Apeldoorn, a city located in the central-east of the Netherlands, gives off a tranquil and natural vibe. Not only does it boast beautiful parks, palaces, and museums, but it also offers a range of delicious foods. If you’re someone who, like me, has a passion for food, Apeldoorn is a place that is definitely worth visiting. Today, I want to share my culinary experiences in Apeldoorn, including some must-visit restaurants and how to find the most authentic local dishes in this city.
1. Exploring Apeldoorn’s Local Flavors
While the food scene in Apeldoorn may not be as diverse as in larger Dutch cities, it offers a distinct local flavor. Many of the city’s restaurants focus on using fresh, local ingredients to create healthy and flavorful dishes. While traditional Dutch food tends to be simple, Apeldoorn’s culinary culture is far from lacking creativity and modernity. From modern dining experiences to classic Dutch cuisine, Apeldoorn offers a wide variety of dining styles.
2. Enjoying Classic Dutch Delights: De Heerlijckheyt
My first stop in Apeldoorn was at De Heerlijckheyt, a restaurant located in the city center. This is a typical Dutch restaurant offering fresh, seasonal dishes. The restaurant’s design blends modern and traditional elements, creating a warm and artistic atmosphere. The chefs here pay special attention to sourcing local ingredients, and each dish on the menu carries a unique Dutch flavor.
I highly recommend their Dutch Stew (Hachee). This dish is a traditional Dutch beef stew where the beef is slow-cooked for a long time, making it tender and flavorful. The rich gravy is perfect when paired with mashed potatoes, making it a perfect winter meal. Additionally, their Dutch Sauerkraut (Zuurkool) is not to be missed. The sauerkraut pairs perfectly with sausage, its tartness balancing well with the savory flavors. Taking a bite of this dish will transport you straight into the heart of Dutch tradition.
In addition to traditional Dutch dishes, the restaurant also serves some modern, creative dishes. For example, their Seasonal Fish Dishes feature the freshest fish, with tender fish meat complemented by homemade sauces, resulting in a refreshing and delicious meal.
3. A Blend of Modern and Traditional: Restaurant De Smaeck
If you’re looking to experience a meal that blends both modern and traditional Dutch flavors, Restaurant De Smaeck is a great choice. The restaurant’s specialty lies in its fusion cuisine, combining traditional Dutch food with international influences. The interior of the restaurant is modern, with simple decor and warm lighting, creating a very relaxed atmosphere.
I ordered their Seafood Platter, which combined fresh Dutch seafood with Mediterranean-style spices. The seafood was fresh and flavorful, and the spices added a rich depth to the dish. Additionally, their Pork Neck with Apple Puree was a standout. The pork neck was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and the sweetness of the apple puree complemented the savory meat perfectly.
The dessert was also worth mentioning, especially their Dutch Apple Pie, which had a crisp outer layer and a soft inner texture, perfectly balancing tart and sweet flavors, leaving me craving more after every bite.
4. A Flavor Explosion of International Cuisine: Bistro de Branding
If you’re looking to try something different from traditional Dutch flavors, Bistro de Branding is a fantastic choice. This restaurant serves dishes inspired by a variety of European cuisines, especially French and Italian classics. The restaurant’s design is very stylish, and the atmosphere is comfortable, making it an ideal place for gatherings with friends or family.
I tried their French Foie Gras, which was incredibly smooth and paired with a small toasted piece of bread, making the flavor even richer. Next, I had their Italian Braised Beef, a dish with a strong tomato and spice flavor. The beef had been braised for a long time and was incredibly tender.
Apart from the main dishes, Bistro de Branding’s Seafood Pasta is also a must-try. The pasta was perfectly cooked, with fresh seafood and a rich garlic sauce that made every bite irresistibly delicious.
5. Perfect for Family Meals: De Boerderij
If you’re traveling with family or simply want to enjoy a hearty meal in a relaxed setting, De Boerderij is a great choice. Located in the outskirts of Apeldoorn, this restaurant is surrounded by beautiful farmland and scenic views, making it a peaceful spot to enjoy a meal. The restaurant’s interior is spacious, ideal for family gatherings.
Their Roast Lamb and Roast Pork Knuckle are particularly popular. The lamb is tender and juicy, while the pork knuckle is crispy on the outside and tender inside, served with herbs and potatoes for a wonderfully rich flavor. Additionally, their Creamy Mushroom Soup is a must-try. The soup is rich and flavorful, with the mushrooms adding a depth of earthiness to each spoonful.
6. Relaxing Coffee Time: Koffiehuis De Koffiepot
Apeldoorn is not just about fine dining – it also offers plenty of cozy cafes for a relaxed coffee break. Koffiehuis De Koffiepot is one of the best spots for this. Located near the city center, this café has a comfortable atmosphere and offers a variety of coffee options, with locally roasted beans being one of the highlights.
I particularly enjoy their Caramel Latte, which is sweet but not overly so, with the rich coffee flavor balancing beautifully with the sweetness of the caramel. Their Blueberry Muffin is also a popular treat. The muffin is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with the sweet-tart blueberries perfectly complementing the flavor of the muffin, making it a perfect afternoon tea pairing.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Apple Pie at Koffiehuis De Koffiepot is a must-try. It has a crisp crust, with the tart apple filling enhanced by aromatic spices, making it the perfect match for a cup of coffee.
7. Dutch Street Food: Frikandel & Patat Special
When in the Netherlands, no trip is complete without trying some Dutch street food. In Apeldoorn, Frikandel & Patat Special is a popular spot for Dutch fast food, serving up deep-fried snacks. Frikandel is a traditional Dutch fried sausage, while Patat Special is a plate of crispy fries served with a variety of sauces.
I tried their Frikandel, which was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a rich, meaty flavor. The Patat Special fries were golden brown and crispy, topped with generous amounts of mayonnaise and spicy sauce, offering a deliciously satisfying combination of flavors.
8. Recommended Food Delivery Platforms
In Apeldoorn, many restaurants can be accessed through platforms like Thuisbezorgd and Uber Eats. If you prefer to enjoy a meal in your hotel or Airbnb without going out, these platforms make it very convenient. Additionally, Resengo is a local restaurant reservation platform that allows you to easily book a table and avoid waiting during peak hours.
Using these platforms, you can quickly browse through various restaurants in Apeldoorn and make reservations in advance, ensuring a smoother dining experience during your trip.
Although Apeldoorn is a small city, its food scene is full of surprises. Each meal and dish gave me a deeper appreciation for the warmth and uniqueness of this city. If you ever find yourself in Apeldoorn, be sure to try these restaurants and experience the local culinary delights firsthand.
