Food is one of the best ways to experience a country’s culture. Every dish tells a story, whether it’s a centuries-old recipe passed down through generations or a simple street food that’s become a national favorite.
So, following along with the World Cup, I drew inspiration from the Japan and Netherlands match, comparing some of each country’s most popular foods to see which would come out on top.
The challenge started with dessert.
First up was a classic Dutch stroopwafel versus Japanese mochi.
A fresh stroopwafel is hard to beat with its thin waffle layers and sweet caramel filling, but mochi has developed a huge following around the world thanks to its soft, chewy texture. After tasting both, the stroopwafel took the win.
While I appreciate mochi, I’m not a huge fan of traditional red bean paste fillings, and the rich caramel flavor of the stroopwafel was impossible to resist.
Stroopwafel vs. Mochi
Next came a much tougher matchup: stroopwafel versus sushi.
As much as I enjoyed the Dutch dessert, sushi is one of my all-time favorite foods. The combination of fresh fish, perfectly seasoned rice, and simple ingredients creates something that’s incredibly difficult to beat. Therefore, sushi advanced to the next round without much debate.
Stroopwafel vs. Sushi
The Netherlands wasn’t done fighting, though.
The next challenger was Gouda cheese, one of the Netherlands’ most famous exports. I sliced into a wedge and couldn’t deny that the cheese was delicious. It was rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.
Gouda vs. Sushi
However, even with all that going for it, sushi still held onto the top spot. The freshness and balance of a great piece of sushi continued to give Japan the advantage.
Then came bitterballen, a popular Dutch snack made with a savory meat filling that’s breaded and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The crunchy exterior and rich filling made them incredibly satisfying, and they were easily one of my favorite foods from the Netherlands.
Bitterballen vs. Sushi
Still, sushi survived another round.
The final Dutch contender was poffertjes, the country’s famous mini pancakes. Light, fluffy, and slightly sweet, they looked fantastic from the start. Yet, even with their soft texture and incredible, sweet flavor, they couldn’t knock sushi off the throne.
Poffertjes vs. Sushi
After five rounds of competition, Japan remained undefeated.
The Netherlands brought some incredible foods to the table, especially the stroopwafels, bitterballen, and poffertjes. But sushi proved why it’s become one of the most popular foods in the world. Its simplicity, freshness, and attention to detail helped it win every matchup and secure the victory for Japan.
Dining and Cooking