The letter H introduces one of the most iconic collections of authentic Dutch foods, featuring hearty potato dishes, world-famous seafood, classic desserts, and regional specialties. From comforting Hutspot and fresh Hollandse Nieuwe to sweet Haagse Bluf and traditional Haring, these specialties showcase the Netherlands’ rich culinary heritage and centuries-old traditions.
Alongside favorites like Bitterballen, Gouda Cheese, Stroopwafels, and Erwtensoep, the foods beginning with H offer another exciting opportunity to explore authentic Dutch cuisine.
This guide explores Dutch foods that start with H, introducing traditional recipes, regional specialties, and classic dishes enjoyed throughout the Netherlands.
H Highlights the Heart of Dutch Cuisine
The letter H contains many authentic Dutch food names, representing seafood delicacies, mashed potato dishes, desserts, breads, and regional favorites.
One of the best-known examples is Hutspot, one of the Netherlands’ oldest traditional dishes. It is made by mashing potatoes with carrots and onions and is usually served with slow-cooked beef or smoked sausage. Hutspot is especially popular during the colder months.
Another favorite is Haring, the famous Dutch raw herring. Traditionally cured and lightly salted, it is commonly eaten with chopped onions and pickles or served in a soft bread roll. Haring has been an important part of Dutch cuisine for centuries.
Seafood lovers may already know Hollandse Nieuwe, the first catch of young herring harvested each fishing season. This protected Dutch delicacy is celebrated every year and is prized for its tender texture and rich flavor.
You’ll also encounter Haagse Bluf, a traditional dessert made by whipping egg whites with berry juice and sugar until light and fluffy. It is typically served chilled with fresh berries or biscuits.
Other authentic Dutch foods beginning with H include Hachee, Hopjesvla, Hopjes, Hollandse Garnalen, Huzarensalade, Honingkoek, Haringsalade, and Ham-preisoep.
These foods show that the letter H offers an outstanding introduction to authentic Dutch cuisine.
Benefits of Learning Dutch Foods Beginning With H
- Complete your Dutch food vocabulary from A to Z.
- Discover authentic regional Dutch specialties.
- Learn about traditional Dutch cooking methods.
- Explore seafood, potato dishes, desserts, soups, and salads.
- Recognize iconic foods served across the Netherlands.
- Improve confidence when reading Dutch restaurant menus.
- Strengthen memory through alphabetical learning.
- Prepare for travel by identifying local specialties.
- Support classroom and worksheet activities.
- Learn about the Netherlands’ rich culinary heritage.
- Find inspiration for cooking authentic Dutch recipes at home.
- Experience both savory and sweet Dutch foods.
- Develop a deeper appreciation for Dutch cuisine.
Dutch Foods That Start With H
The list below features Dutch foods beginning with the letter H, including seafood specialties, meat dishes, desserts, soups, salads, and regional favorites enjoyed throughout the Netherlands.
The letter H represents one of the richest collections of Dutch culinary traditions. You’ll find herring, potatoes, carrots, onions, shrimp, beef, berries, eggs, honey, herbs, and fresh local ingredients appearing throughout the collection.
Many of these foods have been enjoyed for generations and remain staples in Dutch homes, seafood markets, cafés, and family celebrations. Their enduring popularity reflects the Netherlands’ appreciation for fresh seasonal ingredients and comforting homemade recipes.
Hamantaschen
Hamantaschen
Syllable: HAH-man-tash-en
Pronunciation: Hamantaschen
- Hamantaschen are sweet pastries. – Hamantaschen zijn zoete gebakjes.
- They are filled with fruit jam. – Ze zijn gevuld met vruchtenjam.
- We enjoyed Hamantaschen with tea. – Wij genoten van Hamantaschen met thee.
Hash Browns
Hash Browns
Syllable: HASH browns
Pronunciation: Hash Browns
- Hash browns are crispy and tasty. – Hash browns zijn krokant en lekker.
- They are popular for breakfast. – Ze zijn populair bij het ontbijt.
- We ate hash browns this morning. – Wij aten vanmorgen hash browns.
Hazelnut Cake
Hazelnootcake
Syllable: HAH-zel-noht-kay-kuh
Pronunciation: Hazelnootcake
- Hazelnut cake is rich and delicious. – Hazelnootcake is rijk en lekker.
- It has a nutty flavor. – Het heeft een nootachtige smaak.
- We shared hazelnut cake after dinner. – Wij deelden hazelnootcake na het avondeten.
