typically.nl

The venerable stroopwafel (pronunciation: don’t even go there) is probably the most sought-after cookie by tourists coming to Holland. And yet it is probably the most common cookie this country knows. And the cheapest. How appropriate.

Stroopwafels, literally syrup waffles, are made of two waffles (duh) with …. err you get the idea. They are produced in great amounts by small bakery shops and huge cookie factories alike. There are upscale versions but mostly stroopwafels are mass-produced, plastic-wrapped and supermarket-sold. These are all qualities a Dutchman likes since it means a low (i.e. “good”) price.

Kidding aside, stroopwafels are quite delicious and whenever I go abroad, I try to take a few packs with me since everybody loves them. Quite sweet, with a soft center and a crispy outside.

They usually come in packs of 10 and can be had for as little as €1,50 in budget supermarkets. Brand names are more expensive, but generally taste the same and are probably baked in the same factory anyway. A more classy version of the stroopwafel is produced fresh by small bakery shops. They are also sold in packs of 10, are fresher, but oddly this really doesn’t have a huge impact on the taste at all.

The upper end of the stroopwafel market is formed by street vendors who will bake the waffle on the spot and then fill it with the scorching hot sugary syrup. These vendors are most often found at markets: the famous Albert Cuyp market has one near the Van Woustraat. This is the best stroopwafel experience money can buy and often considerable lines will form in front of the stall. When you have the chance, I really do recommend you get one of these. It’s cheap, hot, absudly sweet and it seems universally liked.