I’ve often spoken to my little black book you know the one where I keep my list of “must eat at” restaurants in. One entry that has outlasted this book and the two before was The Dutch Shop in Smithfield. You see we don’t really live close to Smithfield and they have certain opening hours which make it hard to go out there unless you can drive (not I currently, due to a lack of parking prowess). Luckily I have a friend that can drive and wants to go there – the lovely Ellie from Almost Bourdain. “You really do have a black book!” she says seeing my Moleskine with “The Dutch Shop” entry written down many moons ago.
Ellie’s well versed in Dutch food as her husband is Dutch and when I was invited to a lunch at her house a couple of weeks ago she fed us a smorgasbord of delicious Dutch and Malaysian dishes. When I asked her where she had purchased them from, she mentioned the Dutch Shop and my eyes lit up. “Oh I’ve been meaning to got there for the longest time!” and instantly a date was made to go. She needed to stock up on Frikkadelle sausages and I needed help negotiating my way through the Dutch only labels as my Dutch is limited to words like “Clog”.
I know we’re in for a treat when we pull up outside. It’s in the middle of an Industrial type area so you’d never know it existed and the outside is so quaint and kitsch I suppress a squeal. The front of the shop is the grocery store where there are all manner of Dutch goodies which Ellie shows me. There’s Stroopwaffels, those firm round waffles that are filled with molasses type of filling sandwiched together. She explains the best way to eat these is by placing them on top of a cup of tea or coffee and allowing the steam to heat them them up.
There’s also several types of Dutch process cocoa (Blooker, Van Houton or Droste) and I make a mental note to refill my stash of Droste. Ellie explains that there are also a lot of pre-packaged foods as the Dutch are practical people who eat to live (like Mr NQN) rather than say the French who Live to Eat (like me I suppose). There are also lots of types of cheeses, many of them spiced and whilst Edam and Gouda are the most well known cheeses, she tells me everyday Dutch prefer Gouda rather than Edam.
Rusk selection with Hagelslag (hail)
There’s also rusk biscuits which feature heavily in the Dutch diet and they also use these crumbled up in meatballs. The sprinkles are called Hagelslag and roughly translate to “hail” and when new babies are born and people visit the parents in hospital or at home (85% of Dutch women give birth at home!), visitors are served either pink or blue topped rusks according to the baby’s gender.
Sauces, sauces and more sauces!
Butter cake (centre)
Sauces also line the shelves and there are plenty of “frittesausse” (fries sauce) which is a slightly tangier/more sour version of mayonnaise and of course a multitude of curry sauces. Ellie tells me that Buttercake is a very popular Dutch cake and one where people have a strong opinion should you diverge from the traditional recipe – she has learnt that from experience! There are also more familiar biscuits such as the Dutch Speculaas and Almond Fingers.
Biscuit selection
Little house figurines
Poffertjes pans
Poffertjes pans are also stocked as well as traditional knick knacks of small houses (the Dutch are very house proud).
After all of this browsing, we enter the middle section which is the cafe where you can order Dutch snacks with or without bread as well as drinks, Dutch coffee and tea.The menu is very reasonably priced, dangerously so, so the urge to try one of everything has to be suppressed. Dutch music plays in the background which makes me feel like I’m on holiday and yes there is carpet on the table.
Cassis $3.25
The cassis or blackcurrant drink is a fizzy blackcurrant drink, much like Ribena mixed with sparkling mineral water.
Herring with onions $4.75
The herring dish is a fillet of herring with raw chopped onions on top. I do like herring and its distinct taste although I find I can only have it in smaller amounts or with remoulade to break up the very rich, fishy taste.
Deluxe Croquette in a bun $3.50
The croquette (kroket) is a national food. Ellie tells me of vending machines in Holland that sell all manner of deep fried foods. There is a round version which is the bitterballen and the longer version which is the kroket or croquette but they have the same filling inside. I adore these and the filling is so, so, so soft whilst the outside is nice and crisp. Yum Cha addicts, the filling is similar in texture to the taro stuffed deep fried footballs that you get.
Apple Tart $5
The apple tart is a beauty. It’s a proud, high wedge of pie with layers and layers of soft apples interspersed with a cinnamon filling. It comes with a squirt of cream and is not too sweet but its size means that I need to take some home for Mr NQN (and he polishes it off in two satisfied lip smacking bites).
The back is the furniture store is where oak furniture Dutch style is stocked. There are also wooden clogs as well as soft fabric clogs that are more commonly used in the house as well as a selection of music.
