So you’re thinking about getting home contents insurance — or you’ve just signed a policy — but you’re not sure what’s covered under home contents insurance (inboedelverzekering) in the Netherlands?
First off, it’s always a smart idea to protect your belongings, so nice job. Secondly, let’s go over what is and isn’t covered under home contents insurance in the Netherlands.
Looking for a home contents insurance provider in the Netherlands? Univé is a great option. Starting at just €12.02 per month, Univé’s inboedelverzekering insures all the belongings in your home for a great price. Even better, you can opt for add-ons as you like. Calculate your monthly premium now.
Wait a minute, what even is home contents insurance?
Good question! Homecontents insurance is an insurance policy that pays for damage to, theft, or loss of, your personal possessions at home — but it does not cover damage done to the building itself.
So, what’s covered by home contents insurance in the Netherlands?
Home contents insurance in the Netherlands typically covers a variety of personal belongings and household items. Here’s a list of what’s included:
Furniture
Electronics and appliances
Clothing and personal items
Bicycles (sometimes as an add-on)
Jewellery, art, and valuables (usually up to a certain limit)
Hobby equipment, including musical instruments and sports gear
Some home contents insurance policies will also cover your electronics. Image: Freepik
What about your phone? It’s worth noting that phone coverage can vary between insurance providers, and usually, it needs to be added as an add-on to your home contents insurance.
All of these items are covered under specific events with basic home contents insurance, including:
Fire and smoke damage
Theft and burglary
Storm and water damage
Vandalism
Short-circuit damage to electronics
Some providers may also offer extra coverage options, such as coverage for accidental damage done by yourself, or more comprehensive protection for high-value items.
What’s not covered by home contents insurance in the Netherlands?
There are some things that Dutch home contents insurance doesn’t cover. Image: Freepik
While home contents insurance offers broad protection, there are some instances where it doesn’t cover damage. This include:
Damage caused intentionally (either by you or someone you’ve invited into your home)
Wear and tear or poor maintenance (e.g., a broken fridge due to age)
Damage occurring during illegal activities
Damage that results from neglect or failure to maintain your property properly
Naturally, the coverage of different insurance policies can vary depending on the provider.
So, as a general rule, you should always read the fine print or contact your insurance provider to understand the limits and exclusions of your specific policy.
Do you have home contents insurance in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments.
Dutch household investments have hit a historic high, with chip giant ASML now overtaking Shell as the country’s most-held stock.
According to statistical research by De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), Dutch households are investing more than ever, with home-grown favourite ASML being the most popular investment in the third quarter of 2025.
This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.
Tech giant ASML takes the multi-billion-euro crown
Dutch shares in ASML have now skyrocketed to a whopping €4.42 billion in value, largely driven by a 22% increase in share prices.
For the first time, the chip manufacturer is the hottest investment in the Netherlands, dethroning the previous favourite Shell PLC.
Step aside, Shell! Dutch investment portfolios have a new favourite this quarter. Image: Freepik
But it isn’t just ASML seeing big figures — Dutch household investments have now risen to €204.7 billion in value, which is up by around €9 billion since the previous quarter.
Are you keen to start investing, but don’t quite know how (or where!) to begin?
Opting for an investment app is one of the most accessible choices, as you won’t need massive stacks of cash or a degree in finance to grow your portfolio.
Some of our favourite investment apps include Trade Republic and Scalable, for their sheer affordability, English-language support, and wide range of stocks, ETFs, and crypto.
Prefer investing through your banking app, instead? Many neobanks, like bunq and Revolut, also offer a wealth of investment opportunities in addition to regular banking services.
What are the most popular investments in 2025?
While stock in ASML may have taken the crown, DNB’s report also highlights some other popular choices, including:
multinational oil and gas company Shell,
popular Dutch financial service Cooperative Rabobank,
multinational banking corporation ING Group,
American tech giant NVIDIA,
multinational tech conglomerate Microsoft,
Dutch equipment manufacturer ASM International,
British consumer goods company Unilever,
Dutch-Belgian multinational Royal Ahold Delhaize, and
Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer BE Semiconductor Industries.
Placed alongside Halloween candies, they vie for our attention in the supermarket aisles for a month. 👀 However, once the spooky holiday is over, and we’re one step closer to Sinterklaas… it’s officially pepernoten season!
While Sinterklaas is a somewhat (read: very) controversial holiday due to the controversy around Sint’s helper, Zwarte Piet, one thing appreciated by Dutchies and internationals alike are the treats that Sint and Piet bring with them: pepernoten.
Okay, okay — before you come at us — technically, we’re talking about kruidnoten here, but pepernoten is a more frequently used term to describe these delicious Dutch treats.
We’ll explain the difference below. 😚
What is it?
Pepernoten are soft, irregularly shaped biscuits. They’re made from rye flour but have a sweet honey flavour, spiced up with anise.
If this sounds unfamiliar, it’s probably because many people (including Dutchies!) say that they’re eating pepernoten though they’re technically stuffing their face with kruidnoten.
So what are kruidnoten then? Kruidnoten are crunchy, dome-shaped biscuits that’ll instantly bring Christmas to your tongue. 😍
They’re made from wheat flour and spiced with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, and white pepper.
When most people say ‘pepernoten’, they mean these. However, ‘pepernoten’ are the larger, lighter, irregularly shaped ones (shown in the feature image). Image: Depositphotos
Kruidnoten also come in many different flavour variants; just visit a Van Delft store and you’ll be amazed! You can even find them coated in chocolate — lekker!
Why do they do it?
Kruidnoten are a typical treat related to the Dutch celebration of Sinterklaas, so eating them simply goes hand-in-hand with the holiday season in the Netherlands.
In fact, pepernoten have been part of the Sinterklaas tradition since the 16th century. Then, when the Netherlands started importing more spices in the 19th century, the kruidnoot saw the light of day.
From then on, it was also kruidnoten that were thrown during Sinterklaas parades.
So, why? Well, tradition. Plus, they’re outright delicious!
Why is it quirky?
If they’d only eat them around Sinterklaas (December 5), it wouldn’t be so quirky.
However, pepernoten and especially kruidnoten make their appearance in Albert Heijn as early as September — echt!
The Dutch tradition of pepernoten comes hand in hand with the arrival of Sinterklaas. Source: Erik Bro/Wikimedia Commons/CC 3.0
It’s every Dutchie’s dilemma: do they buy the first bag of kruidnoten once the urge kicks in? Or do they hold off until at least November?
From our experience, the former usually wins, and you’ll find everyone stuffing their faces with kruidnoten months before the holidays.
Should you join in?
Absolutely!
Whatever your feelings are about Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet, everyone can get on board with pepernoten and kruidnoten.
After living some time in the Netherlands, you’ll likely even be facing the same dilemma as the Dutch: to buy or not to buy kruidnoten in October.
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!
Want to get started with investing in the Netherlands but don’t know where to start? I’ve been there.
Investing is one of the most effective ways to grow your wealth over time, and with the Netherlands’ stable economy, you have plenty of opportunities to get started.
In fact, investing is getting more and more popular in the land of clogs, with recent studies suggesting that nearly 2 million households (a.k.a. one-fourth of the population) now invest in one form or another.
But whether you’re thinking about putting your money into stocks, ETFs, or cryptocurrencies, it’s important to know the basics before you jump into it. 👇
💡 Disclaimer: Investing always involves risks.
1. Choose an investment platform that fits your goals
Before you invest a single one of your hard-earned euros, you’ll need to find an investment platform to do it with. In doing so, it’s important to pick one that matches your financial goals, experience level, and personal preferences.
There are heaps of investment platforms out there, some better suited for those just getting started and others that cater to experienced traders looking for more advanced tools.
Do your research — it’ll pay off. Image: Freepik
When choosing the right one for you, there are certain factors to keep in mind:
Fees: Does the platform have trading commissions, account maintenance fees, or significant currency conversion costs?
Language: Is it available in English (or another language that you speak)?
Available products: Does it offer the types of investments you’re interested in (for example, Dutch stocks, global ETFs, cryptocurrencies, sustainable funds)?
Ease of use: Does it have an intuitive interface that makes investing easy and seamless?
Extra features: Are there extras like automatic investing, educational content, a credit or debit card?
While people may suggest different platforms and apps to you, it’s important that you take time to explore your options and pick one that suits your needs (trust me, you’ll thank yourself later).
Not sure what investment platform to go with? Scalable Capital is one of the most affordable online financial brokers out there. With its easy interface, smart tools and a wide variety of investment options, it’s a great option for anyone, from complete newbies to experienced investors.
2. Assess your risk appetite and investment goals
There’s always some risk involved in investing, but how much you take on depends on what you’re comfortable with — a.k.a. your risk tolerance.
Risk tolerance refers to how comfortable you are with the ups and downs of the market: Are you okay with seeing your investments dip temporarily if it means higher potential returns? Or do you prefer a more stable, lower-risk approach, even if the growth is slower?
To avoid panic later on, it’s important to be honest when you ask yourself these questions.
It’s also important to think about your investment goals and timeline, that is, whether you’re in it for the long term or the short term.
Lastly, make sure your investment strategy aligns with your financial goals and life situation. Are you saving for a house? Starting a business? Planning for retirement? All of these factors have an impact on your financial situation and, with that, should shape your investment strategy.
Looking to become a homeowner? This will have an impact on your investment strategy. Image: Freepik
3. Diversify your portfolio to spread the risk
Ever heard the saying “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”? Well, that’s also (or especially) true when it comes to investing.
No matter how confident you feel about a single company or sector, investing all your money in one place is very risky. Sure, if that stock takes off, you’re good — but if it plummets, your entire portfolio suffers.
And that’s why diversification, or spreading your money across different types of assets, industries, or markets, is so important.
While investing in certain stocks in the Netherlands is a great start, adding global investments to your portfolio gives you exposure to different economies and industries, so you’re less affected if one market underperforms (or if Trump decides to crash one 😉).
Whether you’re interested in ETFs, individual stocks, or crypto, Scalable Capital has you covered. You can get started with as little as €1 and invest in over 2000 ETFs, 7000 stocks or 17 cryptocurrencies.
Speaking of diversification: If you’re new to investing, index funds and ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) are a great place to start. These offer a simple way to grow your money without having to pick individual stocks or constantly check the market.
They’re also great because they allow for diversification. With just one investment, you can own a small slice of dozens (or hundreds!) of companies, which helps spread out risk.
Some popular ETFs for Dutch and European investors include:
iShares AEX UCITS ETF, which tracks the Dutch AEX index (the top 25 companies listed in the Netherlands).
Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF, which lets you invest in developed and emerging markets from all over the world.
iShares MSCI World ETF, ideal for broad, long-term international diversification.
Scalable Xtrackers MSCI All Country World UCITS ETF, covering about 90% of global markets with a mix of direct investments and financial tools to track the market efficiently.
VanEck Sustainable World ETF, for those interested in socially responsible investing.
5. Know your Dutch tax rules
We hate to break it to you, but: Ja, the Belastingdienst will want its share of your investment profits, so it’s important to understand how the Netherlands taxes them.
In the Dutch tax system, your investments fall under Box 3, which covers your “wealth tax” (i.e. not income tax from work, which is Box 1).
Here’s how it works:
You pay tax on your net assets (your total assets minus debts) as of January 1 each year. This includes things like cash, stocks, ETFs, crypto, and second properties.
There’s a tax-free allowance (heffingsvrij vermogen) of around €57,000 per person (or €114,000 for tax partners) in 2025.
Anything above that amount is taxed based on a provisional return the government assumes you make, not on your actual investment gains (yes, it’s complicated, but there is help*).
The percentage of tax you pay depends on how much wealth you have, with higher wealth brackets assumed to earn a higher return.
*Sounds confusing? It is, but luckily, some investment platforms (such as Scalable and DEGIRO) provide you with a tax report that makes declaring your assets much easier.
6. Start small and be patient
One of the biggest myths about investing is that it’s only for people with a lot of money. In reality, you can start small, even with just a few euros, and build your portfolio over time.
The key is consistency and patience. Markets go up and down, and dips can feel discouraging. But historically, markets grow over time, so staying invested (even through the ups and downs) gives you the best chance to benefit from that growth.
There will be ups and downs, but patience will pay off. Image: Depositphotos
Since trying to guess the perfect moment to buy or sell is pretty much impossible, a great way of investing is the so-called DCA (Dollar-cost-averaging) strategy, where you invest a fixed amount of money at regular intervals, regardless of the market conditions.
This averages your buy price over time and keeps your emotions out of investing, letting consistency and time do the work for you.
💪 TIP: Many investment apps, such as Scalable, offer a DCA automation tool (Savings Plan). With this tool, money is automatically deducted from your account and invested at regular intervals.
7. Stay informed and keep learning
One thing about the stock market is that it is always changing and evolving, so staying informed is key to making smart investment decisions.
Luckily, there are plenty of (free!) resources out there to help you stay up-to-date and improve your financial knowledge, such as books, YouTube channels, and podcasts.
The more you know, the better equipped you are to handle market ups and downs, seize opportunities, and adjust your strategy when needed. So, keep educating yourself! 💪
What questions do you have about investing in the Netherlands? Or what tips would you give to beginners? Share them in the comments.
From next week onwards, the Dutch government will start distributing a new emergency information booklet to over 8.5 million households across the Netherlands.
Titled “Bereid je voor op een noodsituatie” (or “Prepare for an emergency”), the crisis guide is designed to help residents stay self-sufficient during the first 72 hours after a major disaster.
Why now?
Earlier this year, Euronews reported that the Iberian Peninsula suffered a massive blackout, leaving over 60 million people without power in Spain and Portugal.
To outgoing Dutch Justice and Security Minister van Oosten, the situation showed “how vulnerable we can be and how important good preparation is.”
In a bid to “ensure that all Dutch people can be well-prepared for an emergency”, all households across the Netherlands are expected to receive the booklet by January 10, 2026.
What’s inside the new emergency booklet?
Stressing the importance of thinking ahead in an emergency, van Oosten states that the booklet will help people prepare for a crisis.
In particular, the booklet focuses on the following steps:
Step 1: Assemble an emergency kit
While most households will have the essentials, such as non-perishable food, blankets, and a power bank, the booklet urges people to consider if they have enough supplies for 72 hours.
Further, you’ll need to consider your own situation and what extras you might need, like baby food, pet food, and medication.
Not sure how to compile a disaster kit? The booklet will also offer a handy checklist for packing your essentials and staying prepared.
Step 2: Create an emergency plan
The second step will encourage people to come up with a practical emergency plan.
This involves clear agreements with family, friends, or flatmates, and covers questions like:
how you’ll reach each other,
where you’ll meet,
who’ll pick up the children from school, and
who might need extra help.
Step 3: Talk to each other and help each other
Last but not least, communication is key.
The booklet emphasises the importance of supporting each other through a crisis and helping each other prepare. In addition to advice, the booklet will cover some important conversation-starters, such as:
What have you prepared for?
Do you need help?
What are you worried about?
In addition to Dutch, the booklet will be available in various other languages from November 25, including English, German, Polish, French, Arabic, Turkish, Chinese, and Spanish.
What do you think of the government’s new initiative? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
Dutch authorities are investigating 49 deaths potentially connected to funcaps.nl, an illegal online medication and drugs shop that sold prescription-only medicines to customers without medical oversight.
The staggering death toll emerged during a preliminary court hearing in Zwolle, where prosecutors revealed the scale of tragedy connected to the now-offline website.
The two operators, Jord van W. (31) and Stefan P. (30) from the province of Limburg, generated around €42 million in revenue over five years. Now, they face charges for running an illegal pharmaceutical operation.
Young lives lost to unregulated medication
The victims in this scheme were mostly young adults, some struggling with suicidal thoughts, others simply seeking relief from anxiety or sleep problems.
According to the prosecutor, at least two customers were just 17 years old when they first ordered from the site.
In 27 cases, investigators have found strong evidence linking the deaths directly to funcaps.nl, and the prosecutor suggests that these 27 deaths are “likely just the tip of the iceberg.”
Recent police database searches uncovered an additional 18 suspicious deaths, and four new cases were reported just last weekend by grieving parents.
The investigation continues to expand as more families come forward.
Parents powerless to protect their children
Perhaps most heartbreaking about this whole story is that some parents contacted funcaps.nl directly, begging the operators not to deliver any more substances to their children.
Their pleas were ignored, according to the NOS. Packages continued arriving, often with misleading return addresses designed to evade detection.
Marijn Bom attended the court session after losing his 19-year-old son, Luca, last summer. A pill Luca purchased on funcaps.nl likely ended up taking his life. His father now fights for justice alongside other bereaved families.
The legal fallout
The site sold highly addictive medications typically prescribed for severe anxiety and sleep disorders — all without requiring prescriptions.
For internationals unfamiliar with Dutch pharmacy regulations, this is wildly illegal. In the Netherlands, you need a proper prescription from your huisarts (GP) to obtain such controlled substances.
The prosecution argues that some substances sold through funcaps.nl were “dangerous to life and health.” Dutch law prescribes prison sentences of 15 years for illegally selling such medications, rising to 30 years if the activity results in death.
The defence claims Van W. and P. operated in “complete openness and transparency,” always warning customers about potentially harmful effects.
“They did more than strictly necessary,” their lawyer argued.
If you’re struggling with anxiety, sleep issues, or other mental health concerns in the Netherlands, speak to your huisarts first — they can connect you with proper treatment and support.
Your Dutch partner has invited you to join his family for a barbecue; how exciting! You dress up in your summer clothes, expecting to join everyone outside in the garden and see food being grilled on a large charcoal grill, only for your partner to drag you inside the house.
How odd, you think to yourself. Aren’t barbecues usually done outside? Well, the Dutch do it in a slightly different way.
Instead of grilling outside, they use tiny table-top barbecues that can be set on the dinner table inside the house.
And yes, food takes longer to grill. Or at least, it feels like it does.
What is it?
A table-top barbecue is a small barbecue with a compact design and without a bulky base, so that you can easily place it on your dining table.
The Dutch take these tiny barbecues anywhere with them, from camping trips to a day at the beach in The Hague, or even in the comfort of their own home.
What do they cook on them?
A lot of traditional Dutch meat, such as rookworst, speklapjes, slavink, pre-made kebabs, and don’t forget the crucial ingredient — satésaus (meat with peanut butter sauce, a true Dutch barbecue staple).
These tiny table-top barbecues only allow minimal grilling space. Your Dutch hosts will grill one meat at a time, serve, and then move on to grilling the next thing.
Time to drink some beer or wine in between servings!
And what is more practical than a barbecue that you can take anywhere with you? No one has to leave the table to check on the meat, plus it’s easy to clean and maintain.
Now that is Dutch functionality!
Why is it quirky?
Barbecuing is common anywhere — gathering with friends or family, grilling meats and vegetable skewers on charcoal barbecues, and enjoying each other’s company (usually on hot summer days).
Teeny tiny tabletop barbecues, on the other hand, are not so ordinary. At least not outside of the Netherlands.
They might be cute, but they’re also definitely a little bizarre.
Should you join in?
That depends!
If you like to take breaks in between meals and like to carry a barbecue with you when you go to a park or the beach, then why not? Barbecue on the go, anyone?
But if you prefer to sit out in the garden and eat your grilled meats and vegetables in one serve, maybe opt out of this one.
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!
So you’ve recently decided to become a ZZP’er (zelfstandige zonder personeel) — a self-employed person or a freelancer, as one may call it. Congratulations!
But from registering your business to maintaining your day-to-day finances, it can be daunting to get used to the ins and outs of freelancing.
This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.
1. Certification from the Kamer van Koophandel (Chamber of Commerce)
Before you can officially start freelancing in the Netherlands and working for different clients, you have to head to the Dutch Kamer van Koophandel (KvK).
Here, you will be given the proper certification so that you can legally work in the Netherlands.
This involves the typical Dutch bureaucracy. The meeting shouldn’t take longer than 45 minutes, and you’ll gather important documents, fill out forms, and make a payment (usually of €82.25) for opening your business.
You’ll review some documents, sign some forms, and discuss your business with someone from the Dutch Chamber of Commerce! Image: Freepik
Among these important forms, you will receive your BTW number (VAT number), which will register you with the Belastingdienst as a business that must pay taxes.
You will also receive the all-important KvK number. This number should be included in your invoices and also when identifying your business to potential clients.
2. An up-to-date website or portfolio
No matter the profession, everyone needs a website or portfolio.
It’s not just useful for making sure potential clients can reach you, but also for allowing them to view what kind of work you do. Think of it as a digital CV!
Make sure you have a website! Image: Freepik
Depending on the website-creating service you use, you can include all kinds of important career-related documents: contact details, entries of different works you’ve done, clients you’ve worked for, and links to your CV and other social media you may use for your business brand.
3. Good branding and social media
Speaking of, as a freelancer in the Netherlands, you’re also in charge of your business branding and marketing to attract more clients.
It’s important to make sure you have a strategy in mind for how you want to present yourself as a freelancer to potential clients.
Tip: If you want to focus on the professional side of your business, it’s worth creating a LinkedIn account and keeping it updated with projects you’re working on and clients you’re in business with.
This strategy can include creating a strong social media presence (whether it’s through Instagram, Facebook or TikTok!), building a unique online portfolio or website, and creating letterheads and logos so other people can identify your business.
4. An organised invoicing system
Once you’ve done work for a client, it’s time to get paid! Unlike regular employees, freelancers aren’t given paychecks by their clients.
Make sure you’re getting paid for your hard work! Image: Freepik
Instead, freelancers need to invoice their clients, indicating all the expenses such as value-added tax (VAT, or BTW in Dutch), and other potential expenses like travelling costs.
Invoicing clients can be chaotic, especially if you have a lot of finances to handle, so it’s useful to find an easy-to-use invoicing system.
Tip! Services such as Finom offer a handy, foolproof invoicing system for freelancers in the Netherlands. You can check out a variety of their subscription tiers for access to essential financial tools as a freelancer.
5. Great accounting skills
Freelancers in the Netherlands also need to have a good grasp of accounting and finances.
You’ll be in charge of making sure you bill your clients for your work, file your taxes (this includes knowing where and when to do it), and keep track of all kinds of business expenses (for example, a new work laptop or a travel subscription).
You’re going to have to handle your own accounting. Image: Freepik
Don’t be scared. These are skills you can learn yourself, or you can hire a professional (a.k.a. an accountant) to help you get a handle on these finances.
6. A business bank account
While we’re on the subject of finances, having a separate business bank account can be useful for managing finances and getting an overview of your costs as a freelancer in the Netherlands.
This benefit is usually lower than how much you earn while working, but that’s not necessarily the case if you’re a freelancer who plans their pension well!
Freelancers in the Netherlands have a few ways to supplement their pension. For example, you can take out annuity insurance with a bank, insurance company, or investment broker, which will invest part of your income and pay out your savings once you retire.
Thinking about your retirement plan already? Image: Freepik
You could also put money aside in the Dutch retirement reserve, which allows you to take these savings as part of your expenses, resulting in a lower income tax assessment.
Each plan has its requirements, advantages, and disadvantages, so make sure to do some extra research and consult a financial expert to find out which plans would work best for your business situation.
Becoming a freelancer in the Netherlands is an exciting endeavour, and with these tips, you’re ready to work independently and with lots of flexibility!
Are you thinking of becoming a freelancer? Tell us in the comments below.
Snackbars are the ultimate Dutch fast-food venues, catering to your needs through the long Dutch nights.
It’s late at night, you’re fueled by alcohol, and you’re wandering through the streets.
Suddenly, a neon light catches your eye: written in bold letters is the word “snackbar.” You’ve found a safe space to fill that growling tummy.
Here’s a brief history of these iconic spaces, and what you can eat in them. 👇
What is a snackbar?
What kind of venue qualifies as a snackbar? Usually, snackbars are small eateries with an assortment of classic Dutch fast food, deep-fried to oblivion. Drinks are also served, including beer and soft drinks.
A man demonstrates the utility of automated snackbars. Image: Sebastiaan ter Burg/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
Some snackbars with more seating available and higher prices are also referred to as cafeterias. However, this term is also interchangeable for venues where employees can have food during their lunch break.
Another term used is frietkot, which mostly sells fries. Some snackbars contain automated machines (think FEBO), where the food is placed in rows, all warmed up, and easily accessible for those rushing to catch the train.
History of Dutch snackbars
The first-ever modern snackbar opened in Utrecht in 1915. The same city welcomed the first snackbar with automatic machines in 1932.
Snackbars then quickly spread through the country, at their peak reaching 6,000 across the Netherlands. Since 1997, that number has decreased, falling to 4,800 snackbars in 2017.
While there will certainly be a snackbar in your local area, you can pay homage to the province of Limburg to have the ultimate snackbar experience.
The region has the highest density of these eateries in the country, with 4.7 snackbars per 10,000 inhabitants — that beats the national average of 2.9 per 10,000 inhabitants.
The first ever snackbar was born in the beautiful city of Utrecht! Image: Unsplash
Some claim that snackbars are an integral part of Dutch culture. The Dutch Frying Center has even made an application for snackbar culture to be included in the list of things that count as intangible heritage.
However, since there has been a trend towards healthier eating, it has become harder to find authentic, old-fashioned snackbars. This is a potential explanation for their decrease in numbers.
A deep-fried menu
So what kind of exquisite delicacies can one expect from a snackbar? Well, expect a lot of deep-fried food. It’s not about haute cuisine, but rather about providing consumers with fast and accessible food on the go.
Arguably, the most classic food to get in a snackbar is fries — also known as patat in Dutch. They are eaten with an assortment of sauces, the go-to option being mayonnaise. There is also the frietsaus, which is a different version of mayonnaise. 🍟
You can also try the saté sauce, which is originally from Indonesia but nowadays is often used generously over the fries.
The curry sauce is popular as well, and in some snackbars, they might even have a combination of all of these different sauces in one. 😜
All the meaty snacks
When in a snackbar, you might notice a large assortment of products displayed on the shelves. As a newly arrived international, you might wonder what these meat-like products are and what exactly is in them.
In all honesty, we don’t know what some of them are either. Yet some classics definitely need to be mentioned.
Croquettes
Croquettes, or kroketten, are one of the more popular options. They contain a kind of meat purée, which is then rolled in a cylinder-like shape, covered in breadcrumbs, and — you guessed it — deep-fried.
Which meat is in the croquettes, however, remains a complete mystery.
Another popular option is bitterballen. They are ball-shaped and contain the same mystery meat filling as the croquettes. Outside of snackbars, you will find them at social events such as parties, where they are eaten with mustard.
There are also some fancy versions of bitterballen, where you can actually tell what kind of meat is in them. They are filled with veal, known as kalfskroket, and beef, known as rundvleeskroket.
Bowl of bitterballen with sauce. Image: Depositphotos
Frikandel: with or without pastry
Continuing on the list of mystery meat-filled delicacies, we find the frikandel. Part chicken, pig, and horse, this strange skinless sausage is delicious enough to make you ignore the fact that all the meat mentioned above is waste meat.
Of course, it’s deep-fried. There are two main variants: the frikandelbroodje, which is kind of like a sausage roll with curry sauce, and the frikandel speciaal, which is served with sauce and onions.
French fries with a serving of frikandel speciaal. Image: Herman van de Molen/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
What about the vegetarians?
One of the few vegetarian options in a snackbar is the kaassoufflé, which is essentially dough with cheese filling inside. If you’re lucky, you might have actual Gouda in it. Otherwise, it’s made out of plasticky-looking cheese.
The principle is always the same — it’s deep-fried, so eat carefully, as the molten cheese can cause burns.
There are many other foods waiting to be deep-fried in a snackbar — ranging from chicken nuggets to fish in various forms, whose origin is probably just as mysterious as the meat in bitterballen.
But if one day you feel curious (and brave), and you’re not vegetarian, feel free to order the unknown dishes on the menu! Otherwise, a safer option would be to order a kapsalon.
What is your favourite snackbar food? Tell us in the commentsbelow!
You know Leiden for its canals and Rembrandt. But behind those pretty facades, something bigger is brewing, and it’s putting the city on the global innovation map.
(Hint: it involves a €2.6 billion pharma investment that just made everyone sit up and pay attention.)
With the oldest university in the Netherlands, gorgeous canals, enough museums to keep you busy for months, Leiden is the classic Dutch postcard. However, in recent years, something has been added to this pretty picture.
The city is transforming into one of the country’s most exciting science and innovation hotspots.
And we’re not just talking about impressive lab coats and test tubes here. We’re talking about world-changing breakthroughs in healthcare, sustainable food, and clean energy.
The science park changing everything
You can see this transformation in brick and steel at Leiden Bio Science Park, now the Netherlands’ largest life sciences hub and one of Europe’s leading biotech clusters.
Here, you’ll find thousands of researchers, students, and entrepreneurs working on everything from vaccines to regenerative medicine, AI-driven healthcare, and next-generation medical technology.
The Leiden Bio Science park is bringing innovation to the city. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
Then came the latest news: global pharma giant Eli Lilly is investing around €2.6 billion in a new manufacturing plant connected to the park. That’s 500 highly skilled jobs and a pretty clear signal that Leiden has arrived on the global pharma stage.
So what exactly is happening in this corner of Zuid-Holland, and who are the innovators making it happen?
Leiden’s latest chapter fits perfectly within the national New Dutch movement: a celebration of Dutch innovation. New Dutch captures a mindset that’s distinctly Dutch: problem-solving meets ambitious thinking, with a healthy dose of collaboration thrown in. And Leiden? It’s become one of the movement’s flagship cities.
LeydenJar — smaller, stronger, cleaner batteries
If you’re going to electrify the world, you need better batteries. That’s where LeydenJar comes in.
The deep-tech company develops 100% silicon battery anodes. By replacing traditional graphite, their anodes can increase the energy density of lithium-ion batteries by up to 50%.
In practice? Smaller, more powerful batteries for smartphones, wearables, and eventually electric vehicles.
LeydenJar operates from two locations. In Leiden, they run a battery lab building and testing prototype cells. In Eindhoven, another prominent NewDutch spot, a pilot plant prepares the technology for mass production.
Recent funding will help complete a new production facility with operations starting in 2027. That’s clear evidence that investors believe this Leiden-grown technology can compete globally.
Meatable — real meat, minus the animals
Just across the park sits Meatable, one of the world’s frontrunners in cultivated meat.
Meatable produces meat that’s identical to the real thing, but without slaughtering animals and without the environmental footprint of traditional livestock farming.
Using a small sample of animal cells, they grow meat in bioreactors instead of barns.
In 2023, the company opened a new 3,300 m² pilot facility at Leiden Bio Science Park. The space allows Meatable to scale bioreactor capacity from 50 litres to 200 and beyond, moving from lab scale to serious production volumes.
From the outside, it’s another sleek building in the park. On the inside? A glimpse of what the future of food might look like.
Rapidemic — ultra-fast diagnostics with global impact
Rapidemic proves you don’t need to be a giant to have global impact.
The startup, based at BioPartner 3 in Leiden Bio Science Park, is building ultra-rapid molecular tests for infectious diseases, starting with sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
Their technology combines the accuracy of lab-based diagnostics with the speed and ease of a point-of-care test: results in minutes rather than days.
Rapidemic is growing rapidly. Image: Rapidemic/Supplied
That’s a strong vote of confidence that this Leiden innovation could make a real difference in global public health, especially in underserved regions.
Rapidemic’s team splits time between the lab at Bio Science Park and the entrepreneurial buzz at PLNT. It’s a brilliant example of how Leiden’s ecosystem makes science and entrepreneurship collide.
A scientific tradition that continues to evolve and grow
Zoom out, and LeydenJar, Meatable, and Rapidemic start to look like three corners of the same triangle: climate and energy solutions through next-generation battery technology, sustainable food via cultivated meat, and global health impact from rapid diagnostics.
Leiden is not only a historical city, but also one moving towards the future. Image: Nick Schellingerhout/Supplied
All three share the same DNA: deep roots in Leiden’s scientific tradition, space to grow at Leiden Bio Science Park, and backing from local players like PLNT and Key Region Leiden.
Together, they’re living proof of what the New Dutch movement is all about.
So if you just think of Leiden only as a postcard-perfect student town with charming canals and cosy terraces, you should also think of it as a booming and innovative place for the future. The city attracts international talent to the region, offering jobs while at the same time providing a postcard-like place to live in.
Leiden isn’t just studying the future anymore. It’s quietly building it, one silicon anode, cultivated pork dumpling, and STI test at a time.
Have you visited Leiden lately? What impressed you most about the city? Let us know in the comments below!
