Amsterdam: Ultimate Amsterdam Food Tour

Setting out on a food tour in Amsterdam might just be one of the best ways to experience the city’s vibrant culture and history all in one bite-sized adventure. While many travelers focus on the museums and canals, this tour from Devour Tours offers a deep dive into the Netherlands’ culinary heritage, all while wandering through some of Amsterdam’s most charming neighborhoods.

Our review will highlight the standout moments of this experience, from iconic snacks to local stories, and help you decide if this tour matches your travel style. We love how it combines history with hearty bites, offers an authentic peek behind the scenes at family-run businesses, and introduces you to the city’s must-eat foods. An important consideration is the tour’s focus on walking—you’ll want to be comfortable with a moderate pace. If you’re a foodie eager to taste traditional Dutch flavors, enjoy storytelling, and love exploring neighborhoods, this tour is well worth your time and money.

Key Points

• Authentic Experiences: The tour includes visits to historic bakeries and family-run eateries, offering genuine tastes of Amsterdam’s food culture.
• Comprehensive Tasting: You’ll sample a variety of Dutch staples like stroopwafels, herring, fries, cheese, and regional specialties—all in one tour.
• Local Insights: Guides share fascinating stories about Amsterdam’s neighborhoods and how food and history intertwine.
• Moderate Walking: The tour covers three neighborhoods with plenty of sights along the way, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Small Group: With a maximum of 12 guests, the experience feels intimate and personalized.
• Value for Money: At around 3.5 hours and over 10 tastings, it offers a well-rounded introduction to Dutch cuisine, though some reviews mention the food choices could be more hearty.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Highlights

Starting in the Picturesque Spui District

The tour kicks off in the charming Spui square, outside The American Book Store at Spui 12. Your guide, who we’ll learn more about later, begins by introducing Amsterdam’s food scene and setting expectations. The first stop is at a family-run bakery operating since 1898—an institution in the city. Here, you’ll indulge in a stroopwafel fresh from the oven, a sweet treat that perfectly embodies Dutch snack culture. The fact that this bakery has been creating these delicious waffles for over a century adds an extra layer of authenticity.

Exploring Historic Cafés and Hidden Gems

Next, you’ll visit a “brown café” dating back to 1921, a true local favorite. This spot has attracted creatives, politicians, and locals alike for decades. As you settle in with a slice of Dutch apple pie paired with coffee, the guide shares stories about the neighborhood’s evolution and its role in Amsterdam’s cultural fabric. The occasional mention of unassuming courtyards and sites tied to 1960s counterculture makes this a surprising glimpse into the city’s layered past.

Sampling the Bounty of Local Street Food

The experience continues with visits to local vendors known for their herring and kibbeling—famous Dutch street eats—and, as one reviewer pointed out, an “80s neighborhood staple.” This family-run stand has maintained its reputation for decades, run by the original owner and his son, offering a taste of tradition that’s hard to beat. If you’re new to raw herring, you might find it an acquired taste, but it’s a quintessential Dutch experience.

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Dutch Fries and Cheese: A Classic Combo

No Dutch food tour would be complete without fries—crisp, golden, and served with a variety of homemade sauces. The stop at Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx, a tiny shop with a loyal following, proves why Dutch fries are a national treasure. The guide suggests trying the fries with their special sauce for an authentic experience. Crossing over to Jordaan, the picturesque 17th-century neighborhood, the group visits a family-owned cheese shop. Here, you’ll taste a selection of Dutch cheeses, from mild to sharp, and learn about their regional differences.

Final Flavors and Local Beers

The last stop features a cozy eatery in a painter’s former home, decorated in neighborhood style, where you’ll sample bitterballen (Dutch meat croquettes), stamppot (a hearty mashed potato dish), and Dutch sausage paired with a local beer. This final tasting wraps up the tour with some of the most beloved Dutch comfort foods, giving you a well-rounded taste of the country’s flavors.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Tour Duration, Group Size, and Schedule

This 3.5-hour experience offers a manageable pace, perfect for those who want a taste of Amsterdam without a full-day commitment. The small group size (max 12 guests) ensures a relaxed, engaging atmosphere where you can ask plenty of questions and get personalized insights.

