The weather in the Netherlands can be quite dynamic, but when the sun is shining, we love to be outside! Whether relaxing on a terrace with refreshing drinks or enjoying a cosy picnic in the Noorderplantsoen, taking advantage of the sunny weather is essential. And there's no better way to do that than combining the two main ingredients for a memorable time - great friends and delicious Dutch outdoor snacks!

Friday at 17.00h = Time for ‘Borrelhapjes’

Picture this - a sunny Friday late afternoon, all your work for the week is done, everyone is in a good mood and it’s time to celebrate the fact that the weekend is coming with some small snacks and a refreshing drink. This concept of pure enjoyment is what the Dutchies would call ‘borrelen’. Whether as an after-work gathering with colleagues or just sitting on a sunny terrace with some friends, the experience of having a borrel can only be full if it includes ‘borrelhapjes’. These small finger food snacks are typical to the Netherlands and are often served on a big wooden plank that is also known as a ‘borrelplank’. Bitterballen, kroketten, mini loempias, olives, cheese blocks, sausage slices, coated peanuts, chips or small frikandellen are all different types of snacks that are commonly served on these wooden planks, making the borrel experience a truly versatile one.

Ice cream is a must!

Ice cream and sunny days go hand in hand but have you ever indulged in a big cone of ‘softijs’ (translated - soft ice)? This simple yet decadent ice cream is the pinnacle of the Dutch summer. If you feel like just cream and sugar is not enough, you can always ask for a ‘disco dip’ which means that the ice cream will be covered in colourful sprinkles. There are also variations with roasted caramelised nuts or just a simple chocolate dip! 

However, if you are a fan of a more unconventional cold treat, then the ‘ijswafel’ (translated - ice waffle) might be just for you! This cute round ice cream usually comes in three flavours - vanilla, strawberry or chocolate and is something that you could get at an event or a food truck festival (these happen often during the summer months so keep your eyes open ;) ). 

Having salty cravings? Don’t miss out on the herring!

This Dutch delicacy is not for the faint of heart but if you are a sushi fan, chances are - you will love pickled herring! Dutch herring, or "Hollandse Nieuwe", is a young herring caught between late May and early July. It is lightly cured to maintain its raw texture and it’s known for its tender flesh and mild, salty flavour. Traditionally, it is eaten by holding it by the tail and letting it slide into the mouth, often served with finely chopped onions and pickles. Still, if this method seems intimidating, you can always enjoy this outdoor delicacy piece by piece. The best place to buy Dutch herring is, of course, during market days as this guarantees its freshness.

You can never go wrong with a cone of fries!

It is important to eat healthily, but sometimes we just crave some 'frietjes' or ‘patat’ (potato fries). The simplicity and convenience of this snack have made it a popular choice for a quick outdoor bite. Dutch fries are known for their thicker shape and are often served in a paper cone, making them an easy ‘to-go’ treat. Some fry shops have even developed an innovative cone design with a small pocket on top that perfectly fits the condiment of your choice.

Satisfying that sweet tooth!

What happens when you combine a dessert with a sandwich? That’s right - the ‘puddingbroodje’ (translated - custard bun) enters the scene! This interesting, at first glance, combination is yet another Dutch outdoor snack that will satisfy your sweet cravings and introduce you even further to the Dutch culinary landscape. The puddingbroodje is essentially a sweet airy bread bun filled with vanilla custard or cream, dusted with a bit of powdered sugar. You can find this treat, also known by the name of ‘roombroodje’, in nearly any bakery throughout the city and during market days.

In conclusion, whether you're enjoying a sunny day by snacking on borrelhapjes, savouring a cone of softijs, sampling pickled herring, indulging in a cone of frietjes, or treating yourself to a puddingbroodje, Dutch outdoor snacks offer a delightful and diverse culinary experience. So, go ahead, gather your friends, head outdoors, and embrace the joy of delicious outdoor snacking while soaking the sun (while it’s still there).