Amsterdam Business Culture Through Food: Lessons from the Netherlands

My first business trip to Amsterdam taught me that understanding a culture’s relationship with food is essential for successful international business. Over several visits to the Netherlands for The Intellify®, I’ve learned that Dutch business culture is beautifully reflected in their approach to meals, hospitality, and shared experiences.

Here’s what Amsterdam’s food culture taught me about doing business in the Netherlands.

The Dutch Approach to Business Meals

Unlike the elaborate business dinners common in many cultures, Dutch business meals are refreshingly straightforward. This directness extends beyond food to their entire business philosophy.

Lunch Meetings: The Dutch Standard

Most serious business discussions happen over lunch, not dinner. This reflects several Dutch values:

  • Efficiency: Lunch meetings are time-bound and focused
  • Work-life balance: Evenings are for family and personal time
  • Practicality: Daytime meetings allow for immediate follow-up actions

What I Learned:

  • Be punctual: Dutch business culture values time precision
  • Come prepared: Lunch meetings are working sessions, not social events
  • Respect boundaries: Don’t expect evening entertainment unless specifically offered

Café Culture and Relationship Building

Amsterdam’s café culture provided unexpected insights into Dutch relationship building. The city’s brown cafés (traditional pubs) and modern coffee shops serve as informal meeting spaces where real business relationships develop.

The Brown Café Experience

My first invitation to a brown café after a formal meeting was a turning point. These traditional establishments, with their dark wood interiors and centuries of history, represent Dutch authenticity and community.

Key Observations:

  • Authenticity matters: Dutch business partners appreciate genuine, unpolished interactions
  • Equality in conversation: Hierarchies flatten in casual settings
  • Long-term thinking: Relationships develop slowly but tend to be more stable

Coffee Culture and Quick Decisions

Amsterdam’s modern coffee culture reflects the Dutch approach to quick, efficient decision-making:

  • Standing meetings: Brief, focused discussions over coffee
  • Informal check-ins: Regular touchpoints without formal agendas
  • Collaborative problem-solving: Open discussions about challenges and solutions

Food Choices Reflect Business Values

The Dutch approach to food mirrors their business philosophy in fascinating ways:

Simplicity and Quality

Dutch cuisine emphasizes simple, high-quality ingredients prepared well. This translates to business practices:

  • Clear communication: Direct, honest conversations without unnecessary complexity
  • Quality over flash: Substance matters more than presentation
  • Sustainable practices: Long-term thinking in both food sourcing and business decisions

Seasonal Awareness

Dutch menus change with seasons, reflecting a culture that plans ahead and adapts to natural cycles:

  • Strategic planning: Dutch businesses think in longer time horizons
  • Adaptability: Willingness to adjust strategies based on changing conditions
  • Resource consciousness: Efficient use of available resources

Memorable Business Meals and Their Lessons

The Herring Stand Conversation

One of my most productive business discussions happened at a herring stand near the Jordaan district. A potential Dutch partner suggested we grab herring while walking between meetings.

What I Learned:

  • Embrace local customs: Showing willingness to try local food builds trust
  • Informal settings enable honesty: The casual environment led to frank discussions about project challenges
  • Shared experiences create bonds: Laughing together about my first herring experience broke down formal barriers

The Indonesian Restaurant Revelation

Amsterdam’s Indonesian food scene reflects the Netherlands’ colonial history and modern multiculturalism. A business dinner at a traditional Indonesian restaurant taught me about Dutch pragmatism.

Key Insights:

  • Cultural integration: Dutch businesses are comfortable with diversity and international perspectives
  • Practical multiculturalism: Different approaches are valued if they deliver results
  • Historical awareness: Understanding cultural context improves business relationships

The Cheese Tasting Business Meeting

A client invited me to a cheese tasting as part of our project discussion. What seemed like an unusual business setting became one of my most productive meetings.

Lessons Learned:

  • Patience in decision-making: Like cheese aging, Dutch business decisions take time but result in better outcomes
  • Attention to detail: The precision in cheese-making reflects Dutch approach to project execution
  • Pride in craftsmanship: Dutch businesses take pride in doing things well, not just quickly

Practical Business Dining Tips for Amsterdam

Do’s:

  • Split the bill: Dutch culture values equality and fairness
  • Try local specialties: Shows respect for local culture
  • Keep conversations balanced: Mix business and personal topics naturally
  • Respect dietary preferences: Dutch culture is accommodating of different dietary needs
  • Be environmentally conscious: Sustainability matters in food choices and business practices

Don’ts:

  • Don’t over-order: Dutch portions are reasonable, and waste is frowned upon
  • Avoid excessive alcohol: Business meals rarely involve heavy drinking
  • Don’t rush: Allow time for proper conversation and relationship building
  • Skip the hard sell: Dutch business culture values consultative approaches
  • Don’t ignore local customs: Understanding Dutch etiquette shows professionalism

Food as a Bridge to Understanding

Food became my gateway to understanding Dutch business culture in ways that formal meetings never could:

Direct Communication Style

The Dutch approach to food ordering - clear, specific, no-nonsense - mirrors their communication style in business. They appreciate:

  • Clear requirements: Specific project needs and expectations
  • Honest feedback: Direct communication about challenges and concerns
  • Practical solutions: Focus on what works rather than what sounds impressive

Collaborative Decision Making

Sharing meals revealed how Dutch teams make decisions:

  • Consensus building: Everyone’s opinion is heard and considered
  • Data-driven choices: Decisions based on facts and experience
  • Collective responsibility: Shared ownership of outcomes

Long-term Relationship Focus

The Dutch approach to hospitality - genuine but not overwhelming - reflects their business relationship philosophy:

  • Authentic connections: Relationships based on mutual respect and shared values
  • Sustainable partnerships: Focus on long-term collaboration rather than quick wins
  • Professional boundaries: Clear separation between business and personal relationships

Impact on The Intellify®‘s European Strategy

These food-culture insights directly influenced how we approach European markets:

Communication Strategy:

  • Direct, honest messaging: Clear value propositions without marketing fluff
  • Practical case studies: Real examples with measurable outcomes
  • Transparent pricing: Straightforward cost structures without hidden fees

Relationship Building:

  • Patience in sales cycles: Understanding that Dutch clients take time to decide
  • Consistent follow-up: Regular, valuable touchpoints without being pushy
  • Cultural sensitivity: Adapting our approach to local business customs

Service Delivery:

  • Quality focus: Emphasis on delivering excellent work rather than impressive presentations
  • Collaborative approach: Working with clients as partners rather than vendors
  • Sustainable practices: Long-term thinking in project planning and execution

Conclusion

Amsterdam’s food culture taught me that successful international business isn’t just about having a great product - it’s about understanding and respecting local customs, building authentic relationships, and adapting your approach to local values.

The Dutch approach to food - simple, high-quality, sustainable, and honest - perfectly mirrors their business culture. By understanding these connections, we’ve been able to build stronger relationships with Dutch clients and partners.

Food remains one of the most powerful ways to understand a culture and build business relationships. Every shared meal is an opportunity to learn, connect, and grow - both personally and professionally.

Next time you’re doing business internationally, pay attention to the food culture. It might just be the key to unlocking successful partnerships and deeper cultural understanding.

Planning business trips to Amsterdam or curious about European market expansion? I’d love to share more insights about Dutch business culture and international relationship building. Connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out at shravan@theintellify.com.