You may have heard of a few Dutch delicacies before coming to the Netherlands — perhaps it was the delicious rendition of Dutch fries, crispy fried codfish, or maybe Europe’s most underrated sausage delicacy, the frikandel.
Regardless of what you’ve tried, there’s also a pretty decent chance your Dutch friends have attempted to feed you their version of liquorice. 🤔
What is it?
That’s right — life in the Netherlands isn’t just about unhealthy, fried snack food. They’ve also got the sweet treat (or terror) known as drop. 🍬
Drop is essentially the Dutch version of black liquorice — but it’s so much more than that.
If a Dutch person ever offers you candy be very, very careful. It might be Dutch liquorice drop. It’s not all bad but some of them contain so much salt that your taste buds will go into shock. pic.twitter.com/H1QKUMFjrd
— WeAreXpats – (@WeAreXpats) September 18, 2020
There are so many types of drop, it’s hard to keep track! And yes, some of the flavour profiles of these types of drop are less than ideal (looking at you, hard, salty drop).
Why do they do it?
Of course, you might have an unfit palate for this type of candy.
That doesn’t mean it would stop Dutchies from trying to find the perfect type of liquorice for you.
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They just want you to experience the same bliss they live in whenever they eat their questionable candy choices. 🤔
Some may consider Dutchies stingy by nature, so you can’t help but feel a little special when they want to share something of theirs with you.
Why is it quirky?
Lots of foreigners (if not the majority) are confused as to why the Dutch want you to try their candy so badly — it’s not every day they’re sharing their culture and food with other people so enthusiastically.
But of all things, why did it have to be drop? It’s just so far out of most people’s comfort zone, and some of it tastes very… interesting (or gross).
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It’s quite fascinating that the Dutch are so willing to share this part of their treats, and we’re just not sure if this is the treat that we wish they would share with us. 😬
Should you join in?
Drop is definitely worth trying if you’ve never had it before, but don’t be surprised if it doesn’t taste sweet like your typical black liquorice.
If you like it, that’s great! And if you don’t, don’t worry.
There are plenty of Dutchies who will just eat your share of drop for you. 😉
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!
Great article! I was born in Nederland and love the food!
If you enjoy salted sweets AND sweet sweets it means you educated your palate a little more than the average person, so be proud of yourself !