A Guide to Dutch Winter Food: Comforting Dishes to Explore

January 17, 2025 | Taalthuis

Winter in the Netherlands brings chilly winds, rainy skies, and even the occasional snowstorm. But alongside this frosty weather comes one of the best parts of the season: the hearty Dutch winter cuisine. With its soul-warming stews, soups, and savory treats, Dutch food is the perfect way to get cozy and experience warmth.

For expats living in the Netherlands, winter is the ideal time to discover these warm specialties. Here’s Taalthuis’ guide to must-try dishes, complete with provincial specialties, and some entertaining insights about Dutch weather and food culture.

Quirky facts about Dutch winters and cuisine

The Dutch are famous for their obsession with the weather, so much so that phrases like “Het is echt weer voor snert!” ("It's definitely snert weather!") are common when temperatures drop.

Dutch cuisine may seem simple, but its flavors tell stories of resilience, history, and creativity. Many winter dishes evolved out of necessity during difficult times, making them rich with cultural significance.

Ice skating on natural ice is a national passion, and every winter, there’s anticipation for the return of the Elfstedentocht. Even if the tour doesn't happen, enjoying a mug of mulled wine (glühwein) or hot chocolate at a local koek-en-zopie (winter food stall) is a cherished tradition.

Nationwide winter favorites: learn each province and its typical food!

1. Snert (Erwtensoep)
No Dutch winter food list is complete without snert, a thick pea soup made with split peas, pork, celery, carrots, leeks, and smoked sausage (rookworst). This dish is so hearty that a spoon can practically stand up in the bowl. Traditionally served with rye bread topped with bacon or cheese, snert is perfect after an icy day outside.

Fun fact: In Friesland, it's common to eat snert after a day of skating along the famous Elfstedentocht (Eleven Cities Tour) when the canals freeze — although this legendary event rarely happens due to mild winters.

2. Stamppot
Stamppot is the ultimate comfort food. This mashed potato-based dish often includes vegetables like kale (boerenkool), carrots and onions (hutspot), or sauerkraut (zuurkool), and it’s typically topped with gravy and a juicy rookworst. Stamppot dates back to the 16th century and remains a staple in Dutch households.

Provincial Winter Food Highlights

1. North Holland: Kibbeling and Broodje Bal

Although more commonly associated with coastal weather than icy days, fried fish such as kibbeling (battered fish bites) remains popular year-round. For a true winter warmer, try a broodje bal — a soft roll filled with a giant, spiced meatball, often served with mustard.

2. South Holland: Hutspot and Haagse Bluf

Hutspot’s origin comes from Leiden, where the legend says it was first eaten during the Siege of Leiden in 1574. It’s a simple but satisfying mash of potatoes, carrots, and onions. For something sweet, try Haagse Bluf, a frothy dessert made from whipped egg whites, sugar, and berry juice — perfect for lightening up a heavy winter meal.

3. Zeeland: Zeeuwse Mosselen and Boterbabbelaar

Zeeland may be famous for its mussels (Zeeuwse mosselen), but in winter, you’ll find locals reaching for boterbabbelaars — rich butter toffees that melt in your mouth. Pairing these sweets with a cozy cup of tea is an ideal way to chase away the winter blues.

4. Friesland: Beerenburg and Oranjekoek

When in Friesland, warm up with a glass of Beerenburg, a local herbal liquor known for its warming properties. If you’re looking for something baked, Oranjekoek — a fragrant spiced cake topped with pink icing and sometimes whipped cream — is a regional favorite.

5. Groningen: Groninger Mustard Soup

Groningen is known for its tangy mustard soup, made from creamy broth, local mustard, leeks, and bacon. It’s a fantastic starter for a hearty winter meal.

6. Drenthe: Boerenjongens

Boerenjongens (which translates to "farmer’s boys") is a sweet treat made from raisins soaked in brandy and sugar. It's often served during special occasions but is especially warming during the colder months.

7. Limburg: Zuurvlees

A beloved dish in Limburg, zuurvlees is a slow-cooked beef (or sometimes horse meat) stew marinated in vinegar and flavored with gingerbread or apple syrup for a tangy-sweet finish. It’s often paired with fries or mashed potatoes.

8. Brabant: Bossche Bol and Stoofvlees

Stoofvlees (beef stew) is a rich, slow-cooked dish commonly served with fries or crusty bread. In Brabant, you’ll also find Bossche Bollen — large cream-filled pastries coated in a thick layer of chocolate. These are the Dutch answers to comfort desserts.

9. Gelderland: Wild Stew and Krentenmik

Gelderland’s forested areas make it a hotspot for wild game stews during winter. Try venison or boar stews with root vegetables and a rich red wine sauce. For something sweet, krentenmik — a dense bread filled with currants and raisins — is a holiday season must-have.

10. Overijssel: Balkenbrij

Balkenbrij is a regional delicacy similar to scrapple or black pudding, made from meat broth, buckwheat, and spices. It’s typically sliced and fried until crispy. Though it might sound unusual, it’s beloved for its nostalgic flavor.

11. Utrecht: Jan-in-de-Zak

This traditional steamed pudding-like dessert is made from flour, raisins, and buttermilk and boiled in a cloth bag (hence the name "Jan in the bag"). It’s often served warm with syrup or melted butter.

12. Flevoland: Polderpot

Flevoland is the newest Dutch province, but it’s already building its own food traditions. Polderpot is a hearty stew that makes use of the province’s abundant potatoes, carrots, and leeks — a perfect tribute to its reclaimed agricultural lands.

Try It Yourself

Whether you’re trying your hand at stoofvlees, zuurvlees, or whipping up a batch of snert, diving into Dutch winter food is a delicious way to embrace the season and explore your new home. Bundle up, head to your local market for ingredients, and warm your kitchen with the comforting aromas of the Netherlands.