These Dutch dishes are a hit abroad

You might think that we in the Netherlands aren’t known for our culinary hits — and that may well be true, but it seems that this is starting to change. Of course, our delicacies were already a major treat at the resorts of Lloret de Mar, where you can routinely find a Friet van Piet (and order frikadellen and kroketten as if you’ve just rolled out of Leidseplein), but lately many more countries have been adopting ‘our’ dishes.

Dutch dishes that are a hit abroad

1. Stroopwafels

The name sounds so logical in our language, but not so much in the US — where this is becoming a huge hit. Syrup as we put it on our pancakes isn’t exactly a very popular thing there, and when they think of waffles, they imagine something entirely different. Bakery The Good Batch in NYC was the very first in the United States; its doors opened in 2010. They missed the cookies from home (it was indeed founded by Dutch people), the idea caught on, and by now you can find our stroopwafel under various names on the other side of the ocean.

2. Brussels sprouts

Once again, the United States has taken something from us and put it on the market itself. And, to be fair, they really do a pretty good job with Brussels sprouts. I think I speak for half of the Netherlands when I say that boiled Brussels sprouts used to be genuine nightmare material. Even though Brussels sprouts can be quite delicious: stir-fried or, my favorite, deep-fried. It is hardly surprising that America started deep-frying our Brussels sprouts, but it is genuinely delicious. Want to take a slightly healthier approach? Make them the way they do in Indonesia — delicious and spicy.

3. Licorice

Dutch licorice is truly the best; you can’t convince me otherwise. But that doesn’t mean other countries can’t enjoy licorice too. In fact, it is hugely popular in Scandinavia, especially the Lakrids brand of salty ‘licorice sweets’, which is doing very well. Very different from how we know it, but everyone has their own taste.

4. Kale

Hey America, do you ever come up with dishes that are actually originally yours? They prepare kale in a completely different way from what we’re used to: not as stamppot, but raw. And well, I have to say: I thought it was incredibly delicious when I was in New York. You also see ‘kale salad’ everywhere. Lately, I’ve been seeing it more in the Netherlands too, and I think that’s a positive development. Healthy and delicious, and a nice change from ordinary lettuce.

5. Pea soup

You can order this perfectly well in Indonesia, and I actually find it even tastier there (but I absolutely love Indonesian food and am only moderately fond of pea soup). If you’re there, look for ‘sop pollong’ on the menu. It is often served with rice and has the same thickness as the Dutch version you’re used to.

6. Kroketten and bitterballen

This obviously doesn’t really come as a surprise, because these are something of a source of Dutch pride. Spanish croquettas always go down well with me too; other countries’ attempts to recreate ‘our’ bitterbal, considerably less so. You won’t soon find a truly good kroket or bitterbal abroad, no matter how much they want to… Although the Alpenbälle in Germany and Austria come somewhat close.

7. Kapsalon

Yes, seriously! The standard go-to for when you roll out of the pub and stagger over to the nearest snack bar is a huge hit in… Nepal! How? Apparently, a Nepalese chef discovered this delicacy during a trip through the Netherlands and was sold (understandably). Even more amusing: in Nepal it costs around 3 euros, which is an enormous amount of money there. So you won’t find our ordinary Kapsalon in cafés or snack bars, but in exclusive high-end restaurants. Hilarious!

8. Pancakes

In America and Canada, you can of course find plenty of pancakes, but they are the small, thick pancakes. Not the kind our mothers used to serve us. This version is making real progress in Canada, though: the ‘Dutch’ franchise sells the paper-thin pancakes. Mainly as breakfast, by the way.

Read also:

• Things your foreign friends should try
• Why does the first pancake fail?
• Abroad? This is what you order at McDonald’s