Soft fabric clogs
Dutch Music
And the tale of the humble carrot? You may already know this but I had no idea of this. Carrots actually originated in Afghanistan and were white, red, yellow or purple. Ellie tells me that Orange is also the colour of the Royal family in Holland and it is their love of the House of Orange (the Dutch Royal family) that led the Dutch into breeding orange carrots by crossing yellow and red carrots during the 16th Century. The Dutch have also helped develop a sweeter and more practical carrot. And apparently in England women used to use carrot tops as hat decorations (yes, I’m being serious – I can definitely see feathers as a modern day carrot top).
I buy some goodies including Bitterballen, the ball shape version of croquettes, Droste Cocoa, Apricot and Pear essence and some stroop waffles and take them home to eat. And yes I dipped it in the tea just as Ellie suggested and it was a great alternative to a biscuit (the molasses-like centre helps it avoid collapsing altogether) but I also liked it plain. The big hit with my parents and husband was the Bitterballen though. They immediately wanted to rush out to buy more of them and when I told them where, I could see that a trip back to Smithfield would be on the cards…
So tell me Dear Reader, am I the only one that finds this picture quite amusing? 
The Dutch Shop
85 Market Street, Smithfield, NSW
Tel: +61 (02) 9604 0233
Tue-Fri 9:00am- 4:30pm
Sat-Sun 9:00am- 4:00pm
The Cafe is cash only
Store accepts: Bankcard, Cash, Cheque, EFTPOS, Mastercard, Money Order, VISA
http://sydney.citysearch.com.au/E/V/SYDNE/0028/12/30/1.html
Lamps made using cow stomach lining!
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53 Comments | Add your own
I recently bought a Dutch cookbook and have been scratching my head as to where to get some of the more obscure ingredients. Now I know – thanks!
I hope you also visited Bakery Sugarcraft whilst in Smithfield.
That picture is funny, but so not as amusing as a certain label on large bags of potato chips in Finland!
I think you know what I mean!
wow! That’s so comprehensive! Thank goodness you had a well-versed guide, I would be lost in there also!!
What an interesting place! I have to agree with you about herring, but the apple tart does look incredible.
How wonderful!! It is the most amazing place I have seen in a long time.
It looks like an incredibly quaint store- plus any store that reminds one of being on holidays is heaven. Ohh and finally a store that is actually not far from where I live!!!!
Ha ha ha. Our minds must think alike. I had to laugh at the poster.
I am drooling over the croquette on the roll. How indulgent does that look. And such comfort food! x
This brings back memories of cinnamon sugar laden trips to Oma and Opa’s house (my stepfather was Dutch)…But alas, all that processed food is strictly forbidden in our diet now. I miss Speculaas the most, fun times
It was a fun afternoon! I didn’t even notice THAT poster!! It’s hilarious.
Ah, who doesn’t love a croquettte! And I do have experience of the croquette vending machines in Amsterdam – I guess it’s easier for the stoned tourists to get it from a machine than try and speak Dutch…
And Julia, I know EXACTLY what you’re talking about! And they say the Fins have no sense of humour!
Bitterballen *drool* Has to be my absolute favourite snack food in the world, planning trip to Dutch shop now…if they have Mango Looza’s as well…godverdomme, I’ll be in heaven :p
We have a dutch shop near where I work – I love the Curry Ketchup.
The Bitterballen look like they’d be fabulous for party snack food! And finally, an explanation for the sprinkles thing – I see those in delis sometimes and I’m always wondering “what is it with the dutch and the sprinkles???”. Curiosity satisfied, appetite stimulated, well done!
That looks like such a fun shop! I like the sound of the molasses filled waffles, especially with a cup of tea.
Forgot to mention…
cool story about the carrots. I’ve ordered some purple carrot seeds to try this summer.
Oh my god I loooove this post! my Opa is Dutch and recently I went over and met all my wonderful rellies- who fed me a smorgasboard of “typical dutch” foods- including eatingherring the traditional (freaky) way of holding the tail and gobbling it down. Awww missing all the wonderful foods. will have to pay this place a visit!
You’ve done well Nigella,i do live close by but had no idea this place even existed!! How did you find out about this place in the first place?
I was in shocked when i saw the Hagelslag on display hahah. I grew up (and still does) eating those chocolade hagelslag on toast every morning and I thought it is something that it is an indonesian thing as all my colleagues at work, laugh at with no fail, each morning i have my breakfast :p…but then i realise, of course, we were dutch colony for 350 years…surely we can say that most of our food has a dutch origin! they’re so Lekker!!
wow i live so close to the Dutch Shop! i would have never known it existed! i have got to try Bitterballen for myself! thanks!
Hehehe I had a feeling I’d be seeing this post after hearing you two mention it at the lunch the other day! The shop and the food look so yummy and interesting, I wish I could have gone too! LOL that poster is awesome
What a wonderful store! I could honestly spend hours looking around in a place like that. I love how cozy and inviting the cafe area is, and I love the carpet/tablecloth idea…very clever! I found that pic amusing too!
