About Me

I was born and raised in The Netherlands and moved to the United States in 1995. Almost immediately, I missed the food from my home country. Since I enjoyed cooking, I would make the dishes that I knew and loved from my childhood. Often I would call my mom to find out exactly how she used to make something. I’d also run into challenges trying to find the right ingredients.

I remember, as a small boy, that I wanted to become a chef. Soon I realized that I am too picky an eater for that career path. So, instead, I became a product manager at an electronics and software company. Cooking and photography became my hobbies, instead.

With the rise of social media, I often posted photos of what I made. My friends and family all encouraged me to start making cooking videos and a recipe blog. However, I never took it too seriously; after all, the Dutch aren’t well-known for their food, so the dishes couldn’t be that interesting to other people.

For work, my coworkers and I would spend a week or two in Amsterdam, and I became the de facto tour and food guide. We would go to traditional Dutch, modern Dutch, and Indonesian restaurants; they were all exceptionally well received by everyone attending. This is when I realized that the food of The Netherlands has more appeal than I had given it credit for. Clearly, there was interest beyond The Netherlands for Dutch food. However, I was too busy to start a YouTube channel and food blog.

We’ve been spending much more time at home since the pandemic started. With the extra time, I started planning to create this website and my YouTube channel!

Why Dutch Food?

Not only because I’m Dutch, but also because I think Dutch food is underrated.

When it comes to European cuisine, the spotlight often falls on renowned culinary traditions like Italian, French, and Spanish. However, there’s a hidden gem that tends to be overshadowed – Dutch cuisine. Bursting with unique flavors, hearty dishes, and a rich cultural heritage, Dutch food is a delightful journey waiting to be explored. In this blog post, we’ll delve into why Dutch food is underappreciated and why it deserves a place on your culinary radar.

Dutch cuisine reflects the country’s historical connections and colonial influences, resulting in a diverse culinary tapestry. From traditional Dutch classics to dishes infused with Indonesian, Surinamese, and Caribbean flavors, there’s a wealth of taste experiences waiting to be savored. The Dutch have successfully incorporated global elements into their cuisine, offering a fusion of traditional and international flavors that few other culinary traditions can rival.

Dutch food emphasizes the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, highlighting the country’s strong farm-to-table ethos. The Netherlands boasts fertile soil, thriving dairy farms, and abundant seafood, all contributing to the creation of wholesome and delicious dishes. Indulge in succulent cheeses, such as Gouda and Edam, freshly caught herring, and seasonal vegetables that form the backbone of Dutch cuisine. This dedication to quality and sustainability ensures that Dutch food is not only flavorful but also environmentally conscious.

One of the defining characteristics of Dutch food is its focus on hearty and comforting fare. The Dutch are renowned for their stamppot, a comforting dish consisting of mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables, often served with a juicy sausage or succulent meatball. Other favorites include snert, a thick and satisfying split pea soup, and bitterballen, crispy meat-filled croquettes that are a true indulgence. Dutch cuisine’s emphasis on warmth and wholesomeness makes it the perfect choice for those seeking nourishing comfort food.

No exploration of Dutch cuisine would be complete without diving into its sweet delights. The Netherlands is famous for its pastries, and a visit to a Dutch bakery is a sensory treat. Sample the iconic stroopwafels, thin waffles with a caramel-like syrup filling, or indulge in the deliciously spiced speculaas cookies. And let’s not forget the tantalizing oliebollen, deep-fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar and traditionally enjoyed during festive seasons. Dutch desserts are a testament to the nation’s creativity and passion for all things sweet.

Dutch cuisine may be underappreciated on the global culinary stage, but it certainly shouldn’t be overlooked. With its diverse influences, commitment to fresh ingredients, and emphasis on hearty and comforting dishes, Dutch food offers a unique and satisfying gastronomic experience. From the farm-to-table traditions to the sweet temptations, exploring the flavors of the Netherlands is a journey well worth embarking on. So, let’s give Dutch cuisine the appreciation it deserves and savor its delightful treasures.

Why Indonesian Food?

With a historical connection as one of the former Dutch colonies and a longstanding tradition of being enjoyed in the Dutch Navy every Wednesday, Indonesian food represents a fusion of cultures that captivates the taste buds and warms the heart.

Indonesia’s historical ties to the Netherlands make Indonesian cuisine a natural choice for us. As a former Dutch colony, Indonesia’s culinary heritage became intertwined with the Dutch culture, resulting in a fusion of flavors and cooking techniques that are both unique and captivating. By embracing Indonesian cuisine, we pay homage to the historical and cultural connection between the two countries while sharing the rich and diverse recipes with our followers.

Indonesian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, spices, and textures that awaken the senses. From the aromatic herbs and spices like lemongrass, ginger, and coriander to the complex layering of flavors in dishes like rendang and nasi goreng, Indonesian food showcases a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy elements. We take pride in presenting our followers with an authentic taste of Indonesia, offering a wide range of recipes that showcase the diversity and richness of this culinary tradition.

ndonesian cuisine holds a special place in our life due to its historical connection with the Netherlands and the Dutch Navy’s tradition of enjoying Indonesian food every Wednesday. By also focusing on Indonesian cuisine, we pay tribute to the cultural and culinary fusion between these two nations while offering our readers a chance to explore the vibrant flavors and diverse dishes that make Indonesian cuisine so captivating.