If you are a “foodie” or have someone on your gift list who is, these Dutch food and drink gifts are sure to please you.
01
of 04
Dutch cheese
The Dutch are world famous for their long history of making cheese, and for good reason – it’s delicious! Most of the cheese you’ll find in Amsterdam and the Netherlands is of the Gouda (pronounced “KHOW-duh” not “GOO-duh”) or Edam variety, which get their name from Dutch cities. There are also several types of goat cheeses and farmer’s cheese, or
(young), not unlike Parmesan. Leiden cheese, which features cumin seeds, is also a Dutch favorite. Make sure you have your cheese vacuum packed to clear customs.
02
of 04
Stroopwafels – Dutch Cookies
Direction
Prins Hendrikkade 20, 1012 TL Amsterdam, The NetherlandsGet directions
Telephone
+31 20 627 0601
Web
Visit the website
If you’ve never had a stroopwafel , you’re missing out on one of life’s best pleasures. These addictive Dutch treats are made up of two layers of thin biscuit-filled cookies, sticky fudge of Stroop (syrup). They are so buttery you have to lick your fingers, but too delicious to stop there. I’ve never met anyone who has just one. The best place to buy them is at the Albert Heijn grocery store or from the market man Albert Cuyp, who makes them in front of you. If you buy them at the airport or in souvenir shops, you will pay triple the price.
03
of 04
Dutch beer
Direction
Paleisstraat 125, 1012 ZL Amsterdam, The NetherlandsGet directions
Telephone
+31 20 625 2336
Web
Visit the website
Dutch beer has a lot more to it than the big-name brand you see on green billboards all over Amsterdam. Head to De Bierkoning and you’ll find Dutch beers you never knew existed, including several from an organic brewery in Amsterdam, ranging from light pilsners to rich browns and stouts. You may want to purchase each brewery’s specialty glass to accompany the tasting packages you purchase as a gift. Wrap the beers tightly and pack in your checked luggage.
04
of 04
Dutch chocolate
Direction
Staalstraat 17 , 1011 JK Amsterdam , Países BajosGet directions
Telephone
+31 20 626 5474
Web
Visit the website
While the Swiss and Belgians may be best known for their chocolate, history tells us that the Dutch have had a love affair with the cocoa bean. In fact, a Dutchman invented the cocoa press, which made chocolate making easier and thus brought it to the masses. Stop by the Amsterdam Puccini chocolate shop (on the West Canal Belt) for some sinful bon bons if you want your gift to look extra special. But even the cheap chocolate bars, candies, and cocoa mix on grocery store shelves (good brands include Droste and Verkade make most American chocolate taste like mud.
