Best food walks in the Amsterdam Area

Try traditional seafood at Monnickendam

As one of the region’s most charming former fishing towns, Monnickendam should very well be on every Dutch travel bucket list. With its picturesque harbour and streets that tell stories from centuries ago, the town is a sight to behold in its own right, but its distinctive character lies in its culinary offerings. Follow Monnickendam’s maritime heritage from the waterfront to its wealth local eateries, as you come to understand how vital these age-old fishing traditions once were.

Begin your walk at the historic harbour, which was once the centre of a thriving Zuiderzee fishing community. With the construction of the Aflsuitdijk – the enormous dam that was built to protect the land from flooding – in 1932, the Zuiderzee transformed from a saltwater sea into a freshwater lake, effectively halting Monnickendam’s fishing industry. But traces of this heritage still abound. As you stroll along the waterfront, you’ll see traditional boats, old warehouses, and merchant houses that tell the story of a town built around the sea. At the harbor’s seafood stalls and restaurants, you’ll be introduced to the unique seafood flavours of local fishing from the North Sea.

The must-try dish here is smoked eel – what the Dutch call paling – a surprisingly tender delicacy deeply connected to the town’s former Zuiderzee fishing traditions. For generations, local fishermen caught and smoked eel as a way of preserving their catch, and today it remains one of the Netherlands’ most iconic foods. Pair it with other Dutch favourites such as herring and kibbeling – pieces of delicious battered white fish – or a host of other freshly prepared seafood dishes.

A cheese walk through historic Edam

Preserved in time, the village of Edam captures the quintessential spirit of the Dutch countryside. Though once the beating heart of the country's cheese industry, the region now produces most of its cheese just outside the old town, in nearby commercial factories, exporting over 27 million iconic round Edam cheeses each year. Operating at this scale, it’s no surprise that the industry remains an important part of the village’s identity.

Start your walk at the popular Edam Cheese Market, which is held every Wednesday across the summer months. The famed market is located in the centre of the village, in the Jan van Nieuwenhuizen Square, which is lined with beautifully preserved buildings. It’s here you’ll sample an intoxicating array of local cheeses made from the milk of cows grazing in the surrounding countryside. Re-enactments are also part of the market fun, with sellers often dressing in traditional Dutch garb – think bright yellow clogs and aprons that evoke the Dutch milkmaids of yesteryear – which brings the history of Edam to life. 

After trying out the market, wander over to the Kaaswaag Edam weighing house, which was once used to weigh cheese right here in the heart of the village. The weighing house is no longer in use and has instead been transformed into a museum, with a permanent exhibit that showcases how cheeses were weighed and sold. Just next door, you’ll find the Story of Edam Cheese museum, which traces the trajectory of these cheeses from a small-time local product to the world-famous creations they are today.

Dinner in a remote fortress at Forteiland Pampus

Exclusively reachable by boat, the fort island of Pampus was constructed in the 19th century as part of Amsterdam’s defences. Remote, beautiful and easily navigable on foot, the island invites visitors to meander along a walking route that loops around its historic fortifications. The grassy embankments lining the shoreline offer panoramic views across the IJmeer. As you explore, you'll learn about the complex constructions of the Defense Line of Amsterdam, and how Pampus once played an integral role in this system.

While the island's rugged beauty is undoubtedly part of its appeal, its restaurant is a destination in its own right. A unique seasonal pop-up experience, the island hosts twice-a-year winter and summer dining that combines the ferry crossing with a guided tour of the historic fortress, followed by a tasting menu focused on sustainable, seasonal ingredients. In summertime, you can even extend your stay by camping on the island. There’s nothing quite like spending the night on this remote bastion beneath starry skies, with Amsterdam glimmering in the distance.