Amsterdam: Albert Cuyp Market Food Tour with Street Bites

Summary

Wander the Pijp for bold flavors, stories, and market laughter

You’ll taste your way through Amsterdam’s Albert Cuyp Market alongside a local guide—sampling Dutch fries with mayo, fresh herring, stroopwafels hot off the press, and unexpected bites from Surinamese to Turkish stalls. Expect laughter, stories behind every snack, and maybe a little rain on your jacket—but mostly you’ll remember the feeling of belonging for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what Dutch people actually eat? I did too, until last Saturday when we met up with our guide—her name was Noor—outside the Albert Cuyp Market in Amsterdam’s De Pijp neighborhood. It was drizzly (classic), but the air smelled like fried onions and something sweet I couldn’t place at first. Noor handed us tiny paper cones of fries before we’d even started walking properly. “You have to try them with mayo,” she said, so we did. I’m still not sure how they make them so crispy on the outside but soft inside—magic or just practice?

The market itself is loud in a friendly way—vendors calling out in Dutch, bikes rattling past, someone playing accordion somewhere behind a cheese stall. We tasted herring next (I hesitated; Noor grinned and said it’s “the real deal”). Cold, slippery, sharp from raw onion—I liked it more than I thought I would. There were Surinamese snacks too, and a Turkish bakery where the owner waved us over for warm bread that steamed when we tore it open. Li laughed when I tried to say thank you in Dutch—probably butchered it.

I lost track of how many things we sampled—stroopwafels fresh off the iron (sticky caramel everywhere), salty licorice that divided our group (“love it or hate it,” Noor shrugged). She told stories about each dish: how Indonesian flavors ended up here, why everyone argues about which stand has the best fries. It felt less like a tour and more like wandering around with friends who know all the shortcuts. At some point my hands were sticky and my bag heavier with souvenirs I hadn’t planned to buy.

We finished under an awning while rain started again, sharing one last bite and talking about food traditions back home. The city felt different after seeing it this way—closer somehow. If you’re hungry (and curious), this street food tour is worth every crumb.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Albert Cuyp Market and local flavors

• Meet local guide
• Visit Albert Cuyp Market
• Taste Dutch fries, haring, stroopwafels
• Discover unique foods and stories
• Buy tasty souvenirs
• Walk through lively Pijp neighborhood

Top questions

What foods are included on the Amsterdam street food tour?

You’ll try Dutch fries with mayo, herring with onions, stroopwafels, Surinamese snacks, Turkish bread, salty licorice, and more—all included in the price.

Where does the food tour take place?

The tour is set in Amsterdam’s Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp neighborhood.

How long does the Amsterdam market food tour last?

The street food tour lasts about 3 hours from start to finish.

Are vegetarian options available on this tour?

Yes—vegetarians are taken care of; just let them know any dietary needs before booking.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Yes—the food tour welcomes children accompanied by adults and is stroller-friendly.

Does the tour run if it rains?

Yes—the market food tour operates in all weather conditions; bring an umbrella if needed.

Are drinks included on this Amsterdam food tour?

The experience includes snacks and some alcoholic beverages as part of your tastings.

Can vegans join this street food tasting?

The majority of dishes aren’t vegan-friendly; contact before booking to discuss options.

What’s included

Your day includes all tastings at Albert Cuyp Market—from Dutch fries to stroopwafels—plus snacks from various stalls and some alcoholic beverages along the way. You’ll be guided by a local who shares stories as well as bites; just bring your appetite (and maybe an umbrella).