1. Haring
Haring is a fresh raw herring dish like the nimble sea spirit of the Dutch people (Photo source: Collected)
Summer food in the Netherlands is not complete without herring or Haring, a fresh raw herring dish that represents the nimble sea spirit of the Dutch people. When summer comes, the fishing boats arrive with the first catch of herring, and the whole country seems to be bustling with a simple but joyful culinary festival.
Haring is served in a very rustic yet charming way. Fresh herring is cleaned and lightly soaked in salt water to retain its softness and original fatty taste. When eating, the Dutch often hold the fish by the tail, tilt their heads up and let the soft fish melt in their mouths. The light saltiness, creamy fat combined with the fresh aroma of the ocean makes the diner feel like they are being cared for by a cool wave in the middle of a summer afternoon.
You can also enjoy Haring with chopped onions and pickles, sold in small carts along the canals or squares filled with laughter. Under the gentle sunlight, the sound of water lapping the shore, the cool taste of herring is like a song of the sea, making up the soul of Dutch summer cuisine.
2. Stamppot
In summer, Stamppot takes on a fresh, light and cool look (Image source: Collected)
When it comes to summer food in the Netherlands, many people will think that Stamppot is only for winter. But in fact, in the summer, Stamppot takes on a fresher, lighter and more refreshing appearance.
In its summer version, Stamppot is no longer a heavy dish of mashed potatoes and simmered kale, but a gentle harmony of fresh greens, soft boiled baby potatoes and extra virgin olive oil. Carrots, peas, green onions or fresh spinach are mixed gently, retaining their natural color and crunch. The flavor of the dish is a fusion of the sweet and nutty taste of potatoes, the freshness of greens and the delicate creaminess of olive oil.
The Dutch often eat Stamppot in the summer for a light lunch, with grilled sausages or fried fish. In the warm sunlight, a plate of Stamppot exudes a fragrant smell of moist soil after the rain, evoking the peaceful and rustic soul of the countryside. It is a Dutch summer dish that brings people back to their roots, with sincerity and simplicity in every bite.
3. Kibbeling
Kibbeling is a crispy fried fish dish that attracts anyone who visits outdoor markets or wharfs (Photo source: Collected)
Summer food in the Netherlands is indispensable Kibbeling – a crispy fried fish dish that anyone who visits the open-air markets or the docks is attracted by the aroma wafting in the wind. Summer is the season of fairs, the season when Dutch people gather together on the riverbanks, canals, sit on makeshift wooden benches and share each piece of hot, crispy fish.
Kibbeling is usually made from fresh cod, cut into bite-sized pieces, seasoned simply but richly with salt, pepper, garlic, then dipped in flour or beer batter and deep-fried. When taken out, the crust is golden and crispy like sunlight bursting on the water. Inside, the fish meat is pure white, soft, moist and sweet, as if retaining the cool flavor of the North Sea.
The perfect way to enjoy Kibbeling is to dip it in aromatic garlic aioli or rich remoulade sauce. Amidst the sounds of seagulls, the salty smell of the sea and the cheerful laughter of the market, a piece of Kibbeling encapsulates the spirit of a Dutch summer – free-spirited, joyful and full of the flavors of life.
4. Huzarensalade Salad
Huzarensalade has a long history, inspired by army salads but transformed by the Dutch (Photo source: Collected)
As the summer days stretch on endlessly, with light extending into the late evening, the Dutch summer favorite is a refreshing and flavourful salad. Among them, Huzarensalade is a delicate, elegant yet filling and soulful choice.
Huzarensalade has a long history, inspired by army salads but transformed by the Dutch into an elegant dish for picnics in the park or garden parties. The main ingredients are usually boiled and diced potatoes, carrots, peas, pickles, onions, cold cuts or tuna. All are gently mixed with fresh mayonnaise, adding a touch of golden mustard for a subtle highlight.
This salad is not only beautiful but also has a cool, fatty but balanced taste. When the sun is shining, Huzarensalade is served on a white porcelain plate, sprinkled with fresh green herbs, making every meal like a sophisticated summer party. It is a Dutch summer dish that brings you closer to a gentle, neat and natural lifestyle.
5. Poffertjes
Summer food in the Netherlands is not complete without Poffertjes (Photo source: Collected)
A Dutch summer meal is not complete without Poffertjes – tiny, puffy, sun-like dough balls, sweet and buttery. During the summer, when outdoor markets and festivals are in full swing, Poffertjes carts become a popular meeting place for children and adults alike, where the smell of butter lightly charred on a cast iron pan wafts out like a sweet invitation.
Poffertjes are made from flour, yeast and milk, fried in a special pan with a round concave to make the cake rise evenly. When cooked, the outside is slightly crispy but the inside is soft and smooth, as if embracing the melted butter and the fine white powdered sugar on top. Taking a bite of Poffertjes in the middle of a summer afternoon, you will feel the delicate sweetness, the faint smell of butter and milk and the warm feeling spreading like the gentle smile of the seller.
Even though it is just a snack, Poffertjes embodies the spirit of the Dutch summer: cheerful, sweet, and ready to share the smallest joys. Sitting on a wooden bench in the park, listening to live music, holding a plate of hot Poffertjes in your hand – these are unforgettable summer memories.
The top 5 summer dishes in the Netherlands are not just a list of delicious dishes but also slices of life, culture and the soul of the Dutch people. Each dish is a story about a country below sea level but with a high spirit, about people who love freedom but are always closely attached to the community. Let the summer dishes in the Netherlands lead you deeper into the heart of this country, so that each trip is not only about seeing but also about tasting, not just about stopping by but also about staying – in memories and in love for the land of windmills.
Source : https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/mon-an-mua-he-o-ha-lan-v17516.aspx
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