Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
night.
Bruin
cafés (“brown cafés”) are named for their nicotine-
stained walls—until smoking was banned indoors in 2008, they
were filled with tobacco smoke. These places are usually a little
more bar-like, with dimmer lighting and wood paneling.
A
proeflokaal
is a bar (with snacks) for tasting wine, spirits,
or beer. “Coffeeshop” is the code word for an establishment where
marijuana is sold and consumed, though most offer drinks and
munchies, too (for details, see Smoking chapter on page 190).
There's no shortage of stand-up, take-out places serving fast
food, sandwiches, and all kinds of quick ethnic fare.
No matter what type of establishment you choose, expect it to
be
gezellig
—a much-prized Dutch virtue, meaning an atmosphere
of relaxed coziness.
Etiquette and Tipping
The Dutch are easygoing. Pay as you go or pay after? Usually it's
your choice. Wait for table service or order at the bar? Whatever
you do, you won't be scolded for your faux pas, as you might be in
France or Italy. Dutch establishments are mellow
.
Still, here are
some guidelines:
•Tippingisnotnecessaryinrestaurants(15percentserviceis
usually already included in the menu price), but a tip of about 5-10
percent is a nice reward for good service. In bars, rounding up to
the next euro (“keep the change”) is appropriate if you get table
service, rather than order at the bar.
•Whenorderingdrinksinacaféorbar,youcanjustpayas
you go (especially if the bar is crowded), or wait until the end to
settle up, as many locals do. If you get table service, take the cue
from your waiter.
•Caféswithoutdoortablesgenerallydonotchargemoreif
you sit outside (unlike in France or Italy).
•Waitersconstantlysay,
“Alstublieft”
(AHL-stoo-bleeft). It's a
catch-all polite word meaning, “please,” “here's your order,” “enjoy,”
and “you're welcome.” You can respond with a thank you by saying,
“Dank u wel” (dahnk oo vehl).
Typical Meals
Breakfast:
Breakfasts are big by continental standards—bread,
meat, cheese, and maybe an egg or omelet. Hotels generally
put out a buffet spread, including juice and cereal.
Lunch:
Simple sandwiches are called
broodjes
(most commonly
made with cheese and/or ham). An open-face sandwich of
ham and cheese topped with two fried eggs is an
uitsmijter
(OUTS-mi-ter). Soup is popular for lunch.
Snacks and Take-Out Food:
Small stands sell
french fries
(frites)
with mayonnaise; pickled herring; falafels (fried chickpea