Hazelnut Cookies
Hazelnootkoekjes
Syllable: HAH-zel-noht-kook-yus
Pronunciation: Hazelnootkoekjes
- Hazelnut cookies are crispy and sweet. – Hazelnootkoekjes zijn krokant en zoet.
- They taste great with coffee. – Ze smaken heerlijk bij koffie.
- We baked hazelnut cookies today. – Wij bakten vandaag hazelnootkoekjes.
Hazelnut Spread
Hazelnootpasta
Syllable: HAH-zel-noht-pas-ta
Pronunciation: Hazelnootpasta
- Hazelnut spread is creamy and sweet. – Hazelnootpasta is romig en zoet.
- I spread it on bread. – Ik smeer het op brood.
- My children love hazelnut spread. – Mijn kinderen houden van hazelnootpasta.
Hazelnut Tart
Hazelnoottaart
Syllable: HAH-zel-noht-tart
Pronunciation: Hazelnoottaart
- Hazelnut tart is sweet and crispy. – Hazelnoottaart is zoet en knapperig.
- It is baked with hazelnuts. – Het wordt gebakken met hazelnoten.
- We enjoyed hazelnut tart for dessert. – Wij genoten van hazelnoottaart als dessert.
Honey
Honing
Syllable: HOH-ning
Pronunciation: Honing
- Honey is sweet and natural. – Honing is zoet en natuurlijk.
- Bees make honey. – Bijen maken honing.
- We add honey to tea. – Wij doen honing in de thee.
Honey Cake
Honingcake
Syllable: HOH-ning-kay-kuh
Pronunciation: Honingcake
- Honey cake is soft and sweet. – Honingcake is zacht en zoet.
- It is perfect with tea. – Het is heerlijk bij thee.
- We enjoyed honey cake together. – Wij genoten samen van honingcake.
Honey Cookies
Honingkoekjes
Syllable: HOH-ning-kook-yus
Pronunciation: Honingkoekjes
- Honey cookies are sweet and crispy. – Honingkoekjes zijn zoet en krokant.
- Children love them. – Kinderen zijn er dol op.
- We baked honey cookies today. – Wij bakten vandaag honingkoekjes.
Honey Mustard
Honingmosterd
Syllable: HOH-ning-MOS-tert
Pronunciation: Honingmosterd
- Honey mustard is sweet and tangy. – Honingmosterd is zoet en pittig.
- It goes well with sandwiches. – Het past goed bij sandwiches.
- We used honey mustard for lunch. – Wij gebruikten honingmosterd bij de lunch.
Dutch Cuisine Combines Coastal Traditions With Comfort Food
One of the defining strengths of Dutch cuisine is its ability to combine fresh North Sea seafood with hearty farmhouse cooking.
Hutspot represents the Netherlands’ classic comfort food tradition, while Haring showcases the country’s historic fishing culture. Hollandse Nieuwe highlights the importance of seasonal seafood, and Haagse Bluf reflects Dutch creativity in simple homemade desserts.
Together, these specialties demonstrate how Dutch cuisine blends fresh local ingredients, practical cooking techniques, and generations of culinary tradition into unforgettable meals.
Practice Activities
- Learn five Dutch foods beginning with H.
- Practice pronouncing each food name aloud.
- Create flashcards with food pictures.
- Match foods with their main ingredients.
- Read authentic Dutch recipes.
- Watch Dutch cooking videos featuring traditional specialties.
- Organize foods into seafood dishes, potato recipes, desserts, soups, and salads.
- Research the history of Hollandse Nieuwe and Hutspot.
- Visit a Dutch restaurant and identify foods beginning with H.
- Keep a notebook of Dutch culinary terms.
- Try making Hutspot or Haagse Bluf at home.
- Review your favorite foods from every alphabet letter.
- Share your discoveries with family or friends.
- Test your knowledge using the worksheet.
Continue Your Dutch Food Alphabet Journey!
The letter H introduces another remarkable collection of authentic Dutch foods. From comforting Hutspot and fresh Haring to famous Hollandse Nieuwe and sweet Haagse Bluf, these specialties celebrate the Netherlands’ regional diversity, culinary heritage, and timeless cooking traditions.
Now we’d love to hear from you! Which Dutch food beginning with H caught your attention the most, or is there another authentic H specialty we should include? Share your recommendation in the comments, tell us your favorite Dutch dish, and pass this worksheet along to anyone who enjoys discovering delicious foods from around the world.






