Van Dobben

Very Dutch!

Food

Service

Atmosphere

It doesn't get much more Dutch than Van Dobben. As well as producing and supplying Holland with Croquetten (deep fried meat ragout covered in breadcrumbs) and Bitterballen (same as a croquettes but in small ball form, which the Dutch have an insatiable appetite for) they also have this Eetsalon ('eating....salon') near Rembrandtplein.

On weekday lunchtimes this old school diner-style eatery is full of businessmen eating Broodje Croquetten (a croquette in a bread roll) and drinking glasses of milk. Grown men drinking milk with lunch is a Dutch tradition it seems! When I mentioned I thought this must be the case, the big guy in a medical-style white coat behind the counter replied, 'What do you drink with lunch in Australia then?' ...Touché! I have no idea.

To fit in with the locals order a Broodje Rundvleescroquet (beef), a Filet American (raw mince meat tartare) or any of the other meaty choices...and a glass of milk!