Dutch culture and food

‘Gezellig!’ is a bonding expression used in social situations, which translates loosely to ‘Isn’t this nice?’

‘Doe Normaal!’ is an expression which means ‘Just behave normally,’ and has a strong resonance. This warning keeps kids and adults alike in check and prevents them from stepping out of line and being too outrageous.

The Dutch have always been internationally orientated, and nowadays you will find meals from all over the world on Dutch dinner tables, especially among younger people. 

The Dutch generally eat three meals a day. Dinner is eaten at around 18:00 and is the main meal for most people. However, some rural families and older people retain the tradition of eating their main meal at lunchtime. For them, the evening meal is light and often consists of bread, cold cuts, cheese, and a salad.

The consumption of dairy products is extremely high which, according to some scientists,  accounts for the high average height of Dutch men and women.

Typical Dutch dishes

• Witte asperges (white asparagus) is a delicacy grown in Brabant and Limburg. Known as  White Gold, it is only available between April and June. Purchase it directly from local farms or enjoy it at a local restaurant. It is typically eaten with ham, (hard boiled) eggs and a hollandaise sauce.
• Kroket is a deep-fried snack made of meat ragout covered in breadcrumbs. The Dutch eat it with bread (broodje kroket) or at dinner with french fries.
• Bitterballen are a smaller, round version of the kroket, and are usually eaten as a party snack. Most often they are made with pork, but they also come in beef and vegetarian versions.
• A worstenbroodje (sausage sandwich) is sausage meat mix wrapped in a bread dough. Traditionally they are made from pork, but now come in a variety of options, including vegan.
• Erwtensoep (pea soup) is eaten when the weather is cold. It is a tradition to eat it after ice-skating.
• Raw herring (haring) can be found at stands in markets and shopping malls. It is eaten with freshly chopped onions.
• Stamppot, a typical winter dish, is made of mashed potatoes and vegetables, such as carrots and onions (hutspot), chopped kale (boerenkool) or sauerkraut (zuurkool). Stamppot is eaten with rookworst (smoked sausage) and gravy.
• Beschuit met muisjes are crackers with either pink and white or blue and white candy balls on them called muisjes (mice). They are eaten when a baby is born; blue for a boy and pink for a girl.
• Hagelslag is used abroad only as cake decoration, but the Dutch eat it on sandwiches! It comes in many flavors.
• Oliebollen are deep-fried donuts traditionally eaten on New Year's Eve.
• Stroopwafels are thin round cookies consisting of two thin waffle-like cookies sandwiched together with syrup or caramel.
• The Bossche Bol from 's-Hertogenbosch is a pastry filled with cream and topped with chocolate icing.

Communication

The Dutch can be direct and abrupt. However, there is no intention to be rude. The Dutch say what they mean and speak their minds!

Greeting friends: the 3 Dutch kisses

Friends and family used to kiss each other on the cheeks three times, every time they met. Since the pandemic, this is no longer as common.

Addressing people

Dutch people begin to call people by their first name quickly. They do not use titles when talking to someone. When writing, state titles only in official letters. The only exceptions are the Dutch King and Queen who will always be addressed as His and Her Majesty!

Dining out

When invited, the Dutch make it clear whether you are a guest and therefore do not need to pay. Otherwise, expect to ‘go Dutch’ and pay for your share, or to split the bill according to the number of diners.

Tipping

Everyone in the Netherlands receives a basic salary. In restaurants and cafes, give 5-10% of the total bill if the service was good. Leaving cash on the table is a common way of giving a tip to the serving staff. If you are not satisfied, do not leave a tip! Tips are generally not expected in bars, but are not uncommon. Taxi drivers generally receive a 3-5% tip.

Plants & flowers

Dutch homes are often filled with house plants, and flowers are frequently given as gifts when visiting friends or relatives.

Making a telephone call

When a Dutch person answers the telephone, they will state their first and last name. The name is usually preceded by ‘met’, which means ‘you’re speaking with’. Do not make personal calls before 09:00 or after 22:00. On Sundays, do not call before 10:00 and avoid calling during meal times (18:00–19:30).

If you are invited to a Dutch home for a dinner party, observe the following rules:

• Bring a small gift for the host/hostess. This can be a bottle of wine, flowers, chocolates, or something from your home country.
• Be on time. Arrive no more than 15 minutes late, but do not be too early either because your host might not be ready.
• For a business meeting or dinner, you do not have to bring anything, unless it is held at someone’s home.
• If you do not know what to wear, or if you do not know if and what you have to bring, just ask your host(ess)! You can also ask one of the other invitees for advice.
• The Dutch speak directly. To a foreigner, they may appear abrupt, but it is just their manner of communicating.
• Compliments are offered sparingly, and to say that something is ‘not bad’ is to praise it.
• Feel free to express your opinion. The Dutch might argue with you, but seldomly take offence.
• Do not discuss money or prices, and do not ask personal questions if you do not really know someone.