Amsterdam Food Tour: Canals, Surinamese Bites & Dutch Snacks

Summary

Canal strolls bold bites cheese shops and stories in amsterdam

You’ll wander Amsterdam’s canals tasting Surinamese street food, creamy veal croquettes, artisanal cheeses and classic Dutch snacks with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect laughter over pickled herring, comfort in modern Dutch dishes, and a spirited jenever toast to finish—plus plenty of small surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I thought I knew what Dutch food was — until we ducked below street level near Waterlooplein Market and the smell of spices hit me. Our guide, Bram, grinned and handed over a plate of Surinamese curry that made my nose tingle (in a good way). He told us how migration shaped Amsterdam’s kitchens. I’d never have guessed my first real taste of the city would be so bright and layered — it was loud down there too, locals laughing in three languages at once.

Back above ground, we wandered toward De Bijenkorf for a veal croquette sandwich. The bread was soft but the croquette itself had that crispy shell you only get when someone’s been making them forever. Bram said these popped up after WWII — comfort food for tough times. We ate standing up, next to two old men arguing about Ajax football (I think?), and I realized I’d never eaten so much with my hands on a tour before. It felt right.

The canals looked almost staged in the afternoon light — bikes everywhere, water moving slow. In Jordaan, we stopped at a brown café that had both dusty bottles and neon beer signs. Pickled herring wasn’t as scary as I thought (salty but fresh), and someone passed around grilled sausage while Bram poured us tiny beers. There was a moment where everyone just listened to him explain why the canal houses lean forward; I still think about that view from the bridge outside, how quiet it got all of a sudden.

I lost track of how many cheeses we tried — four? five? Each one sharper than the last, all from little farms Bram actually knew by name. Dessert was this spiced cake with jenever that burned in the best way. We toasted to “gezelligheid” (I definitely butchered it) and lingered longer than planned because no one wanted to leave yet. So yeah, if you want an Amsterdam food tour that actually feels like being let in on something local — this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amsterdam food and cultural exploration

• Meet outside café at Waterlooplein
• Taste bold Surinamese bites
• Eat creamy veal croquette sandwich
• Visit cozy brown café for snacks
• Walk along Amsterdam’s canal belt
• Sample four-cheese tasting board
• Explore Jordaan neighborhood
• Enjoy modern stamppot and dessert with jenever

Top questions

How long is the Amsterdam food tour?

The tour lasts about 3.5 hours from start to finish.

What neighborhoods do you visit on this Amsterdam food tour?

You’ll explore Waterlooplein Market, De Bijenkorf area, Rokin, Jordaan district, Singel Canal and walk along the Canal Ring.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?

Yes—just let them know when you book so they can prepare your menu accordingly.

How many tastings are included?

The tour includes more than 10 different dishes and drinks to try.

Is alcohol included in the Amsterdam food tour?

Yes—local beers and a jenever tasting are part of the experience.

Is this a private or group tour?

This is a small group walking tour for a more personal feel.

Does the tour include pick-up or transportation?

No hotel pickup is included but public transport options are nearby for easy access.

Is this Amsterdam food tour suitable for kids?

The focus is adult-oriented flavors (including alcohol), but older teens may enjoy it; check directly if unsure.

What’s included

Your day includes over ten tastings—from Surinamese bites to classic Dutch snacks—plus cheese sampling, dessert and jenever with stories from your local guide throughout Amsterdam’s neighborhoods. Vegetarian and gluten-free menus are available if you ask ahead; expect cultural insights, laughs with new friends, and all food and drinks covered during your 3.5-hour walk through canal-side streets before you head off on your own again.