Oh..how cool!! This is close to where I live (about 15 minutes tops)…but I’d never heard of it until now!
That poster is quite funny-looking
Oh man…I think I’m going to have to start my own ‘Black Book’ now, Lorraine…LOL Thanks
hahahahahahahah
I often trek out to Smithfield to The Dutch Shop, as aside from all the goodies you mention they also stock an amazing range of liquorice. Glad you enjoyed your visit!
Wow! What a fun afternoon plus tour guide.The Bitterballen sounds like a must try
wow what a nice place to visit . surely there are lots of treats to eat
Gosh! With that many things to look at I don’t know if I could concentrate on the food! I’d love to try though.
This place looks fascinating! I’ve been wanting to buy a pair of those fabric clogs for ages but never knew where to go (I hope they have toddler sizes, it would be so cute)
Thanks!!
What a lovely shop and cafe! I can see from the pictures that they have a very good selection of Dutch things. I spend quite much time in Holland in the beginning of the century,and although thet don¨t really have many interesting culinary things over there (well,the cheese is great)they do have some nice things. I especially like the Speculaas bisquits with coffee,yummy!
Cute fabric clogs! I used to love eating bitterballens as a kid….and completely forgot about them till today…haha…thanks for reminding me!
mmmmmm poffertjes…. my friend used to date a dutch guy who made them for breakfast every saturday morning. I used to stay a lot.
Haven’t looked at them in the same light since I had them one morning in Amsterdam after a particularly heavy night before… must revisit them.
loving the picture!!! ha!
All I heard was waffles.
Not much into herring but love the Droste cocoa and that apple tart looks tres delicious!
omg. the dutch shop looks so awesome! i never knew anything like this existed! The apple tart looks yummy! must put this on my list!
I love it that places like this exist in Sydney, congrats on telling the rest of us about it! The little houses look so cute, what a beautiful shop.
this looks like a cute lil shop. it totally reminds me of my time in Finland. @_@!
WOW! what an inventive way of heating up those Stroopwaffels, or whatever you call them
OH MY GOSH! I laughed at that picture even before I read that comment you wrote on it.
You should post it on http://failblog.org/
that apple tart is the finest thing i’ve seen all week. seriously.
incidentally, hero (maker of that cassis) owns the company i work for here in the states!
yumm m loving that apple tart!! interesting place and the picture looks funny! hehe
What a great shop!
That picture is pretty funny, tee hee! Reminds me of those chico roll posters still hanging around in old delis and lunch bars.
What a cool place – I would love to go there! I love all sorts of foreign foods. That photo is indeed amusing teehee
oh wow! this place looks so so cool to visit!
I was delighted to read of The Dutch Shop in Smithfield & can’t wait to try their fare.
Years ago I lived in Smithfield only 2 streets away from this venue before the area became industrialised.
I was impressed by the availability of all things Dutch, from food, furniture, gifts to an on site restaurant.
These days I live near Newcastle, but methinks a trip to Sydney…ahem Smithfield is an imminent probability.
Thank you so much for this informative information.
This place is so cool! The clogs are so cute!
OMG OMG OMG! Thank you for this post! I live near Smithfield and NEVER knew of this existing before! I have friends from Holland and not long ago I visited them. Since I’ve been back I’ve missed some of the things I’ve experienced with them ESPECIALLY STROOPWAFFELS! When we were in Rotterdam we found massive stroopwaffels (they were the size of our face) for only 1 EURO! So awesome! I’m sooo visiting this place! Cheers!
I remembered this post today when I was in Coles of all places and came face to face with stroopwaffels! Incidentally Coles had an entire Dutch section devoted to mainly sweet treats. So I have just had my first stroopwaffel and I am in heaven!!! Off to get a cup of Lady Grey tea and dip another I think….
i work in smithfield, never heard of such place hehe
i could do with a poffertjes pan..
i originally thought to just drop teaspoons full of batter onto a frying pan
and sort of – cook them like pancakes
but, i am definitely coming here to get the pan!
Hi Kristy-Oh fantastic! Yes they seem well stocked in all things Dutch
We ran out of time but I have been there before!
Hi Julia-Haha I know exactly which ones you mean!
Hi Liss-I know, seeing it with Ellie was really so much more informative!
Hi lisa-Yes the very appley apple tart was great!
Hi Cakelaw-I know, I had no idea it would be that good!
Hi sandra-I saw the front and got so excited!
Oh cool! 
Hi fat mum slim-
I knew I needed to take a picture of it as soon as I saw it 
Yes got to love a croquette!
Hi Tiffany-Aww how cool, what nice memories! I love Speculaas too, with a cup of tea-yum!
