Toko’s, restaurants, bakeries and even supermarkets sell it. ‘Spekkoek’ has become so common in the Netherlands that you can find it everywhere. It has become part of the Dutch culture and is promoted as an Indonesian snack. I was curious about the specific origins in Indonesia of this cake, so I started my research. But […]
Category: Blog
From unemployment to climate change: what is your motivation to eat vegetarian?
Many people today might think that vegetarianism is a trendy lifestyle movement that has only emerged in the past two decades, but nothing could be further from the truth. The history of vegetarianism in the Netherlands stretches back over a hundred years. While plant-based eating is more popular than ever today, with climate change being […]
Babi Pangang or Foe Yong Hai? Chinese-Indonesian restaurants in the Netherlands
By Renée Evers When my parents didn’t feel like cooking, it was sometimes suggested to “just walk to the Chinese” for a takeaway. Close to my parents’ house, on the corner, between the bike shop and the pub, there was a Chinese-Indonesian restaurant. As a child, I always wanted to go with them to pick […]
Buttering up the Chicken: On Who Came Up With the Dish and Where it Comes From
The start of 2024 was boisterous in India because of a big court case. It might not be something you would immediately think of when thinking about big court cases, but two men challenged each other on who came up with the recipe for butter chicken. The court case received nationwide attention, which might seem […]
Tiels Flipje; How fruit cultivation ensured regional identity in the Betuwe.
I remember growing up in Buren, a small village known for nothing but the fact that William of Orange was once married there. Little did I know back then, that the region I come from, is nationally known for its fruit cultivation. Surely one of the main jobs you could get as a 15-year-old was […]
‘Hummus Wars’: a longstanding culinary and cultural battle
Hummus, the blend of chickpeas, tahini paste, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic, has become one of the most beloved mezze across the world. Its popularity spans beyond just a food trend, as it is deeply embedded in the cultural and national identities of the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. However, the rise in its […]
The rice table as a token: representing the cultural integration of the Indische people in the Netherlands
Did you know that the rice table is listed as Dutch national heritage on the UNESCO world heritage list? It was even introduced to Macron as a typical Dutch dish by former prime minister Mark Rutte as they enjoyed a rice table together. Broadly appreciated and consumed by the Dutch people the rice table has […]
How the ‘Afhaalchinees’ Conquered the Netherlands: From Authentic Cuisine to ‘Dutchification’ of Chinese-Indonesian Dishes
During a visit to my parents in the far north, we were trying to decide what to eat. No one felt like cooking, so we opted for Chinese takeout. My mother and I drove to the Chinese restaurant just a few streets away. When we arrived, we saw that we weren’t the only ones – […]
My Roman Empire: snail-eating and elitism in ancient times.
This summer, I was on a holiday in the South of France. The eating of snails has always had a high place on my bucket list, and this summer I tried them for the first time. One time in Aix-en-Provence, and one time in Nuits-Saint-Georges. Both times incredible. The garlicky, buttery, parsley liquid was magnifique. Although […]
The Development of the ‘LiGA’ brand
Almost every Dutch person is familiar with LiGA biscuits. For me, these biscuits are especially linked to my primary school experience. I haven’t eaten them in about twelve years, but even the thought of them serves as a gateway to my childhood memories. In 2023, the brand celebrated its 100th anniversary. During this time, the […]