Some foods that feel completely ordinary in the Netherlands cannot be explained without Dutch colonial and migration history. That history includes violence, exploitation and slavery as well as later migration, family life and cultural exchange. Food should not be used to romanticise the history that produced those connections.
Indonesia and the Indo-Dutch Netherlands
Indonesian and Indo-Dutch food has had a particularly visible influence. Saté, sambal, nasi, bami, spekkoek and many toko foods are widely recognisable. The Indische rijsttafel is itself listed as Dutch intangible cultural heritage. Its Dutch/colonial history is different from simply calling it an everyday Indonesian meal, so explain the context rather than flattening the cuisines together.
Suriname and the Caribbean
Surinamese cooking in the Netherlands reflects Suriname’s own diverse communities and histories. Roti, pom, bara and filled broodjes are familiar in many Dutch cities. Caribbean-Dutch communities also contribute distinct food traditions. Avoid presenting all of these cuisines as one generic “colonial food” category.
Post-war and labour migration
Turkish and Moroccan migration, and later migration from many other countries, reshaped neighbourhood food landscapes. Bakeries, grills, markets and specialist grocers are now ordinary parts of Dutch urban life. Pizza, döner, sushi, roti, noodles and many other foods may be more relevant to a person’s actual weekly diet than a heritage dish.
Why the history matters
The Dutch government explicitly acknowledges that the history of slavery and colonialism continues to affect society. When BorderlessAdvice describes culinary influence, it should therefore distinguish cultural popularity from the political and historical conditions that created movement between the Netherlands and former colonies.
Practical newcomer tip: learn the word toko
In the Netherlands, toko commonly refers to a shop/eatery specialising in Indonesian or broader Asian foods and ingredients. The exact range varies enormously. A toko can be one of the most useful places to find sambal, spices, noodles, frozen products and prepared dishes not stocked widely in a standard supermarket.