But I like the variety of the "ethnic" foods available everywhere in the cities of Holland.
One interesting phenomenon is the predominance of Chinese/Suriname cuisine. I'm told that it is a fusion between the foods of these two cultures - a melding sweet and spicy elements.
This place is near the Central Station in Amsterdam.
Indonesian food is everywhere (not to mention Chinese/Indonesian fusion). We ate at Aneka Rasa on the Warmoesstraat, and it was delicious.
I would also recommend the Diya Indian Restaurant on the van Woustraat in Amsterdam but beware, they do not accept credit cards.
In the city of Purmerend you can find a classy Thai Restaurant named Arissa Noo-di. http://www.arissanoodi.nl/ Consult with the staff when placing your order about the degree of "spicy hot" you desire. It can be far hotter than American standards, and the spice in your dish might be excessive to your tastes.
For the traditional Dutch foods, you need to try raw herring (hold it by the tail) and broodje kroket. We were told that the Holtkamp Bakery shop in Amsterdam is renowned for it's kroketten...
Make sure it has cooled before you bite into it, their kroket is served steaming hot.
(McDonald's offers a McKroket on their Dutch menu, but it pales in comparison to a quality kroket as made by the masters at Holtkamp).
I love their Art Deco store front.
http://www.winkelstories.com/Holtkamp01.html
The pastries are to die for, but bring tons of cash. Holtkamp is a bit pricey.
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