Our Guide to the Gouda Cheese Market

Gouda cheese is one of the most instantly recognizable images of the Netherlands. It also happens to be one of the most popular cheese varieties worldwide! This cheese has conquered the world. But did you know that its history goes back to the 12th century? Gouda Cheese has been part of Dutch culture for many generations. For cheese lovers, the Netherlands boasts a wide variety of cheeses and historic cheese markets. Of these, the Gouda Cheese Market, held weekly in the historic and pretty city of Gouda, is a must-visit! For a taste of Dutch food and culture, check out our guide to getting the most out of your visit! Join us on a journey through the world of Gouda cheese.

A Truly Historic Cheese

Before we explore the market, getting familiar with the cheese is a good start. Gouda cheese (to blend in with the local dialect, pronounce it ‘how-da, is named after the Dutch city of Gouda. Cheese production has been an essential part of the local economy for centuries. The name ‘Gouda’ cheese dates back to at least the 12th century! Because of Gouda’s strategic position on the IJssel and Gouwe rivers, its cheesy place in Dutch society grew quickly during the Middle Ages. Gouda cheese began to be exported across Europe. Initially crafted by local farmers, Gouda cheese promptly gained fame for its exceptional taste and quality. As its popularity grew, local farmers began to bring their cheeses to Gouda’s market square to sell and trade. This created a market legacy that continues today.

So, what exactly is Gouda Cheese?

Gouda cheese is hugely popular worldwide. But what makes it stand out in the world of cheese, and why should you add it to your cheeseboard?

It’s Versatile: Gouda cheese is incredibly versatile. Depending on your taste, you can choose from various ages, from young and mild to aged and intense. This makes it an excellent choice for different culinary applications. Use it to add the finishing touch to a cheese platter or round off a gourmet sandwich.

It’s Creamy: Gouda cheese is creamy, with a smooth texture that melts in your mouth. Want to make the perfect cheeseburger? How about an indulgent mac n’ cheese? Go for Gouda!

Its flavor is distinct: Depending on age, Gouda cheese boasts various flavors, from nutty and mild in younger varieties to caramel and butterscotch notes in aged ones. This means that whatever your preferred taste, there’s a Gouda cheese for you!

What’s the Deal With the Gouda Cheese Market?

So, enough about the cheese itself. What’s so special about the Gouda Cheese Market? The Gouda cheese market, held every Thursday on the Goudse kaasmarkt in the heart of Gouda, is a significant cultural event. The market has been a marketplace for cheese for centuries and today showcases Dutch heritage. Local farmers and cheesemakers gather to display their artisanal Gouda cheeses in various ages and flavors. Whether buying or browsing, you’re in for a dairy-filled day!

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The market features vibrant cheese auctions, where orange and yellow rounds of Gouda are sold with flair. Keep your eyes peeled – you might get a glimpse of the ritual ‘handjeklap’ bargaining system. Be sure to check out the ‘Waag’ (weighing house). This centerpiece of the Gouda cheese trade dates from the 17th century. Cheese porters and sellers dress in traditional clothing at the market, while other artisans and stalls surround the square. These smaller stalls sell traditional Dutch products or demonstrate aspects of conventional Dutch life. If cheese isn’t your thing, you can grab fresh Stroopwafels or poffertjes. Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or want to experience something new in the Netherlands, getting to grips with the Gouda Cheese Market should be on your list!

The Gouda Cheese Market is open every Thursday between April and September. This can change depending on public holidays. Most Thursdays, the market opens at around 10 a.m., closing by 12:30 p.m. Gouda is easy to reach by train from most big Dutch cities. Amsterdam is 50 minutes away, while Utrecht and Rotterdam are within 30 minutes. The town is easily walkable, with plenty of parking options, and the central station is a short walk from the center.

To Conclude

So, do you have a cheese-shaped hole in your stomach yet? With its blend of Dutch traditions, a touch of theatre and the scent of cheese on the air, the Gouda Cheese Market makes for a fun day trip. And, the best part? You’ll get to snack on this world-famous cheese while exploring the historic streets of Gouda. The city was once filled with cheese warehouses, so keep your nose peeled for a whiff of the past!

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a dairy dunce, exploring the world of Gouda cheese is a journey worth undertaking. So, savor the flavors and embrace the heritage of Gouda cheese. Let’s go – it’s market day!