All things Dutch

WHAT IS A BORREL?

The borrel is a famous concept in the Netherlands. People have drinks and snacks just before dinner, which is around 5 p.m. Commonly beer, wine, and bitterballen are served.

WHEN DO THE DUTCH EAT?

The Dutch eat early compared to other European countries:

• Breakfast starts around 6 a.m. and 8 a.m.

• Lunch starts around 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.

• Dinner starts around 6 p.m. or 7 p.m.

DISGUSTING OR DELICIOUS?

The Dutch are not famous for their cuisine, however contrary to popular beliefs, the Dutch food can be really delicious. A traditional Dutch breakfast and lunch consists of bread with various toppings. A traditional dinner consist of vegetables, potatoes and meat. Some popular dishes are: Boerenkool and Hutspot

TYPICAL DUTCH FOOD:

• Cheeses

• Poffertjes

• Stroopwafels

• Hagelslag

• Broodje haring

• French fries

• Oliebollen

• Rookworst

TIP: If you are ever in the mood for some of these goodies, go to the Albert Cuyp Market which is just around the corner of the office!

MORE OF OUR FAVOURITE SPOTS:

Breakfast/lunch:

• Morgan & Mees

• Bakkerswinkel

• De wasserette

• Cafe Beurre

• Dignita

• Coffee and Coconuts

• Benji’s

• Bam Boa

• Libertine petit cafe

Dinner:

• Spaghetteria

• De Plantage

• Brasserie Lolita

• Toscanini

• Getrude

• Barrica

• Nela

• Impero Romano

• Ceppi’s

• Lolo’s

• Tozi

• Volare

• Cecconi’s

• Mesiba

• Paskamer

Three Kisses

The dutch usually greet friends and family with 3 kisses, this can be a bit uncomfortable and weird for people who are not used to this. Here are some steps you can follow to avoid awkwardness. Start with a kiss on the right cheek, then on the left cheek and then go back to the right cheek for the last kiss.

Be aware: normally men greet each other by shaking hands instead of three kisses.

Planning

Another thing to keep in mind is that the Dutch love their agendas. As an international you might be surprised when you try to make an appointment to get together with Dutch friends.

Don’t feel offended when your friend schedules 4 weeks in advance, as this is commonly done. So keep in mind that the Dutch are not really spontaneous, and they will follow their agendas religiously.

Chatting

The Dutch are also known to have a straight forward communication style. This may be perceived as rude, however, the Dutch view the direct communication style as open. Don’t take it personally, after a while you will get used to it.

Museums And Cinemas

There are many great musuems and cinemas in Amsterdam. However, this may sometimes be quite expensive. We recommend some of the following to reduce your expenses:

• Museumkaart is an annual membership card that gives you unlimited free entry to 450 museums in the Netherlands (65 euros per year)

• Indiestadpas is an annual membership card that allows you to enjoy concerts of small bands (35 euros per year)

• Cineville card is an annual membership card that allows you to see unlimited movies in small dutch film theaters (18,50 euro per year)

• Pathé Unlimited is an annual membership card that give you access to unlimited movies in all the Pathé cinema’s (21 euros)

Keeping Fit

In a city full of poffertjes and stroopwafels you don’t want to loose track of your fitness. Our employees recommend some great gyms and useful apps to keep you moving:

• Onefit membership

• Classpass membership

• TrainMore gym

• David Lloyd gym

• Alo Moves app

• Amsterdam Dance Centre

Employee Recommendations

• Free Walking Tour Amsterdam - Local guides are thrilled to show you the hidden gems of Amsterdam for FREE. Well almost, the tours are tip-based and you have to book in advance where a small amount of 1.89 euro will be charged per person. Book your tour here

• The IJ-hallen - This is one of the biggest flea markets in Europe. It’s the perfect place to find unique products for low prices. Entrance tickets can be bought here

• Amsterdamse bos - The Amsterdam forest is a must go if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The forest is partly located in Amsterdam/Amstelveen.

• Poolcafe de Keu in Amsterdam West - This is the place to go for a good atmosphere, great music, nice people and a cold beer!

• Relax lounge - Stressed? Tired? Just in a need of a message? Try the relax lounge!