How likely are people in the Netherlands to serve food to their guests? Here’s the map that took Twitter by storm.
When it comes to Northern European hospitality norms, people do not expect much. But when an amateur historian tried to explain the reason behind it, netizens were mad — to say the least.
The map of truth
Accompanied by a long thread of user-generated historical analyses of hospitality norms, the map supposedly shows that Northern Europeans are way less likely to offer their guests food than their Southern counterparts.
This is blowing people’s minds, so as an amateur historian and sociologist I’m going to try to explain this development/ cultural artifact. pic.twitter.com/vNF0MMpMFK
— Incompetent Beneficiary of Nepotism (@WallySierk) May 29, 2022
The scale, going from “almost always” to “very unlikely,” has offended many a Scandinavian, shocked many an Italian, and provoked many a historian.
The Netherlands is steadily grounded on the “very unlikely” end of the scale, and lots of netizens recognised the trend.
My brother in law is Dutch and he asks people to pay for their food when they eat at his house. It’s fucking WILD.
— dumpsterfire (@riffraffrumblin) May 30, 2022
Some even offered their own interpretations of Dutch inhospitality, suggesting that it stems from their obsession with being efficient and organised.
Also, culture difference. The Dutch and Germans are about efficiency and planning. Arriving unannounced might mess up our plans which is seen as rude here because you insert yourself in another persons time without consent. Nonetheless we change plans and are hospitable.
— Leeroypon (@LeeroyPon) May 30, 2022
That being said, enough people is disagreeing too.
"none of this sounds normal" but… it is normal… its culture, my friend, its just different than where you live
— plutonium (@gohomecourier6) January 28, 2025
Could there be a historical explanation?
Look. I’m from Norway, and I’ve been living in the Netherlands for almost three years now. I can tell you that the map holds at least a little bit of truth.
I can’t even count the number of times I’ve visited a Dutchie (or a Norwegian, for that matter) and seen them slap their thighs with that characteristic sigh before standing up and ushering me out the door.
It typically happens sometime between 16:30 and 18:30. The Dutch like to eat early.
READ MORE | This expat’s TikToks about weird Dutch habits went viral (because they’re relatable AF!)
But why? Is it not gezellig to eat together with your guests? The Protestants didn’t think so.
According to the historian on Twitter, people from Northern Germanic cultures used to consider serving someone food a sign of superiority. In other words, if you’re being served food, you’re indebted to whoever serves you.
Debt used to bring about a lot of violence and force, which the Protestant church didn’t like.
READ MORE | 7 reasons the Dutch don’t do debt
So, in their attempt to make society more egalitarian, individualistic, less debt-focused, and most importantly, less violent, Northern societies supposedly stopped offering their guests food when they came over.
True?
It might sound like a bit of a stretch. I’ve always assumed the habit was a random Northern quirk that was founded in convenience.
After all, the Dutch are known for being extremely stingy, sending Tikkies for a half-bitten apple, and being very honest and direct.
So it’s believable on its own without the dodgy historical backstory. 🤷♀️
What do you think of the viral hospitality map? Funny, shocking, or offensive? Tell us in the comments!
I disagree strongly. I’m Dutch and in our house our friends are always welcome any time ! We share all food and drinks that we have. That’s is what I was taught. So my friends never ever leave hungry or thirsty for that matter, I feed them until I’m sure that no one is hungry anymore.
Its not only with the Dutch, I do know Asian people in the Netherlands who make you pay for food and drinks consumed in their house even when you are formally invited! Both partners have very good jobs so I think its simply the stinginess .
I don’t believe this to be a true representation of Dutch people and their culture. It wasn’t like that in my family.
I disagree also. It’s kind of rude to walk-in just before dinner time and think you can just pull up a chair. If anyone wants to come over around dinner time just let them know on time so they can plan. It makes a big difference to cook for 2 or more people. People are always welcome at my table as I know they are coming and then I will make a extra effort too.
Older Dutch folks, now at aged 65 onwards, as I observed are extremely strict in following this – yes, if you are their visitor, and it’s nearly dinner time, you are sure to be kicked-out!
Younger generations aren’t so anymore.
The infamous practice is dying out.
What utter crap! Really I feel very VERY offended. The Dutch people are probably experienced as “rude” in their non stop direct unasked aired views on things and yes they probably always want to have the last word, but really they are not stingy or as described, un -inviting. The saying: ” eet je een hapje mee” of ” Blijf je eten” of “zullen we een bordje bij schuiven” are deeply enbedded in dutch culture. It ‘s probably aomeone’s own attitude that makes the gastvrouw push someone over the threshold away from her gezellige eettafel. It is a thing of the day, that people love to criticize other country’s traditions. Just feel welcome, than you are always welcome. Nevwr expect we say in Holland, but always be hopefull.
I hope you have a most wonderfull time in the Netherlands, whenever you are visiting. And if you are lucky enough to be living here, feel welcome, because you are.
I’m Dutch, born and raised, and I recognize this from my childhood in the 70s and 80s. It was never stingyness through. As we were a meat-potato-veg country then, there were exactly 4 sausages for a family of 4. It’s a planning issue I guess.
But a lot has changed since then. In our diet and in our culture. But dropping by unannounced around dinner time is still very uncommon.
Not always. My father, like so many Dutch, was born and raised in Indonesia. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, went without food in our house. The first question asked when people visited was “Have you eaten?”. And that is still the first question I ask.
That’s the thing you ask people if they have eaten to bring them something! In other cultures people automatically bring something for their guests. I mean when someone comes to our home we ask what do you want to drink instead of have you eaten!!
They don’t invite, cos food means spending money. Local culture, nothing to comment about it. They don’t have to offer food just as much as a foreigner doesn’t have to integrate. Different views which should not be an issue.
But yeah, it’s cheap 😀
Dutchies have a weird relationship with food and money. Such stingy people.
I am Dutch currently living in the US. The map is not true, the story of the Dutch making you pay for food when you visit is outrages, unless you come unannounced and they decision is made to pick up Chinese, Pizza or Shawarma, then everyone can chip in. I am from Rotterdam and everyone is always welcome even to stay and eat. But when you plan a visit they do ask you, what time will you be there and if you are staying for dinner. It is common courtesy in the Netherlands. I the US it’s different people love to come unannounced and when you make an appointment you come late. But there is always food offered and available.