I first fell in love with the stroopwafel during my post college days when a colleague brought some back from a trip to the Netherlands. I fell in love with this unique waffle-like "sandwich" with a chewy, caramel center. Years later, they started selling them at Trader Joe's (dangerous!!), and I tried my first fresh, made-to-order one at the Netherlands Pavillion at the World Expo in Shanghai in 2010.
That was ten years ago, and I hadn't had another freshly made stroopwafel . . . until I finally made it to the Netherlands.
Back during our seven week unexpected stay in Belgium during the beginning of the pandemic, we ended up taking a weekend trip to Amsterdam. It was my first time in the country, and I fell in love with the city's endless scenic canals, laid back vibe, art culture (hello Van Gogh!), and food!
While we were wandering around The Kalverstraat, a popular and well-known shopping street, we stumbled upon this fun little shop. It was impossible not to be mesmerized by stroopwafel making actions at the window.
At first I was not hungry and told Bryan we could come back and get some later.
He said, "we should just get one now. You don't know if we'll ever find this place again."
It's true. There have been so many times when I've decided to "come back later" and then never found that place again.
So we decided to share one - a crazy decadent stroopwafel (made to order!) topped with chocolate and cookie pieces.
It was sooooo good.
Van Wonderen Stroopwafel only sells one thing but they have perfected it. Not only is each stroopwafel made-to-order, you can also choose from a variety of fun toppings.
There are three different sizes, so if you don't want to commit to such a large one, you can also get a medium one (like us!) or even a mini-one.
Stroopwafels can be found all over Amsterdam, but it's still harder to find them warm and straight from the waffle iron - especially from a place that offers so many fun toppings.
Frankly speaking, I don't remember seeing another fresh stroopwafel place during the rest of our weekend stay, so I'm really glad we stopped and tried one during that first day!
Van Wonderen Stroopwafels
Kalverstraat 190
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
[…] And of course, the other famous Netherlands snack is the delectable stroopwafel, which I describe in much more detail in this separate post. […]