When it comes to famous and delicious Dutch cheese, we always think of Gouda. But in fact, there are many types of cheeses that you might have heard about but didn’t come to think that their origin is from the Netherlands, and what’s more, there is even a museum (also the best cheese shop) in Amsterdam to display the delicious of Amsterdam Cheese.
1. A Brief Introduction To Dutch Cheese
The tradition of Dutch cheese dates back over 600 years ago. Cheese names are frequently derived from Dutch cities such as Maasdam, Maaslander, Leyden, Leerdammer, Edam, Gouda, and an Old gourmet Amsterdam.
Gouda is the most well-known and delicious Dutch cheese. And the other types are among the best Dutch cheeses. Cheese, like wine, has a designation of source, which makes the pieces made in the local villages the greatest Dutch cheeses on the market.
Currently, the European Community laws protect some of these terms as made only in specific areas in the Netherlands (so-called Protected Geographical Status). However, most Dutch names are generally used worldwide to determine types of cheese also made elsewhere.
2. 5 Best Dutch Cheese To Try In Amsterdam
Gouda
The origins of Gouda cheese can be traced back to the 12th century when the Netherlands was founded. It is undoubtedly the most famous and favorite Dutch cheese of all time. Its mildness and soft, yet flavourful taste make everyone fall in love with it.
As mentioned above, most Dutch cheeses are named after a city, town, or village. And Gouda is not an exception. Gouda is a beautiful village south of the Netherlands, between Utrecht and Rotterdam.
There are many cheese stores in Gouda. Some have a long tradition of gouda production and even export to other countries.
Edam – Amsterdam Cheese
Besides Gouda, Edam is one of the most famous Dutch cheeses. Edam is a town that lies in the north of the Netherlands.
This kind of cheese has a round shape and is covered with red wax. Therefore, you have to peel the red wax part to eat it. This unique look makes it easy to recognize.
Though there are various types of Edam, their characteristics are always nutty and salty flavor. People range this cheese from 1 to 10 months of age. The older it gets, the stronger the flavor.
Leerdammer
Because of its widespread commercialization in Europe, America, and some parts of Asia, Leerdammer is likely one of the most renowned Dutch cheeses globally.
However, Leerdammer is only made in Leerdam. This small town in Utrecht province is exclusively dedicated to cheese and glass manufacturing.
Its signature characteristics are:
- Pure cow milk
- It also has wholes like Edam and Emmental
- This cheese is sometimes referred to as Maasdam
- It has a soft texture which is ideal for eating with sandwiches
Maasdam – Amsterdam Cheese
Maasdammer is a Swiss-style Dutch cheese. It’s sweet and has a nutty taste with a semi-hard consistency.
It’s one of the most recent additions to Dutch cheeses. But still, it remains one of the most popular and tasty.
Bleu de Graven
Bleu de Graven is one of the few, if not the only, Dutch blue cheeses. Its other name is Delft Blue since it resembles the prominent Dutch Golden Ages ceramics.
Not in Amsterdam, the best shops that sell Bleu de Graven cheese are in The Hague and Rotterdam.
3. Cheese Museum In Amsterdam
You’ll find this Amsterdam Cheese Museum on the other side of the Prinsengracht, just a few steps from Anne Frank House. Though it’s just a small gallery, it’s famous for being exclusively dedicated to Dutch cheese. This is also a cute shop in Amsterdam with a cheese exhibit zone and sellers who often wear customary Dutch clothes.
The ground floor displays various types of classic Dutch Gouda cheese. So, when you enter the museum you can have a taste of the signature cheese right away.
Then, let’s take the stairs to see the small yet pretty Gouda cheese museum. This zone offers different educational information genres, such as written text, pictures, and videos about Dutch cheese’s history and production.
Otherwise, if you want to, you can take guided tours of the museum. The staff here are certainly willing to inform you with interesting information.
Don’t forget to take a photo in the “photo corner”. You are free of charge even to hire and then dress up as Dutch farmers here.
Opening hours: From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Entrance fee: Free
How to get there?
- Walking: 5 minutes from the Anne Frank House
- By public transportation: from the Central Station – tram 17, 13, and bus no. 171, 170, 21. Stop at Westermarkt
Related Posts You Can Read:
Woerden: The Last real Cheese Market in the Netherlands
Top 6 Charming Dutch Villages Built On Canals
How To Have The Best Cheese Experience In Gouda, Netherlands?
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