A Tale of Two Cities: Gouda's Delicacies

Gouda is obviously globally known for one thing: cheese. When people from abroad ask me where I'm from I often say: "Gouda, you know from the cheese?!" And I am yet to encounter someone who has no clue. Of course what I call Gouda cheese is not necessarily what you may find in your local store. And no America it is definitely not what you find at your local Kroger (or something), where anything yellow with small bubbles is labelled Gouda. Or worse, Gooda (yes, I saw it with my own eyes).

True Gouda is made following a set recipe and aging process. While I don't generally eat proper Gouda, my favourite cheeses are from around Gouda. And all from proper cheese farms. Not factories. And I realise I am spoiled rotten, because there is so much cheese to choose from in so many cheese shops! I have two faves. 

Located in the mall nearby my parents' house, all the cheese you can imagine a 10 minute walk away. And you are always allowed to try a slice!

De Kaasspecialist in winkelcentrum Bloemendaal

(www.dekaasspecialist.nl/winkels/plaats/Gouda)

In the city there are many cheese shops, but this one is the least touristy. (though they did ask me once if I was enjoying visiting Gouda. I answered them in a flat Gouda accent. Pfff)

't Kaaswinkeltje (www.kaaswinkeltje.com) on the Lange Tiendeweg

Of course Gouda is known for more than just cheese.. There is also the world famous siroopwafel. It's often written as stroopwafel, but the truest Gouda stuff is called a siroopwafel. There are three places in Gouda where I would advise you to go. 

First the original baker, bakkerij van Vliet at the Lange Groenendaal. It houses a little bakery and a tearoom and you can even book in a little tour to see how siroopwafels are made!

The next place is a tiny little shop at the Agnietenstraat. Situated between the Hema sausage shop and a Vietnamese food thingy, they often bake your giant siroopwafel on order. And (depending on the size of your head of course) it is the size of your head! They also sell (and sometimes give) 'snippers'. The baked left over dough bits. My childhood in a little bag!

The final location is a true hidden gem. A little out of the city centre on the Goudkade 1, there is a Praxis(building goods store) and the previous owner of the second location bakes siroopwafels there on Saturdays, and they really are the yummiest. And if you venture there, a proper Dutch windmill is right around the corner! 

I didn't go there today but I'll leave you with a photo of the windmill (on Saturdays amiller is there to give you a tour (if you let me know in advance I'll bring my dad with me, he's the best in telling about the mill))

Of course we don't live on cheese and siroopwafels alone. In the Naaierstraat is a chocolaterie 'Puur' (Pure) where they have amazing home made chocolates! (I didn't go in and tempt myself)

Last but not least, there is also the Punselie factory. Punselie cookies are available in Dutch supermarkets but they are definitely from Gouda. Here you can book a tour too.

The building is located at the Spieringstraat 121, it's not the prettiest part of the street but worth the stroll.

Next week I'll introduce some of Groningen's foodie stores and places. If you have any requests of what you want my to (dis)cover, let me know!