A Taste of The Netherlands

Posted on 9 April, 2018

When most of us think of the Netherlands, it’s probably something along the lines of Dutch pancakes, tulips, or people peacefully biking across the city.

Though these things are a big part of the nation’s identity, it’s definitely not all there is to the Netherlands. If you’re interested in a bit of cultural education, the Dutch Food and Culture Festival will be the perfect place to start.

Dutch-born hotel manager and organiser of the festival Maurits De Graeff says the event, to be held later this month, is a way for Dutch-Australian people to get back in touch with their roots.

“There are a lot of second-generation Dutch people in Canberra. Many Dutch came to Australia in the ’50s and don’t speak Dutch anymore, even if they have very Dutch names. So it’s to show them a little bit of the culture, connect the community with each other, and to showcase the Dutch culture to Australians.”

A celebration of the King’s birthday, the festival will showcase a variety of Dutch food and drinks, including the famous pancakes, or poffertjes. Guests will be able to sample other Dutch delights as croquettes, frikandellen and rookworst (sausages and smoked sausages, respectively), traditional pea soup, sate with bread, stroopwafels (two thin waffles incasing caramel syrup), and Dutch cakes such as speculaas (spiced cookies) and boterkoek (buttercake).

Local crafters Mt Majura Wines will have a stall, with their own Dutch winemaker on hand to explain processes. Those with a taste for beer will be happy to see the famous Dutch pilsner, Heineken, hosting their own stall and DJ in the afternoon.

Those looking for new treasures will be able to find some at the flea market, while kids can delight in face painting, a photo booth, and the chance to make and release their own kites.

The Albert Hall organ will set the scene for a dance performed by the Dutch School and a midday bike ride organised by Pedal Power will be your chance to do as the Dutch do. If you feel like moving your feet a different way, there will also be live jazz music.

Though the festival is a chance to “eat some Dutch food, have a look around and see what’s happening,” it’s also for a good cause, according to Maurits. Gold coin donations at the entry will go towards Cyclabilities Canberra, a group who offer intensive cycling and road safety programs targeted at children identifying as marginal, at risk or with additional needs.

“Hopefully with the money we raise during the day we can buy a new bike so they can give that experience to other children. And we’re raising money for the Dutch School Abeltje as well.”

the essentials

What: The Dutch Food and Culture Festival
When: Sunday 29 April from 10am–4pm
Where: Albert Hall, 100 Commonwealth Ave, Yarralumla
Cost: Free
Web: oranjefeestcanberra.org

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