food. His time management was good – we never felt rushed and yet we got to all the places. He was very comfortable to be with and answered all our questions. We got a true sense of the Dutch culture. And all the stops served up yummy food. We will not be needing to eat dinner tonight. Would absolutely recommend.
Jan did a great job providing a thorough and detailed history of Amsterdam as well as showcasing highlights of boutique dutch cheese, wine, and the delicious apple pie! I am thrilled with his genuine enthusiasm and would be glad to have Jan again as my tour guide, share a good meal and conversation. Highly recommended! (tour during mid August 2025)
Marc gave an amazing tour today, the excellent choice of stops gave a wonderful glimpse into Amsterdam life and history. From traditional apple cake, meats, cheeses, wines to Indonesian satay all wrapped in engaging stories and information about this beautiful city. Marc and the wonderful local businesses earned every one of the 5 stars!
Caroline was exceptional! Very knowledgeable and moved us through the experience at a good pace. Enjoyed the tour very much!
Loved the personal interaction with this wonderful guide. He was so knowledgeable and shared interesting information and history about Amsterdam. The food, wine, and gin we experienced was outstanding.
The tour was part history and part food. A perfect balance. Rudolph is a great guide, knowledgeable and entertaining. He is even funny some times.
We took the Grand Dutch Food and History tour today with Inbal. She was intelligent and engaging and managed the group and our experience well. The food stops were places that felt very local and provided exquisite tastes, which Inbal helped us understand. I would recommend this highly, and it was good value for money!
Share this with your friends and family
Book now
Easily book your tour online using the calendar above. The booking system is secure and you’ll immediately receive a confirmation of your booking.
If your group size is larger than 10 people, please email us at [email protected] to book instead of using the online booking option.
If you don’t see availability for the date(s) you have in mind, please contact us!
Combine this tour with
Contact us to have us make your ideal tour planning
Rijksmuseum Private Tour
Immerse yourself in Dutch art and culture as you explore the Rijksmuseum building and the Gallery of Honour with your private guide.
Old City Walk - Private Tour
Would you like to get a first impression of Amsterdam? Then join us on the 2-hours Old City Walk and learn all about the city’s history, architecture and culture.
Jewish History Tour
- Private Tour
Visit historic sites and monuments related to Amsterdam’s Jewish history led by an expert guide.