Christmas Dinner in the Netherlands

The winter holidays are always about family, traditions, and good food. If you work through DB Work and are spending the holidays in the Netherlands for the first time this year, you can recreate the flavors of home or try local dishes. The Netherlands has many international stores, and in most cities you can find everything you need—whether you come from Spain, Croatia, or elsewhere in Europe.

Below is a list of places where you can buy products for your Christmas dinner in the Netherlands.

 

1. Shops with Spanish products

For DB Work employees from Spain, there are numerous supermarkets in the Netherlands that specialize in Iberian products.

Where can you buy them?

• Mercado Iberico
• Taste of Spain
• Spanish Delights NL

Here you can find jamón serrano, chorizo, specific cheeses, marinated olives, tapas products, and even turrón for your Christmas dinner.

 

2. Shops with Croatian products

If you come from Croatia or another area in the Balkans: the Netherlands has many Balkan shops with traditional products.

Recommendations:

• Balkan Supermarket 

• Dukat Market

• Balkanica.nl (has both a physical store and an online store)

You can buy ajvar, smoked meat, traditional cakes, cheeses, soup ingredients, and even barbecue specialties if you want a different kind of Christmas.

3. Dutch supermarkets – very well stocked

Don't underestimate Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl, or Plus. During Christmas, they have special sections with:

• meat for roasts;

• specific Dutch cheeses;

• festive desserts;

• snacks and gourmet products;

• seasonal wines and beverages;

Dutch specialties for Christmas dinner

If you still want to try Dutch Christmas dishes, here are some recommendations:

• Gourmetten – a style of dining where everyone cooks their own mini-steaks on an electric hotplate; very popular in the Netherlands;
• Oliebollen – traditional Dutch doughnuts;
• Speculaas – cinnamon cookies;
• Kerststol – Dutch fruit and almond cake;

You can include some of these in your menu to add a local touch.

4. Local markets – for those who want freshness

Weekly markets in most cities (Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Tilburg, Breda, Amsterdam) offer:

• fresh meat;
• good-value fruit and vegetables;
• fish and seafood;
• Dutch cheeses directly from producers;

Perfect if you want to cook "like at home" but with premium local ingredients.

5. International shops (Turkish, Arabic, Asian)

These are excellent for spices, fresh meat, inexpensive vegetables, and traditional products that are different from those found in large supermarkets.

Look for the following near your accommodation:

• Asian toko shops;
• Turkish supermarkets (Selam Market, Özyilmaz Market);
• Arabic food stores;

They are even open on days when large supermarkets have reduced hours.

Conclusion

Even if you spend Christmas in the Netherlands, it doesn't mean you have to give up the flavor of your traditions at home. You have enough options to prepare your meal exactly the way you like it - whether Romanian, Spanish, Croatian, or Dutch.

The important thing is that it suits your taste and that you enjoy this period, even away from your family.

 

And if you want to work in the Netherlands in 2026, you speak English, and you have experience in the naval, industrial, construction, or logistics sectors, we look forward to receiving your CV at jobs@dbwork.com