5 Divisive Dutch Food Traditions

Dutch food is notorious for being warm and comforting, yet some traditions are especially polarizing. From sweet indulgences to savory snacks, these divisive Dutch food traditions elicit strong emotions in foreigners.

Tompouce: The ‘controversial’ pastry

The legendary Dutch dessert, tompouce, has sparked hot debate among residents and tourists. The square-shaped pastry, filled in between puff pastry layers and topped with the iconic pink glaze, is cherished. The controversy stems from the tricky process of consuming this dainty dessert. Some Dutch like to pull the layers apart, consuming the top and bottom separately to prevent a messy affair. Others valiantly take it on whole, accepting the possibility of a mess as part of the experience. The issue has even prompted tongue-in-cheek articles on “How to eat a tompouce”.

Raw Herring (Hollandse Nieuwe)

One of the classic Dutch experiences, and one which is guaranteed to divide opinions amongst locals and visitors, is the Dutch habit of consuming raw herring, or Hollandse Nieuwe. The delicacy, which is commonly accompanied by sliced onions and pickles, is enjoyed by many as a healthy, refreshing snack full of omega-3 fats. The classic consumption method is to take hold of the fish’s tail and dunk it into your mouth – something which can be distasteful to outsiders. While there are brave tourists and Dutchmen who enjoy the salty, tender texture of the fish, plenty of people find eating raw fish too much or distasteful. The June arrival of the new herring is celebrated in the Netherlands, where the first catch is typically auctioned for charity. Raw herring is inescapably part of the fabric of Dutch culinary history, reflective of the country’s extensive seafaring and fishing past. Whether or not one is fond of it, part of discovering Dutch cuisine is to go through this experience.

Licorice (the ‘marmite’ of sweets)

Licorice, or “drop,” is another polarizing candy that incites passionate opinions. Its strong, salty taste is one of those things people either like or dislike. Certain types, like the notorious “zoute drop” (salty licorice), are especially problematic because of their strength. Many people are found munching licorice in the Netherlands as part of their everyday snacking diet, but many would say it is too intense. One can never overstate the phenomenon of licorice in the Netherlands as it includes all shapes and sizes of licorice in different textures-grainy, soft and chewy, hard and salty varieties.

Hagelslag (Chocolate for Breakfast)

Breakfast toast is often accompanied by chocolate sprinkles or “hagelslag.” The practice is both cute and perplexing to visiting tourists—the very definition of a divisive Dutch food tradition. To one, it is a sweet and indulgent breakfast treat. To others, though, it is an odd or unhealthy breakfast. The practice is deep in Dutch heritage, and many children grow up on a daily diet of hagelslag for breakfast. The question of whether to eat chocolate for breakfast is one which reveals differences in the breakfast customs of the Dutch compared to the rest of the world.

Frikandel Speciaal

Frikandel Speciaal is an unconventional combination of deep-fried meat and everyday (but at times intense) sauces like mayonnaise, ketchup, and curry sauce, topped off with raw onions. Some enjoy its rich flavor, but its grease and processed nature is a turn-off to others. The strong, pungent tastes can be overwhelming, and people can get the “ick” because of how rich it can be. The fact that the Frikandel is super heavily processed can also put people off, especially among the more health-conscious eaters.