Intercultural experiences in Netherlands
That is not allowed” were the first words from the waiter in Scheveningen, The Hague Netherlands when I asked to exchange Potato Salad for Chips with my Schnitzel, so I conceded. My first experience of Dutch restaurant culture. Made all the sweeter when he returned form the kitchen saying “We don’t have potato salad, would you be OK with chips ? “
I hope you like sandwiches (and raw herring)
My impressions were not improved when the only food on offer in my first restaurant in Utrecht was a choice of three sandwiches. OK but very expensive.
In Amsterdam I survived the ‘can you eat proper Dutch food ‘ with the Raw Herring test. It was good – followed by another lunch where only sandwiches were on offer and no red wine . You have to have good teeth for these.
Another restaurant, this time in Amsterdam South, late dinner at 7.30. We get told : “We have run out of chicken”, “Can I have the menu of the day?- No”.” Can I have a burger?” No – I told you we have run out of chicken (no mention that the burger is chicken anywhere in the menu). OK I’ll have the veggie burger “Does it come with fries/chips” Yes – but we don’t have any (and no alternatives offered) and so it went on ! And it was terrible.
Three pints of Guinness later…
The Indonesian Restaurant was good in Leiden but then it was after three pints of Guinness with my Irish friend. The Curry in Scheveningen was competent, and so were the Dutch Pancakes in Amsterdam.
I mention the name of the restaurant, Walter Benedict, in Den Haag as it was, exceptionally, an exceptional restaurant/café. Superb food, service and ambience. But then at 45 Euros a head for two courses and no alcohol it ought to have been.
On the final night we braved the cold and lashing rain to have Mussels in a seaside café in Scheveningen. They had their individual gas fires in the middle of each table – after all it’s August !
What have I learnt from this?
What have I learnt from this? I went to each of these restaurants with someone local who, in theory, knows what they are doing. Those Dutch stereotypes about timeliness and cuisine are absolutely right and everything shuts at 9.30 or 10. I was also right to go out with 5 layers of clothes. I live in Spain where having wine or perhaps beer with lunch or dinner (at 10p.m.) is absolutely normal – everyone thought I was an alcoholic. July/August may be the best time to visit Netherlands but I was pleased to be back in Madrid at 38 degrees. Nevertheless the Netherlands experience, spending time with old friends, recent friends and making new ones made the experience a great one!
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Written by David Rigby © 2025 Smart Coaching & Training Ltd
