Food and Drink in Eindhoven

Eindhoven is not a city of old-fashioned brown cafés only. Thanks to its many international residents, you can eat your way around the world here, from Indonesian rijsttafel and Turkish grill to Japanese ramen and Brabant comfort food. On this page you will find food festivals, tastings, dinners and other culinary events in Eindhoven.

Where food happens in Eindhoven

The city centre around the Markt, the Kleine Berg and the Bergen quarter has the highest concentration of restaurants and cafés, with terraces that fill up as soon as the sun comes out. Strijp-S, the former Philips factory site, has restaurants and bars in converted industrial buildings, and during Dutch Design Week food and design often come together in experimental dinners and pop-ups.

Stratumseind, the longest pub street in the Netherlands, is more about drinks than dinner, but it is a must for anyone who wants to experience a night out the Brabant way.

Brabant food culture

Eindhoven lies in North Brabant, a province with a strong tradition of hospitality. Things to try:

• Worstenbroodje: a sausage roll in soft bread, the unofficial snack of Brabant, especially popular around carnival and Christmas.
• Bossche bol: a large chocolate-covered cream puff from nearby Den Bosch.
• Local beer: Brabant has a long brewing tradition, and you will find local and regional beers in many cafés.
• Frites with mayonnaise: the Dutch way, from a snack bar.

Food at festivals and markets

Many food events take place at festivals and markets. During carnival, snack bars stay open late; at the Winter Market in December you will find seasonal treats; and on King's Day you can buy homemade cakes from children on the street. Keep an eye on the markets category too.

Tips for eating out in Eindhoven

• Book ahead on busy days. During Dutch Design Week, GLOW and carnival, restaurants in the centre fill up quickly. GLOW's own organisers advise booking in advance.
• Dinner is early. The Dutch eat between 18:00 and 20:00, and some kitchens close around 21:30 or 22:00.
• Tipping is optional. Service is included in the price. For good service, people often round up or leave around 5 to 10 percent.
• Paying. Most restaurants accept cards, and some are card-only. Splitting the bill ("Dutch") is perfectly normal.

Coffee, borrel and bitterballen

Two Dutch habits worth knowing. The "borrel" is an informal drink, often after work on Friday, usually with bitterballen: small, deep-fried balls with a creamy ragout filling, served with mustard. And coffee is serious business in Eindhoven, with independent coffee bars across the city centre and at Strijp-S. Ordering a coffee often comes with a small biscuit on the side.

Add your culinary event

Do you organise a food festival, tasting, cooking workshop or special dinner in Eindhoven? Add it to the calendar for free; we check every submission and publish it in English. Looking for more plans? See our guide to nightlife in Eindhoven or everything on this weekend.