Where to buy food from home in the Netherlands

One of the biggest hurdles to overcome when moving to a different country is getting used to a new cuisine. In the age of the internet, most things can be bought online, and this is most likely why many expat shops have closed their doors in recent years, but with the Netherlands’ strict customs duty taxes, getting it locally could just be the way to go.

It doesn't matter where you live in the Netherlands, there are plenty of options for you to do your expat shopping. 

Food from English-speaking countries

Whether you’re after Golden Syrup, Barry’s Tea, Vegemite, or Lucky Charms, the Netherlands has a whole host of options to feed your Anglo-addictions. It doesn’t matter where you live, there’s probably one either in your city or the one next door. 

Kelly's Expat Shopping

As the biggest British and American supermarket chain in the Netherlands, you are bound to find your cravings from home at Kelly’s Expat Shopping. From Bisto gravy and sausages to McVities and Goldfish, the 3.000 products on offer will keep you coming back for more. There are six locations in different Dutch cities such as Amsterdam, The Hague and Utrecht. 

Jac Bostelaar, Utrecht

Based in Utrecht, Jac Bostelaar sells British and American packaged foods. You can also get things for cooking and baking such as cake mixes, spices and minced meat. Though the shop is small, literally one big counter with enough room to stand around it, the shelves are stacked full. 

 A Taste of Home, Haarlem  

A bit of a gem in Haarlem, this expat shop sells things from Britain, Ireland, America, Australia and South Africa. From jams to chutneys, and famous restaurant specialities like Nando’s hot sauce, you will feel right at home shopping at A Taste of Home.

Die Spens South African Food, Amersfoort  

Though influenced by British and Dutch cuisine, South Africa also has its own favourites, including things like Mrs Balls Chutney, NikNaks, and Koeksisters. You can get all your South African snacks from Die Spens either online or at their store in Amersfoort. 

KuierKos South African Food & Wine Shop, Bloemendaal

Another store dedicated to South African products, KuierKos not only offers a wide range of snacks and drinks from the rainbow nation, but also has a butchers, bakery and restaurant serving Saffa favourites. From boerewors to milk tart, this expat store in Bloemendaal gives you a little slice of South Africa in the Netherlands.

Food from Asia

If you’re an expat from southeast Asia or eastern Asia, then you have plenty of choice where you can buy fresh vegetables and meats, a wide selection of spices and sauces, and even seasonal specialities. You’ll often find that Asian stores also stock foods from other countries such as the UK or USA.

Tjin’s Toko, Amsterdam 

Tijn’s has a great selection of food from around the world. Whilst they specialise in Asian food, both from the east and southeast, they also stock food from North and South America as well as the UK, and at fairly cheap prices.

De Volkskruidentuin, Amsterdam 

If you love spices, then De Volkskruidentuin is not to be missed. Something of a spice heaven, the choice is a bit overwhelming. You can choose to buy things in bulk (e.g. massive bags of rice) or smaller sizes, and they also sell specialised kitchen utensils such as a pestle and mortars and tajines, all at great prices.

Japanese Delicatessen Atariya, Amsterdam

Atariya Foods is a supermarket in Amsterdam, which sells authentic Japanese food. You can find all kinds of packaged goodies along with handmade Bento, Onigiris and Wagashi sweets made on the day, straight from their kitchen.

Bikano Indian Bazaar, Amsterdam 

If you have a love for Indian, Sri Lankan or Surinamese food, then you must take some time to head over to this Indian Bazaar in Amsterdam. From Taj Mahal to Gulab Jamun, Ayurvedic products and even fresh vegetables used in traditional southeast Asian cooking, they stock just about anything. 

Amazing Oriental 

With 20 stores scattered all across the Netherlands, Amazing Oriental is the largest Asian supermarket chain in the Netherlands, stocking over 8.000 brands. You can get over 200 different flavours of instant noodles, spices and sauces for your wok, and a variety of Dim Sum. They have stores in a number of Dutch cities, including Amsterdam, Amersfoort, The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht.

Misc: European, Slavic & Latin Food

As we’re on the continent, it’s quite easy to find food from other European countries. Supermarkets usually stock a wide range of continental foods, especially in places like Aldi and Lidl. There are also plenty of delis around the Netherlands from Greek to Spanish, Polish or French. If you're from Latin America, then those stores are not as common. In any case, we thought it was worth giving these a mention.  

Novitalia Appetito, Amsterdam

If you're Italian, we understand, you're totally in love with your own food. That's why Novitalia is a saviour. It's big and you can get just about anything you want from pizza to pasta and Italian cheeses to Panetonne.

Priwet Russia, Amsterdam

If you are Slavic, you may want to head down to Priwet Russia. Though a medium-sized shop, it stocks all your eastern European favourites, from Russian chocolates to Pelmeni, and caviar.

Finalmente Brasil

With two locations in the Netherlands, this store is pretty big and houses quite the selection. They sell everything from frozen meat to cosmetics. That’s right, if you need special Latino treatment, Finalmente Brasil in Amsterdam and Rotterdam is the place to go. You’ll be able to find anything from Guarana to Cachaca to make Caipirinhas.

Have we missed your favourite?

If we’ve missed your favourite, feel free to let us know in the comments below! 

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