Amsterdam: Jordaan Food Tour with 10+ Tastings & Local Stops

Summary

Sample Dutch classics in Jordaan’s cozy streets with locals

You’ll taste fluffy poffertjes, sample fresh herring straight from a local fishmonger, and warm up with apple cake as you wander Jordaan’s canals with your guide. Expect laughter over Dutch words you can’t quite pronounce—and maybe a story or two you’ll carry home long after the last bite.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember stepping off the tram into Jordaan, feeling that weird mix of excitement and hunger (not sure which was stronger). Our guide, Pieter, waved us over by this little cheese shop—he had that easygoing Dutch smile and a scarf that looked like it had seen a few winters. Right away he handed us these tiny pancakes—poffertjes, dusted in powdered sugar. I swear I got more on my jacket than in my mouth. The air smelled sweet and yeasty, mixed with canal water and bike grease—classic Amsterdam.

We wandered down those narrow lanes, dodging bikes and following Pieter as he pointed out old courtyards tucked behind brick facades. He stopped at a fishmonger’s window and grinned: “Time for herring.” I hesitated but tried it anyway—salty, cold, sharp with raw onion. Not my usual snack but honestly? It kind of grew on me. Then came kibbeling (battered cod), hot and crispy in a paper cone. There was laughter when I tried to say “kibbeling” properly—Pieter just shook his head like he’d seen this before.

The cheese tasting was next—Gouda so creamy it almost stuck to my teeth—and then bitterballen, which are these crunchy little meat snacks you dip in mustard. We passed the Anne Frank House; people were quiet there, even the tour groups. Something about the hush made the apple cake we ate nearby taste warmer somehow. At one point we stopped for coffee in a café where an old man played chess by himself near the window. Nobody rushed us; everyone just seemed… content to be there.

I didn’t expect to feel so at home in such a busy city, but walking through Jordaan with Pieter showing us his favorite spots (and telling stories about his grandma’s stamppot recipe) made it feel less like a tour and more like hanging out with someone who really loves their neighborhood. The secret dish at the end? I won’t spoil it—but I still think about that flavor sometimes when I’m back home and hungry late at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Jordaan and taste local foods

• Walk through Jordaan neighborhood
• Taste traditional poffertjes pancakes
• Sample Dutch cheeses
• Visit local fishmonger
• Eat herring and kibbeling
• Taste Stamppot dish
• Enjoy a secret dish
• Pass by Westertoren church tower
• See memorial for persecuted LGBTQ+
• Pass Anne Frank House museum

Top questions

How many tastings are included on this Amsterdam food tour?

This food tour includes over 10 different tastings featuring classic Dutch foods like poffertjes, cheeses, herring, kibbeling, bitterballen, apple cake, and more.

Is pickup included for the Amsterdam Jordaan food tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide directly in the Jordaan area of Amsterdam.

Are dietary requirements accommodated on this food tour?

Yes—please contact the provider in advance to discuss any dietary needs so they can best accommodate you during the tour.

What neighborhoods are visited during this Amsterdam food tour?

The tour takes place mainly in Amsterdam’s Jordaan neighborhood and passes by landmarks like Anne Frank House and Westertoren.

Is lunch included or should I eat before?

You’ll have enough tastings—including savory dishes and sweets—that most people consider it plenty for lunch.

How much walking is involved on this Amsterdam food tour?

The experience involves a fair amount of walking through narrow streets; comfortable shoes are recommended.

What is kibbeling?

Kibbeling is battered and fried chunks of white fish (usually cod), served hot—one of the Dutch favorites featured on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes over 10 classic Dutch tastings—from poffertjes pancakes to herring and Gouda cheese—with drinks like local beer or coffee along the way. A local guide leads you through Jordaan’s streets past landmarks including Anne Frank House; all bites are covered so you can just show up hungry and enjoy every stop together before heading out on your own again.