Contemporary Dutch cuisine has been shaped by the Netherlands' cultural and agricultural history. Interestingly, it's based primarily on vegetables, with various types of meat serving only as an occasional addition. The Dutch cooking tradition might not be diverse and sophisticated, but it's certainly healthy. The exclusive use of organic products and a wide range of exotic spices makes the final result well worth trying.

Dutch classics include hutspot, which is a vegetable and potato mash garnished with fried chops or sausage and served with gravy. Local restaurants usually serve brawn, made from pork liver, meat, raisins, buckwheat and cinnamon, as well as a kind of thick puree soup made from dried split peas, ham hock and smoked sausage. Excellent Dutch cheese and fresh fish from the North Sea also make up the core of the country's cuisine.

There are as many options for eating out in Amsterdam as there are restaurants. International, fusion, exotic, vegetarian and local dishes all clearly mark their presence on the culinary scene of the city, which boasts over 1,000 venues. Exclusive restaurants sit next door to small cafés with comfortable sofas where you can chat the afternoon away with your friends over a cup of delicious coffee.

One interesting kind of cuisine can be found at the numerous ethnic venues scattered around the city. Authentic Indian food is prepared at Taj Mahal, and North Indian 'Swadish' specialities can be tasted at Vijaya Amsterdam and Mayur. Me Naam Naan serves extraordinary Thai food, and marvellous Chinese and Japanese dishes can be enjoyed at a number of restaurants around the city centre.