A stroopwafel is two thin, crisp waffles glued together with warm caramel syrup (stroop). In Amsterdam the best ones are made fresh to order at market stalls and old bakeries, cost about €2–€4, and are eaten still warm, when the syrup stretches. Packaged ones from the supermarket are fine souvenirs, but they are a different snack.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| What it is | Thin waffle discs sliced in half and filled with caramel syrup |
| Where it comes from | Gouda, in South Holland, where bakers began making them in the 1800s |
| Fresh or packaged? | Fresh: soft, warm and chewy. Packaged: crisp, sweet, travels well |
| Typical price | About €2–€4 for one fresh stroopwafel |
| Best places | Street markets such as Albert Cuypmarkt, and traditional bakeries |
Where the stroopwafel comes from
The stroopwafel is usually traced to Gouda, the cheese town south of Amsterdam, where 19th-century bakers are said to have made them from leftover crumbs and syrup. Gouda still has a small stroopwafel industry and several bakeries that sell them fresh, so if you are visiting the cheese market there it is worth trying one at the source.
The name is plain Dutch: stroop means syrup and wafel means waffle. The syrup is a caramel made with sugar, butter and cinnamon, and the waffle dough is baked in a special patterned iron, then split horizontally while hot.
Where to eat fresh stroopwafels in Amsterdam
- Albert Cuypmarkt (De Pijp) – the classic place to watch stroopwafels being made in front of you at a market stall. Go in the morning or at lunchtime on a weekday to avoid queues; the market is closed on Sundays.
- Traditional bakeries (banketbakkerijen) – long-established bakeries such as Lanskroon on the Singel canal are known for their stroopwafels and other Dutch sweets.
- Weekend and seasonal markets – many neighbourhood markets and winter fairs have a stroopwafel stand.
Stalls and bakery hours change, so check current opening times before a special trip.
How to eat a stroopwafel like a local
- Fresh from the iron: eat it straight away while the syrup is warm and stretchy.
- On top of your cup: with a packaged stroopwafel, rest it on a hot cup of coffee or tea for a minute. The steam softens the syrup.
- Ask for toppings sparingly: some stalls offer chocolate or nuts, but the plain version is the classic.
Useful Dutch words
| Say | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Een verse stroopwafel, alstublieft | A fresh stroopwafel, please |
| Warm | Warm |
| Met chocola | With chocolate |
| Een pak stroopwafels | A packet of stroopwafels (to take home) |
| Banketbakkerij | Pastry bakery |
Buying stroopwafels to take home
Packaged stroopwafels are sold in every Dutch supermarket, usually cheaper than in souvenir shops. Look for ones made with butter (roomboter) for a richer taste. They keep for weeks and pack flat, which makes them one of the easiest Dutch food souvenirs.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get fresh stroopwafels in Amsterdam?
The easiest place is Albert Cuypmarkt in De Pijp, where stalls make them to order. Traditional bakeries in the canal ring also sell fresh ones.
How much does a stroopwafel cost in Amsterdam?
A fresh, warm stroopwafel usually costs about €2–€4 (2026 prices). A supermarket packet of eight to ten costs a few euros.
Are stroopwafels from Amsterdam or Gouda?
They are generally credited to Gouda, but they are eaten all over the Netherlands and Amsterdam is where most visitors first try them.
Are stroopwafels vegetarian?
Most are vegetarian (they contain butter and sometimes eggs), but not vegan. Check the label or ask at the stall if you have allergies; they contain wheat and often dairy.
More Dutch food: how to eat raw herring in Amsterdam, rijsttafel in Amsterdam, and all Netherlands food guides.
Sources
- I amsterdam – official visitor information, including markets.
- Stroopwafel – history and background.
