Dutch mayonnaise is on another level. For expats, the condiment is different in flavour for sure, but it can be seen on EVERYTHING in the Netherlands.
Yes, we mean everything. It’s absolutely not exclusive to friet (or patat), and (to my surprise) I spotted the substance in a gigantic jar at a store soon after I moved from the United States.
Just when I was starting to think they don’t have those American sizes of things here in the lowlands. 😅
What is it?
It’s a probably not-so-healthy Dutch obsession with a saucy condiment that has different variations besides the regular mayonnaise, like frietsaus (it literally has all the same ingredients as mayo, just in different quantities). 🍟
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We don’t just mean small quantities either: we’re talking spoonfuls of mayonnaise on anything you can get at a snack bar or as an ingredient in Dutch sandwiches.
Why do they like it?
Well, the fried snacks definitely feed this mayo passion. Although, it gets a tad bit too much sometimes, or a lot if you’re not a fan of the sauce. 👀
Revolutionary in Dutch 'friet' land. Paper foldable chips holder (and here's the novety) sync with de-foldable mayonaise and peanut saus compartment! Yummy. #DIYflatpack @DesignMuseum #fontsunday (best fresh chips in #Utrecht by the way) pic.twitter.com/RW2dnTs6xx
— Paul Wolterink (@deptofdev) June 10, 2018
Sometimes, if you order a sandwich or some finger food off a menu, you get mayonnaise with your order on the house. 🤷
Is there a mayonnaise reserve where people go and get bucketsfulls every week? We can’t be sure at this point. Nederlanders just like it way too much.
Why is it quirky?
Much like any food obsession, it’s reflected in the culture. Mashed potatoes? You get mayonnaise with that. A frikandel? Mayo!
@amstervan I’m not Dutch but I get that vibe… #zaansemayo #amsterdamlocal #expatsinthenetherlands
♬ original sound – “I’m fine.”
If you hit the nearest Albert Heijn, Dirk, or any other supermarket, I can guarantee you’ll be encountering either a toothpaste-looking tube or a mega-sized tub of mayonnaise.
There’s no in-between; Dutchies live in extremes.
Should you join in?
In moderation, yes — I don’t know what’s in a Dutch mayonnaise, but it’s definitely delicious and different, sweeter compared to what I’ve had before.
But by the same token, we don’t want you to be called disgusting behind your back. If you’re dining with a Dutchie, you’ll receive no judgment for binge-eating mayo! 😋
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Tell us in the comments below!
Farah believes she's been on many adventures during her millennial life, each for a different (sometimes invisible) purpose. The latest adventure whisked her away to Amsterdam for love, and what a magical surprise she found in this city. Armed with imaginary confetti in her pocket, and ready to celebrate all wins, big and small, Farah says "ahla w sahla" or “welcome” to her latest adventure in this wonderland.