Meeting Point and End Location

The tour begins at Spui 12, outside The American Book Store, with instructions to arrive 15 minutes early. It concludes back at Egelantiersgracht, making it convenient for those staying nearby or planning further explorations in Jordaan.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Your ticket covers an enthusiastic English-speaking guide, over 10 tastings at eight local businesses, and the small-group experience. Transport isn’t included, so be prepared for a lot of walking—Amsterdam’s neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

Dietary Considerations

While vegetarian and pescatarian options are available, the tour is not suitable for vegans, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets due to the nature of the foods served. Guests with food allergies should sign an allergy waiver, and dietary restrictions should be communicated in advance.

Authentic, Hearty, and Historically Tied Food Experiences

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on family-run businesses that have been part of Amsterdam’s fabric for generations. The stories shared by guides like Eduardo—who, as noted in reviews, is seen as knowledgeable and engaging—add an extra dimension to the tastings. One reviewer mentioned feeling that the tour was a bit pricey for the amount and variety of food, wishing for more substantial or savory options. That’s a fair point and something to consider if you’re expecting a full meal rather than a snack-focused experience.

The Food and Its Cultural Context

Sampling foods like stroopwafels, herring, and Dutch cheeses isn’t just about taste; it’s about understanding their significance within Dutch life. The guide’s commentary about how the city’s past influences its cuisine helps travelers appreciate why these foods are iconic. For instance, the herring stand has been a neighborhood fixture since the 1980s, a testament to the enduring popularity of street food in Dutch culture.

The Experience Quality and Guide Expertise

From the reviews, it’s clear that the guides, such as Eduardo, are appreciated for their storytelling skills and local knowledge. The small group size encourages interaction, making it easier to ask questions about the food, history, or Amsterdam’s neighborhoods.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who love authentic local food, enjoy a relaxed pace, and want a taste of Amsterdam’s neighborhoods beyond the main tourist spots. It’s perfect for those interested in history and culture, as the stories behind each eatery add depth to the tasting. If you’re craving a hearty, savory experience, you might find some of the snacks lighter than expected but still rewarding.

While not ideal for vegans or gluten-free guests, vegetarians, pescatarians, and those looking for non-alcoholic options will find accommodations, but some stops may be limited in replacements. It’s also a solid choice for first-time visitors eager to connect food with the city’s stories.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a delightful snapshot of Amsterdam’s culinary scene, blending history, local stories, and authentic bites. The small-group setup makes it intimate, and the variety of foods—from sweets to street snacks—ensures a well-rounded experience. While some reviews suggest the food could be more substantial or savory, the overall value lies in the stories, the quality of family-run businesses, and the chance to taste authentic Dutch favorites.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, educational, and delicious way to spend an afternoon in Amsterdam, this tour checks many boxes. It’s ideal for food lovers, culture enthusiasts, and curious travelers who want to go beyond the guidebook and experience the city through its flavors.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the tour can be adapted for vegetarians, but keep in mind that some foods like herring or certain meats might not be replaced, so vegetarian options could be limited at some stops.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, making it a manageable, in-depth taste of Amsterdam without feeling rushed.

Are transport arrangements included?
No, transport isn’t included. The tour is entirely walkable, covering three neighborhoods, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

What foods will I try?
You’ll sample more than 10 foods including stroopwafels, Dutch apple pie, herring, kibbeling, fries with sauces, cheeses, bitterballen, stamppot, and Dutch sausage.

Is the tour suitable for people with food allergies?
Guests with food allergies are asked to sign an allergy waiver, and dietary restrictions should be communicated in advance to ensure proper accommodations.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

In summary, this Ultimate Amsterdam Food Tour offers a tasty journey through the city’s neighborhoods, with a focus on traditional, family-run establishments. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a blend of history, culture, and delicious bites—all in a friendly, intimate setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: