FRISIAN FOOD AND DRINKS:
A CULINARY GUIDE.
FOOD AND DRINK IN FRIESLAND
Do you want to discover Frisian recipes? Would you like to enjoy a cup of coffee in Ljouwert? Are you looking for culinary delights in the best restaurants? Friesland serves it all. From our holiday home in Friesland, take a journey through Frisian delicacies, local specialties, unique flavors and new popular recipes.
Discover the Frisian delicacies.
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Frisian cuisine is known for its simplicity and use of fresh, local ingredients. Fish takes a prominent place, with dishes such as freshly smoked eel. But meat dishes, such as stewed meat, are also popular in Friesland. And of course let's not forget the typical Frisian specialties dúmkes, sûkerbôle, dry sausage and orange cake.
All those Frisian delicacies have their own story. Many dishes are often passed on from generation to generation. This way, the authentic flavors of Frisian products are preserved and the recipes remain secret.
THE FRISIAN CUISINE
FRISIAN RESTAURANTS
Near our holiday home in Friesland you will find a range of restaurants serving traditional Frisian delicacies that you should definitely visit at least once. From cozy fish restaurants to cozy cafes. Try a plate of chowder at a local restaurant, or enjoy a hearty portion of stewed meat with a glass of Berenburg. There is always something to discover in Friesland for gourmets. Book your holiday and taste the Frisian products.
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COFFEE SPOTS IN LEEUWARDEN
Don't feel like using the espresso machine at your holiday home in Friesland? Discover the cozy cafés of Ljouwert where traditionally roasted coffee is served with a Frisian delicacy such as Fryske orange cake. From velvety flat whites to powerful espressos, you will always find your perfect coffee here.
RESTAURANTS IN LEEUWARDEN
In Ljouwert you will find both traditional and modern restaurants. From luxurious restaurants to cozy bistros, the culinary side of the city is vibrant. Be surprised by innovative dishes prepared with local ingredients, served with a glass of excellent Frisian wine, such as a Frysling.
TOP 11 CHILD-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS IN FRIESLAND FOR A COZY FAMILY DINNER
11 child-friendly restaurants in Friesland, ideal for a family dinner. Each restaurant has unique features such as play corners, playgrounds and special children's menus. Recommendations include Beachclub Sneek, Pannenkoekenboerderij De Roos and Lazy Lemon.
These places combine great food with entertainment for kids, so both parents and kids have a good time.
THE FRISIAN BAKERY
The Frisian baking tradition offers a range of delicious bread and bakery products. And all those Frisian delicacies are more than food; it is an important part of the culture of Friesland.
From sûkerbole to dúmke
Sugar bread, sûkerbole in Frisian, is a sweet bread that is extremely popular in Friesland. You should also try Frisian orange cake. A festive treat that should not be missed when celebrating something. When we talk about Frisian products, we cannot forget the dúmkes. Frisian dumkes are small cookies with an anise flavor. They are traditionally baked according to age-old recipes and are perfect with drinks or tea.
The ingredients
Ingredients such as cloves and cinnamon play an important role in the Frisian bakery. Almonds are also often used in sweets. And of course sugar and whipped cream are indispensable in pastries such as Frisian orange cake.
Sugar Loaf
Sugar loaf is typically Frisian. The Fryske sûkerbole is a traditional bread from Friesland. The sweet bread is known for its soft texture and sweet taste. The tastiest sugar bread is made with a lot of sugar and with herbs, raisins or other dried fruits. Frisian sugar bread is served on special occasions, but can also be eaten for breakfast or with coffee.
Frisian dúmkes
Fryske dúmkes, also known as Frisian thumbs, are small, brittle and spicy. The dúmkes are often prepared with hazelnuts and anise. The name "dúmke" is derived from the size of the cookie, which is about the size of a thumb. The cookies are typically Frisian and are loved for their unique taste and are often eaten with tea.
CHEESE AND MEAT FROM THE FRISIAN CUISINE
Meat plays a central role in Frisian cuisine. With rich flavors of beef or tender sheep. Cheese is also a proud product of Friesland. The traditional preparation and use of high-quality milk ensure a variety of flavors and textures. Meat and cheese together form a harmonious combination that is perfect for an authentic Frisian meal.
Frisian dry sausage
Frisian sausage is known for its unique texture and mild, smoky taste. The sausage is made from pork. The meat is seasoned with natural spices and then dried. The sausage is often eaten as a snack or used in various dishes.
Frisian nail cheese
A must-try among the Frisian products is the typical Frisian nail cheese. This cheese is popular as an appetizer, snack and sandwich spread and you really should try it once. Nail cheese is a spicy type of cheese with a characteristic taste due to the addition of cloves. The nail cheese is often made at a local cheese farm. The cheese originated during the VOC period, when Frisians made cheese from skimmed milk and added herbs to improve the taste. Cloves used to serve not only as a seasoning, but also as a preservative.
Mustard soup
Mustard soup is also a typical Frisian meal. The soup is prepared with potatoes, leek, mustard and of course with pieces of Frisian sausage for the unique taste. The combination of the creamy soup with the spicy sausage makes it a favorite dish of the Frisians.
FRISIAN DISHES
Friesland has a number of traditional meals and dishes that are often served in the form of dishes, pots and soups. These are the most popular Frisian recipes that are lovingly prepared with local products.
Frisian kale
A hearty kale stew with bacon and smoked sausage. This dish is especially popular in the winter and is eaten with a generous scoop of gravy.
Sauerkraut dish
In Friesland, sauerkraut is often prepared with potatoes and bacon. To vary, the dish is sometimes also prepared with smoked sausage or minced meat.
Frisian hunting dish
A casserole with a base of mashed potatoes. Often green cabbage and onion are added. The vegetables are fried and mixed with herbs. And of course grated clove cheese is sprinkled on top of the dish, which makes for a delicious, savoury crust.
BERENBURG OR BEERENBURG
Beerenburg has a robust, bitter taste and is often drunk as a digestif after a meal.
Origin in Amsterdam
In the 17th century, the Amsterdam spice merchant Hendrik Beerenburg developed a herbal bitter. He mixed jenever with a mix of herbs and spices. The herbal bitter was used as a pick-me-up and as a remedy for various ailments.
From the bulb region to Friesland
Frisian skippers took Hendrik Beerenburg's herbal mixtures to Friesland. Local variations of the drink emerged there, each with their own recipe. Well-known Frisian brands such as Sonnema, Boomsma and Weduwe Joustra contributed to Beerenburg's Frisian identity.
From Beerenburg to Berenburg
Fedde Sonnema, a Frisian with a great commercial spirit, also discovered the recipe and gave it his own twist. He called his herbal bitter "Berenburg" (with one 'e') and started producing and selling it in Friesland.
