Traveling to the Netherlands for vacation, study, or work should be enjoyable—not stressful because you need to eat gluten free. Fortunately, the Netherlands, and Amsterdam in particular, is a very manageable destination for people who need gluten-free food.
During my trip I never went hungry, never got sick, and didn’t have to work too hard to find safe meals. That’s a win for this celiac traveler.
This guide highlights some restaurants and tips in and around Amsterdam, but more importantly explains how to find safe gluten-free options yourself. Restaurants change, new bakeries open, and your route may take you to unexpected places—so learning how to find gluten-free food is more useful than memorizing a handful of addresses.
The idea is simple: teach someone to find safe food and they’ll be comfortable anywhere. The same applies to your travels in the Netherlands.
Finding Gluten Free Food in the Netherlands
Learn the Key Words
Start with the language. The Dutch word for gluten-free is “glutenvrij,” which resembles the English term and is easy to spot on menus and packaging. Keep in mind that “glutenvrij” doesn’t always mean wheat-free. If you need to avoid wheat specifically, ask about “tarwezetmeel” (wheat starch) and request “tarwevrij” for wheat-free items.
For dairy-free needs, the term is “zuivelvrij,” though you’ll frequently see “lactosevrij” on labels and menus to indicate lactose-free products.
Knowing these terms helps you identify likely safe choices quickly. You should still confirm there’s no cross-contact, and Google Translate can be handy if staff don’t speak English. There are also printable or downloadable Dutch restaurant cards designed for travelers with celiac disease or gluten intolerance that can make communication easier.
One more label to watch: in Europe some beers labeled “gluten free” may be gluten-reduced rather than naturally gluten free. If beer matters to you, double-check ingredients and preparation because labeling rules differ from those in the U.S.
How to Find Safe Gluten Free Food
When I travel I use a few reliable tools. Start with specialty apps or community resources that focus on gluten-free dining. Read reviews carefully—user-generated listings can be very helpful but aren’t always vetted. Cross-reference multiple sources to build confidence in a restaurant’s safety practices.
Google Maps is also useful: search “gluten free restaurants near me” to find nearby options and read recent reviews. New restaurants often appear there first, so maps plus review reading is a practical approach.
In Haarlem I found Woodstone Pizza and Wine using these techniques. Reviews and a quick conversation with staff convinced me to try their gluten-free vegan pizza, which was great.
The Dutch Coeliac Society (NCV) maintains an inspected list and map of restaurants that meet gluten-free standards. If you can plan some meals in advance, their listings are an excellent starting point. There’s also a local app called Glutenvrije Horeca that lists certified and friendly places; using a browser translator helps if the app is in Dutch.
Restaurants displaying the NCV “Lekker Glutenvrij” quality mark are especially convenient, but even many places without a specific gluten-free label are willing to accommodate. Ask about gluten-free bread or simple dishes like salads, and explain any cross-contact concerns—the staff are often helpful.
Vegan and vegetarian options are common in the Netherlands, which can make it easier to find safe meals. Traditional Dutch cuisine often features cheese and fried items, so choosing restaurants focused on international or plant-based menus can offer more gluten-free choices.
For supermarkets and specialty stores, look for health-food shops such as Ekoplaza and Holland & Barrett (often labeled “reformwinkel” or “natuurvoedingswinkel”) for a broader range of gluten-free packaged foods.
Local specialties can also be naturally gluten free. Giant meringues are widely available and typically labeled gluten free. Some traditional cookies, like certain peppernuts, contain gluten, but dedicated stores sometimes sell gluten-free versions.
Outside major cities, choices can be sparser, but sticking to cuisines that typically use little or no wheat—sushi, many Thai dishes, or naturally gluten-free regional foods—usually works well. On one evening in Zaanse Schans we found a sushi place that took careful steps to make our meal safe, and in Amsterdam I enjoyed an excellent Thai meal at a restaurant that handled requests properly.
If you plan to dine at specific places, reservations can help secure a safe experience—one recommended spot in Amsterdam is Krua Thai Classic, which has been recommended for careful service.
The Netherlands offers plenty of gluten-free options and considerate restaurants. With a few key phrases, a couple of apps or maps, and some simple questions, you can enjoy the food culture there without unnecessary stress. If you have favorite gluten-free spots in the Netherlands, I’d love to hear about them.
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