's-Hertogenbosch Shopping Tips by Mariajoy

A Few Dutch Delights

A few Dutch delicacies - available from any supermarket!

Hagelslag - chocolate sprinkles
Muisjes - sugared aniseed comfits
Speculaas - spiced biscuits
Stroopwafels - treacle waffles
Dropjes - liquorice sweets
Spekkies - Dutch marshmallows
Rookworst - smoked sausage

What to buy: 'kruidnoten' or 'pepernoten' are VERY closely related to 'Sinterklaas', a Dutch tradition. It is in fact the Dutch version of Santa Klaus (though the Dutch is MUCH older and Santa Klaus got his name from their Sinterklaas) and celebrated on the night of December 5th-6th. Here's a very good and accurate website that explains it all:

www.holland.nl

'kruidnoten' are of a very similar structure and taste like 'speculaas' (which is also related to Sinterklaas!)

Theme: Food and Drink

Books shops: Understanding the Dutch

For the outsider to even come close to gaining the slightest understanding of the Dutch (let alone the language!) a selection of these might be useful. Whilst reading "Understanding the Dutch" or "The Undutchables", try not to laugh too loudly on Dutch public transport. They are extremely spot on with their wry and sardonic view of this nation! :))

Theme: Books