Hi Ellie-Thanks for taking me there and for showing me around!
Hi Jackie-I know!
Haha I’d love to experience a croquette vending machine-it sounds rather mad (and practical too!). Haha yes, the “Megapussi” bags-every tourist must have bought a bag just to have a chuckle!
Hi Jon-Isn’t it great? We need to buy some more as we loved them
I hope they have them, they seem to have a lot if that helps!
Hi Ali-Ahh a curry version of ketchup is a great idea!
Hi SydneyGal-Absolutely for the bitterballen! And the sprinkles, well I’ve never see that many sprinkles in my life before!
Hi Arwen-Yes my packet myseriosuly disappeared of those, and I only had 1
Interesting! I tried some purple carrot juice and that was an unusual flavour-like tomatoes!
Hi Kiki-Oh cool!
Ahhh now perhaps that was what I was supposed to do with it? It’s a lot of fun! 
Hi sydneyguyrojoe-Haha it’s Lorraine, not Nigella
I read about it ages ago in the SBS guide to Sydney.
Hi Dee-Ahh really! I suppose that’s the Dutch/Indonesian connection! Hehe I bet they were a bit envious too
Hi yellow_cake-Oh cool! Well it’s a great place to stop and stock up on stuff and you have to try the Bitterballen, they’re so good! You’re welcome!
Hi Steph-Oh definitely!
Aww I didn’t know you wanted to come! Hehe isn’t it hilarious? 
Hi Faith-It really was so cozy and everything was so cute!
haha good to know I am not the only one! 
Hi Liv-Oh how lucky, it’s about an hour from me
yes definitely, it will help if you’re ever stuck for somewhere to go! 
Hi Katherine-:P
Hi Sarah-Yes there is so much liquorice (although I don’t like the stuff myself). I really did!
Hi shaz-I know, what a great outing and yes the bitterballen is so delicious
Hi snooky doodle-Absolutely!
Hi Caro-Hehe yes there’s always something to see there!
Hi Brenda-I’d love to know what they’re like to walk in!
You’re welcome!
Hi yaelian-Oh you are so lucky!
I’d love to visit there one day!
Hi Alexandra-Hehe cool! You have bitterballens in Malaysia? Wow!
Hi Orla-Hehe I don’t blame you for staying over to have some!
Ahh a big night huh? 
Hi Blond Duck-Yes but they’re totally different waffles!
Hi Matilda-Yes I was so happy to stock up on some Droste!
Hi Betty-It’s this little bit of Holland in Sydney!
Hi Moya-Me too! We’re so multicultural here it’s fantastic
Hi The Asian Pear-I know what you mean with all of those interesting European foods!
Hi ArtemisIII-Clever isn’t it!
I know, it’s such a failblog pic!
Hi grace-It’s pretty good isn’t it!
Oooh how cool! 
Hi nora-Yup I wonder if the picture is done in all seriousness or not!
Hi Conor-It is!
Oh yes it’s so like Chiko Roll poster isn’t it! 
Hi Esz-Me too, I love discovering cultures through cuisine
Haha so glad you all are seeing it! 
Hi Simon-It took me a while but I got there!
Hi Christine-Fantastic! I’d love to know what you think of it!
Yes the furntiture surprised me 
You’re more than welcome! 
Hi pigpigscorner-Hehe isn’t it just!
Hi Phuoc-You’re welcome!
OH how fantastic and even better that you live closeby! 
I’d love to know what you think of it!
Hi Rebecca-How funny! I don’t think I’ve ever seen them in my Coles but it must depend on the area
But I’m going to have a better look next time. Great idea! 
Hi Betty-Haha! Well here’s your chance! The one in the picture was just under $50 but it was a solid cast iron one
You would look smashing with a “carrot top.” I recently discovered this carrot color history, researching purple sweet potatoes that I found this year. I guess purple didn’t look too appetizing back then, but now we love it. BTW, purple carrots are making a comeback.
My blog is back. Hooray.
Lorraine, sorry its old age!!haha oh well the aussie nigella then……….oh thats wrong again haha i went there today,its such a strange location and i tried the food, not too shabby,im going back to try the herring and eel and crocquette next time!! I like trying potato chips but the only ones they got a big sizes
Hello peeps,
I come from Holland.
Bitterballen are delicious, but you’ll have to try frikandellen. Much better!
Oh and it is stroopwafel with one F.
Cool to read about a Dutch store in America.
Btw.
Only the chocolate flavoured “Hail” is called hagelslag. The colored one’s are called “gekleurde muisjes” or colored mice.
The story about the carrot was a new one to me.
Oh yeah one last thing as addition to the waffel with one F.
Waffel with to F’s rever to a big mouth.
Like in shut your waffel.
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