Dutch cuisine is characterized by its simplicity and heartiness, often featuring ingredients like potatoes, vegetables, and meats. Traditional dishes include stamppot, a mashed potato dish mixed with various vegetables, and haring, raw herring fish typically served with onions and pickles. The cuisine reflects the agricultural landscape of the Netherlands, with an emphasis on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
Another popular aspect of Dutch cuisine is its baked goods, such as stroopwafels, thin waffles filled with caramel syrup, and poffertjes, small fluffy pancakes. Cheese also plays a significant role, with varieties like Gouda and Edam being well-known both locally and internationally.