Saturday markets in the Netherlands: Food, flowers and friends

Every Saturday here in the Netherlands, the city centres fill with markets that are full of colours, smells, and people! The weekend means a free day from work for most people (except a few, of course), and so from every corner of the city, people come on bicycles or walking, carrying shopping bags and baskets for the morning.

One by one, the colourful stalls appear under tents, selling almost everything you can think of. Since I live in the east of the Netherlands, my local city markets are in Hengelo and Enschede, but I've also visited Utrecht, Delfzijl, and Delft's Saturday markets. Each one has its own special feeling, but for me, they all share the same spirit. The air feels fresh, with the scent of flowers, warm bread and fish thrown in. It’s a smell I now instantly connect with Saturdays in the Netherlands.

Famous Dutch cheese

The first stalls that catch my eye are always the cheese ones. The cheese wheels are massive, almost the size of motor tyres, and all lined up neatly. I always look twice because of their size and shape.

The sellers in their aprons always offer small pieces to taste, and even after a year and a half, I never walk away without buying some. Slowly, Dutch cheese has taken over my taste buds; it’s even replaced yoghurt, which used to be my favourite before moving here.

Fresh fruits, vegetables, and a lesson in trust

Before moving here, I thought the Netherlands was too cold to grow fresh fruits and vegetables. I was wrong. I changed my perspective after seeing the market stalls that are overflowing with colourful fruits and vegetables, and if you don’t know something, the vendors happily offer you a taste. It feels warm and welcoming, something I never expected. I can see why Dutch people are often so healthy. When you grow up surrounded by such fresh food, it becomes a way of life.

One day, I tried a vanilla farm drink, thinking it was just a sales trick. The first sip proved me wrong: no sugar, no preservatives, just a great taste. I felt guilty for doubting the seller, and since then, I’ve trusted what the vendors sell; the label always matches the flavour.

Kibbeling: My new tikki

No matter which corner of the market I enter, the smell of fried fish reaches me first. That’s kibbeling, which is chunks of fresh fish dipped in light batter, deep fried until golden and crisp, and served with garlic sauce in a small tray. It sounds simple, but it’s addictive.

After a year and a half here, I can say I’ve become a true fan of kibbeling. I always queue for it, just like I used to queue for tikki back in my home country. For me, kibbeling has become the Dutch version of tikki, not just a snack, but a tradition. People often say a market visit isn’t complete without it, and I fully agree now.

Bouquets on bicycles

The flower stalls are another highlight. At first, I couldn’t understand why Dutch people bought fresh bouquets so often, why not just gift artificial ones? But after seeing the rainbow of tulips and roses available every week, I understood. Here, fresh flowers aren’t a luxury; they’re part of daily life.

I love watching people gift a bouquet to friends, then cycling away with bouquets tucked on the back carrier or in the front basket. My favourite sight is always an elderly couple, one of them holding flowers as they ride slowly together. If I had to design a Dutch postcard, it would be that image: bicycles, flowers and love.

Clothes, deals, and surprises

Markets are not only about food. The first time I wandered further, I was surprised to find more than just food. It felt like a festival without a festival. You can buy everything at the Saturday market, and some of the deals are like a golden opportunity.

Last winter, I found a lady selling coats and shirts for just a few euros. I bought one for my husband, and she told me that if I bought more, she would make it cheaper. I picked out more and ended up buying four pieces, including a long winter coat for myself, all for less than the price of one jacket in a shop. These are the little surprises that make Saturday markets special.

A place for everyone

The market feels like a space where everyone belongs. Couples stroll through the square, grandparents sit on benches sharing plates of food while watching children chase pigeons, and pregnant women wander the stalls in search of something to satisfy their cravings.

Sometimes I simply sit in the middle and take it all in. Many of the stalls are run by families, with parents and children working side by side. Even if I don’t buy much, just being surrounded by this energy feels enough. And yet, somehow, I never manage to leave empty-handed.

Discovering gezelligheid

There is one Dutch word that sums up the Saturday market perfectly: gezelligheid means cosy togetherness, and that is exactly how the market feels to me. It’s not just about buying food. It’s about chatting with vendors, seeing people, tasting samples, watching street performers, or sharing a laugh with any random person.

For an expat like me, the market is also a classroom. I learn new Dutch words every time, discover traditions, and make small connections each week while embracing the city.

My little advice

If you want to experience the Netherlands beyond canals and museums, visit a Saturday market. Go there hungry, taste the cheese and kibbeling, and maybe buy some tulips to carry home on your bike.

Don’t forget to take an extra bag, as you’ll always end up buying something. But more than for shopping, go for the feeling. The Saturday market is not just about what you take home in your bag; it’s about what you carry in your heart.

For me, it’s where I have started feeling the true gezelligheid of Dutch life. When I come home, open the bag, the smell of fresh fruits and vegetables fills my kitchen with positivity and warmth, and I know it was a Saturday well spent. Then I wait for the next Saturday to come, so I can do it all over again.