Food in Dutch
In this section, we want to share some basic Dutch phrases related with food, that can help you when you arrive in the Netherlands.
In the southern part of the country, called Randstad (the area between Utrecht, Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam), most people speak English. However, if you happen to live in other parts of the country, you might need to learn the local language to communicate effectively.
The provided pronunciation is written in a way that makes it easier for English speakers to understand.
We don’t aim to teach you the Dutch language on our website, as that’s best done by professionals. Check out our section on language learning for advice on where to study.
| BASIC DUTCH- FOOD | |||
| ENGLISH | DUTCH | PHONETIC SPELLING | |
| Potatoes / Carrots | Aardappelen / Wortelen | Ah-ruh-dah-puh-luhn / Vor-tuh-luhn | |
| Lettuce / Tomatoes | Sla / Tomaten | Sla / Toe-mah-ten | |
| Onion / Bell Pepper | Ui / Paprika | Oo-ee / Pah-pree-kuh | |
| Garlic / Asparagus | Knoflook / Asperges | Nohf-lohk / Ah-spair-juhs | |
| Cucumber / Eggplant | Komkommer / Aubergine | Kuhm-kuhm-muhr / Oh-ber-zheen | |
| Chicken / Pork | Kip / Varkensvlees | Kip / Var-kens-vlays | |
| Beef / Lamb | Rundvlees / Lamsvlees | Ruhnt-vlays / Lahms-vlays | |
| Bread / Milk | Brood / Melk | Brood / Melk | |
| Salmon / Sardines | Zalm / Sardines | Zahlm / Sar-deens | |
| Octopus / Hake | Octopus / Kabeljauw | Ok-toh-puhs / Hake | |
| Shrimp / Squid | Garnalen / Inktvis | Gahr-nah-luhn / Inkt-vis | |
| Herring / Tuna | Haring / Tonijn | Hah-ring / Too-neyn | |
| Apple / Pears | Appel / Peer | Ap-puhl / Pay-ruhn | |
| Oranges / Grapes | Sinaasappel / Druiven | See-naas-ap-puls / Druy-vuhn | |
| Plums / Banana | Pruim / Banaan | Proo-muhn / Buh-naan | |
| Kiwi / Strawberries | Kiwi / Aardbeien | Kee-wee / Aard-bay-en | |
| Melon / Watermelon | Meloen / Watermeloen | Muh-lohn / Wah-ter-muh-lohn | |
| Soup / Mashed Potatoes | Soep / Aardappelpuree | Soop / Ah-ruh-dah-puh-luh-ree | |
| Pasta / Rice | Pasta / Rijst | Pah-stah / Ryst | |
| Chickpeas / Beans / Lentils | Kikkererwten / Bonen / Linzen | Kick-er-erw-ten / Boh-nen / Lin-zuhn | |
| Eggs / Cheese | Eieren / Kaas | Eye-ren / Kahs | |
| Wine / Beer | Wijn / Beer | Vine / Beer | |
| Vinegar / Oil | Azijn / Olie | Ah-zayn / Oh-lee | |
Apart from basic Dutch for food, you can see other basic phrases in Dutch on these links on our page:
At the doctor | At the hotel | Days and Months | Numbers | Time | Shopping