Eating Europe now brings travelers beyond Amsterdam to discover the culinary treasures of nearby Haarlem. Long celebrated as a traditional market town, Haarlem is often called the Gastronomic Capital of the Netherlands for its rich food culture and charming streets.
Beginning March 22, Eating Europe will run a nearly four-hour walking and tasting tour that departs just 15 minutes from central Amsterdam. The experience is designed to showcase authentic Dutch flavors and the diverse food influences found in this historic city.
Participants sample seven carefully chosen tastings during the tour. Stops include artisanal cheese shops, a converted church that now houses a brewery, and an establishment on the market square with views of the iconic Grote or St. Bavo Church. Recommended local specialties on the route include kibbeling (battered and fried fish pieces), bitterballen (crispy, meat-filled croquettes) and drop (traditional Dutch licorice).
“We’re excited to offer our first tour outside of the Dutch capital, which gives guests the opportunity to experience the real Netherlands from a local’s perspective,” said Kenny Dunn, managing director of Eating Europe. “Haarlem’s cobblestone streets and gabled houses, nearby tulip fields and windmills, and cozy brown cafés and breweries give it a timeless appeal. The city also surprises visitors with modern touches—sushi with a Dutch twist, an overwhelming variety of licorice, and culinary influences from Indonesia. We’re eager to share all of this and more.”
To maintain an intimate atmosphere, tour groups are capped at 12 guests. Tours run on Thursdays and Fridays from 12:00 to 15:30, offering an accessible, relaxing way to explore Haarlem’s best bites and food traditions.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the Netherlands or a regular Amsterdam traveler, this Haarlem food tour provides a flavorful, locally guided perspective on Dutch cuisine and the city’s unique gastronomic scene.