Gouda, Netherlands – Cheese, Charm, and an Allergy-Friendly Adventure

I spent three days in Gouda, Netherlands, and it turned out to be a trip where I discovered not just the city, but a little of the Dutch essence itself.

I arrived by Eurostar – fast, smooth, and very comfortable. Gouda was my base for a three-day floristry training, but the city had much more to offer.

First Impressions of Gouda

It was my very first time in the Netherlands, and Gouda felt like the perfect introduction. The pace of life was calm and unhurried, the people were friendly and happy, and the city had a charming rhythm to it. The old buildings, canals, and small shops gave the whole place a cozy, welcoming feel.

And, of course – cheese. So much cheese!

Cheese Everywhere – and the Allergy Challenge

Gouda is world-famous for its cheese, and the city embraces it. The markets are filled with massive wheels of cheese in every shade of yellow and orange. You can taste, sniff, and admire them everywhere you go.

But here’s where food allergies come into play:

At the market, I quickly noticed that the cheese wasn’t always labeled with detailed ingredient lists. Some varieties had nuts mixed in (yes, nut cheese is a thing here!), and since the big wheels are cut into smaller pieces on site, there’s no guarantee about cross-contamination. I asked around, but the sellers couldn’t give me 100% certainty.

So, I decided not to take the risk. Instead, I went to a regular supermarket, where packaged cheese was clearly labeled. It might not have been as fancy as the market selection, but it was safer – and still delicious.

Dutch Foods and Allergies

Besides cheese, there are other Dutch specialties to try:

• Stroopwafels – a sweet treat filled with caramel. Sadly, they contain egg, so not for me.

• De Ruijter Hagelslag – sprinkles that the Dutch put on buttered bread. I tried the fruity version (bosvruchten hagel), which is nut-free. Honestly, I found it a bit strange as a meal, but the kids loved it!

The good news is that navigating food allergies in the Netherlands is pretty easy. Labels are in Dutch, but Google Translate helps, and most people speak excellent English. It was never a problem to ask questions or explain my allergies.

Since I stayed in an apartment, I cooked many of my own meals, bringing some safe foods with me and supplementing with local products like bread, yogurt, tuna, and meat.

Final Thoughts on Gouda

If you can tolerate cheese, Gouda is a dream destination. If you have a dairy allergy, though, the city could be more challenging – you’ll have to stay cautious and double-check labels. For nut allergies, be extra careful at markets, where labeling and cross-contamination can be uncertain.

Despite that, Gouda is a gem: relaxed, charming, and authentically Dutch. I came for floristry training, but I left with much more – a taste of the Netherlands’ calm rhythm and cheerful spirit.