A Dutch Delight: Exploring The Hague & Rotterdam with Family

Preparing and Enjoying a Delicious Burger Salad

With my brother's arrival imminent, I knew I needed to get cooking. Dinner that night was a burger salad – a fun twist on a classic. The recipe was simple: lean minced meat, shredded cheese, and a medley of burger-appropriate veggies like tomato, cucumber, lettuce, and red onion. Instead of a standard salad dressing, we opted for a burger-style sauce; a perfect complement to the savory meat and crisp vegetables.

I also whipped up a batch of homemade potato wedges to round out the meal. My brother has a hearty appetite, so I wanted to make sure everyone left the table satisfied. The preparation was straightforward, and soon the kitchen filled with the delicious aroma of baking potatoes and sizzling meat. The result? A resounding success! The burger salad was delicious and satisfying, a perfect blend of textures and flavors.

The evening ended on a high note. Not only did we enjoy a fantastic meal, but my brother and his girlfriend also surprised us with lovely souvenirs from their trip to Finland. It was a wonderful way to cap off a day of sightseeing and good company. The burger salad, a simple dish, played a surprisingly important role in a truly memorable evening.

Coffee Break at a Century-Old Bookshop Cafe

After a morning of exploring charming streets and browsing a ridiculously expensive grocery store, we needed a caffeine fix. I knew just the place: a century-old bookshop cafe in The Hague, a favorite spot of mine. It's tucked away, a haven for bookworms and coffee lovers alike.

The atmosphere was exactly as I remembered it – cozy and inviting. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, illuminating shelves packed with books. The air hummed with a quiet energy; the gentle clinking of cups, the soft rustle of pages, the low murmur of conversations. It was the perfect spot for a relaxed coffee break.

Of course, being a popular spot, it can get crowded. But today, we were lucky. We snagged a table near a window, savoring the warmth of the sun and the unique charm of this historic cafe. My brother and his girlfriend were clearly enchanted, taking photos and browsing the bookshelves.

Spiritual Shopping and Lunch at Milu Restaurant

After our caffeine fix at the century-old bookshop cafe, we stumbled upon a quirky spiritual shop. It wasn't something I'd normally gravitate towards, but the sheer unexpectedness of it all – nestled amongst more traditional shops – was undeniably charming. My brother, ever the pragmatist, picked up a hefty rock, while I opted for a delicate armband. It felt like a fitting souvenir from this oddly enchanting day, a small reminder of this unexpected discovery.

Lunch beckoned, and we headed to Milu restaurant. I’d dined there before, always in the evenings, but this was my first lunchtime visit. The sunny terrace was a welcome change from the cozy indoor setting I remembered, and the food didn’t disappoint, though it was different from the evening fare. Simple, fresh, and satisfying – a far cry from the oversized ice cream we’d resisted earlier. The lunch was delightful – a pleasant contrast to previous, more elaborate dinners there, and we all agreed: the outdoor seating added a special touch.

Exploring a Secondhand Market and Viewpoint Tower

One afternoon, we stumbled upon a secondhand and vintage market. My brother and his girlfriend were absolutely amazed by the unique finds – it was a treasure trove of quirky items and forgotten treasures. Their delight was infectious; it's always rewarding to share the hidden gems of my adopted home with visitors.

Later that day, we decided to ascend a viewpoint tower in the city center. The climb was a bit strenuous, a lot of steps, but the panoramic view from the top was breathtaking. It offered a completely different perspective on the city, showcasing its sprawling landscape and intricate architecture. Even my brother, usually grounded in practicality, was left speechless.

A Visit to the Pier and a Grocery Stop

We took a tram to the pier, a short hop from our neighborhood. The contrast was striking – the quiet, community feel of our usual haunts versus the bustling, tourist-heavy pier area. It was a fascinating study in urban contrasts.

The pier itself was packed; a sunny Sunday in peak tourist season will do that to a place. Frankly, we were all a little tired from our morning's adventures, and the crowds were a bit overwhelming. So, instead of lingering, we opted for a quick detour to a nearby grocery store before heading home.

Exploring Rotterdam: Bookshop and Market Hall

My brother's birth city deserved a proper exploration, and we started with a trip to a large bookshop in Rotterdam. It wasn't just any bookstore; it had a welcoming atmosphere and a truly impressive selection. I found a book I'd been looking forward to reading, a perfect beach read for our upcoming vacation. My brother and his girlfriend seemed equally charmed; browsing the shelves with an infectious enthusiasm.

