Frikandels with patates frites is one of best known and most loved Dutch dishes, and possibly the greatest coupling ever. But it is also one of the hardest to get right. As such, the country’s finest frikandels are lost in a sea of greasy mediocrity, and their fries in lakes of sogginess.
But like pearls in certain sea creatures, a good patat does appear once in a while – one where the meaty part is fresh and tastes of meat, and the fries are fluffy and crunchy.
The Northern Times does not encourage bad eating habits, but if you absolutely have to have a fast snack, at least do that at an eatery that not only offers rapid service, but also provides good quality meals at acceptable prices. PR and marketing bureau Nobudget compiled a list of best snack bars – 12 for each Dutch province – all of which offer decent dining-in options as well as takeaway.
The bureau’s ratings are based on Google reviews and include only the establishments that offer easy, over the counter fries and snacks. Restaurants, brasseries and kebab shops have been excluded.
Groningen
Best eateries in the province are concentrated in the city of Groningen. According to Nobudget, the best place to grab a quick bite is the Groninger Friethuys on Astraat. “Lovely burger shop,” one Google reviewer wrote about Friethuys. “The staff is amazingly friendly, and the food is delicious. Great place to grab a bite or a snack. My personal recommendation, have a kassoufle, they have the best in town.”
Drenthe
Drenthe’s best french fries are also served in the provincial capital, Assen, but this time it is a mobile snack bar called Snackmobiel Marsdijk. According to one review, on offer is: “Delicious food! Great menu selection, I’m trying out all the items on the menu slowly alongside the frikandel 😂.” The reviewer was particularly impressed with the female staff: “The girls working there are all really helpful. This is my new go to for snacks 😊.”
Friesland
Snackbar Bonnie seems to be the perennial favorite among Frisian diners. The old school institution, which operates out of Heerenveen, is a “no nonsense snackbar” that serves “wonderful and delicious food 😍😎,” according to its customers.
All the top frite places in the northern provinces offer good value, especially compared to some big Dutch cities. But some joints are a little cheaper than others.
