What’s Lunch Break like in Netherlands

When you choose to work in the Netherlands through DB Work, you're doing more than just changing jobs, you’re stepping into a new cultural and professional environment, with different rules, habits, and rhythms than those you're used to. Cultural adaptation is a natural and essential step. It’s not just about learning your route to the worksite or getting used to the climate, it’s about embracing new ways of living, working, and even… taking your lunch break.

The Dutch-Style Lunch Break

For many Europeans, the lunch break in the Netherlands can seem short, cold (literally!), and a bit unusual. However, understanding these differences and adapting smartly can bring you comfort, savings, and even joyful moments, especially with DB Work’s support.

In the Netherlands, lunch is not the central meal of the workday. Breaks are usually short—around 30 minutes and typically consist of a cold sandwich or a simple snack, either brought from home or purchased quickly at a supermarket or gas station.

Dutch people generally don’t eat hot meals at lunchtime. Lunch is often eaten on the go - at a desk, in a car, or even on-site, while dinner is the main hot meal of the day.

For workers who prefer a cooked meal, this change can be challenging. That’s why it’s important to know there are ways to adjust.

How to Organize Your Lunch at Work

As part of the benefits offered when working in the Netherlands through DB Work, you receive fully equipped accommodation. This means you have access to a kitchen and all necessary utensils without having to bring anything from home. This allows you to:

• Cook in the evening and prepare meals for the next day’s lunch
• Pack salads, sandwiches, or ready-to-eat meals in containers
• Heat up meals in the designated break area at the worksite
   

Dutch Dishes to Try

Adapting also means staying open to new experiences. Here are some popular Dutch foods worth trying:

• Bitterballen - deep-fried meat-filled balls
• Stroopwafel - two thin waffles with caramel syrup, great with coffee
• Kroketten - meat croquettes, popular for lunch
• Haring - raw herring with onions and pickles (for the brave!)
• Poffertjes - fluffy mini pancakes with powdered sugar
   

Take Advantage of Grocery Store Discounts

You can also benefit from evening discounts at Dutch supermarkets, usually after 6:00 PM, when many food items are discounted by 30–50%. Stores like Lidl, Jumbo, Aldi, and Albert Heijn have weekly offers and special sections for reduced-price products.

Don't forget to try the Too Good To Go app, which offers pre-prepared meals from restaurants or bakeries at very low prices (2-5 euros per portion), helping you save both food and money.

The DB Work Frietkar: A Special Lunch Break Treat

At DB Work, we know that a tasty break is more than just food, it’s a moment of rest, socializing, and appreciation for your hard work. That’s why, every month, the DB Work Frietkar visits our job sites and offers free Dutch-style street food snacks to our workers.

What does the DB Work Frietkar offer?

• Dutch fries (frieten) with traditional sauces
• Classic Dutch snacks (kroketten, frikandel, etc.)
• A fun and relaxing atmosphere to recharge during your break
   

It’s our way of bringing a little piece of real Dutch culture directly to your worksite and showing our appreciation for everything you do. Smiles are never missing at our food truck!

Conclusion

When you work in the Netherlands through DB Work, you get more than just a job, you receive a smooth transition, real support, and a team that understands what life is like in a new country. The lunch break is just one example of the cultural differences you may face, but it’s also a reminder of how easily you can adapt and feel at home, without giving up your comfort or good habits.