Next, we headed to the Rotterdam Market Hall. This architectural marvel is as much a visual feast as it is a culinary one. My brother and his girlfriend sampled Dutch snacks – kibbeling and herring, followed by stroopwafels – their reactions a delightful blend of surprise and delight. The Market Hall itself was a vibrant, bustling hub of activity, a true sensory experience.

Indulging in an All-You-Can-Eat Korean BBQ Feast

After a day exploring Rotterdam, including a trip to a fantastic bookshop and the architectural marvel that is the Market Hall, we were ready for a delicious dinner. My brother had expressed a fondness for Korean BBQ, so I took them to a place I'd heard great things about - and it did not disappoint.

The concept was simple, yet brilliant: an all-you-can-eat system with a wide variety of meats and side dishes. Each person chose three items per round, a smart limitation that prevented over-ordering, although everything was so tempting! The quality of the meat was excellent, cooked right at the table on built-in grills. It was a fun, interactive dining experience, perfect for sharing and conversation.

Even my brother, a typically practical guy, was captivated by the sheer deliciousness of the food. The evening ended with a humorous struggle to finish a massive order of edamame – a testament to the generous portions, followed by a delightful round of sesame ice cream. It was a truly memorable meal, a fantastic culmination to a wonderful day of sightseeing and family time.

Beach Day Fun and a Utrecht Canal-Side Dinner

With a scorching 30°C forecast, a beach day was the obvious choice. We packed a picnic – biscoff cookies, filled croissants, stroopwafels, coconut water, sandwiches, cheese, salami, beef jerky, and strawberries – quite the eclectic mix! Our new cooler bag proved surprisingly efficient. The beach we chose, unlike the crowded pier area, offered a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere; a welcome change.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues, we packed up, feeling thoroughly refreshed and sun-kissed. That evening, we whisked ourselves away to Utrecht, a city I adore. The charm of Utrecht, especially on a warm summer's evening, is undeniable. We found ourselves seated by a canal at a delightful steakhouse, the gentle lapping of water against the banks adding a serene backdrop to our meal.

Utrecht’s canals, unlike those in other Dutch cities, sit at a lower level, creating a unique and captivating streetscape. We strolled along the charming waterways after dinner, the air alive with a happy buzz. Even though most shops were closed by the time we finished our meal, the city’s beauty shone through, creating a perfect ending to a wonderfully relaxed day.

Return to The Hague and Outro

After a delightful evening in Utrecht, a city whose canal-side charm I’ll never tire of, we returned to The Hague. The warm summer air still held the day’s lingering warmth, a pleasant contrast to the cool interior of the tram. It was a quiet journey, punctuated only by the gentle rumble of the wheels and the murmured conversations of my brother, his girlfriend, and my boyfriend.

Their visit was drawing to a close. The next day, they were off to Amsterdam, a whirlwind conclusion to their Dutch adventure. It felt bittersweet; I cherished the time we'd spent exploring my favorite corners of the Netherlands, sharing the unique atmosphere of local haunts and hidden gems. We'd crammed so much into their short stay – from the quirky secondhand market finds to the breathtaking panoramic views from the viewpoint tower, every moment a shared memory.

Their trip, and this video, became a testament to the simple joys of travel: great food, good company, and the unexpected discoveries that make a journey truly memorable. From the unexpectedly delicious trucker-style paninis to the satisfyingly simple burger salad, each meal became a story in itself. And so, with a heart full of happy memories and a fridge stocked with leftover goodies, I bid farewell—until their next visit, of course.

What are some unique local spots highlighted in the Netherlands trip?

The trip features a charming neighborhood street (F and Hroat) with independent shops and cafes, a century-old bookshop cafe in The Hague, a quirky spiritual shop, and a secondhand/vintage market.

What types of food were enjoyed during the Netherlands trip?

The trip included paninis described as 'trucker food', a homemade burger salad, meals at Milu restaurant (lunch and dinner), Korean BBQ, and various Dutch snacks (kibbeling, herring, stroopwafels) at the Rotterdam Market Hall. A beach picnic with biscoff cookies, croissants, stroopwafels, and more was also enjoyed.

What were some of the notable activities or sights explored in Rotterdam and The Hague?

In Rotterdam, a large bookshop and the architectural marvel of the Market Hall were visited. In The Hague, a viewpoint tower offering panoramic city views was ascended, and time was spent at the beach and pier.