Authentic Dutch Snacks: The Kwekkeboom Story of Croquettes, Bitterballen & More
If you’ve ever popped a crispy, golden croquetten (kroketten) or a perfectly seasoned bitterballen into your oven or air fryer after a long day, you’ve likely tasted the legacy of one Dutch brand: Kwekkeboom.
For decades, Kwekkeboom has been the heartbeat of Dutch snack culture, and now, these iconic frozen delights are available right here in Hong Kong.
At Dutchshop, we’re proud to bring Herman Kwekkeboom’s legacy (Oven & Airfryer snacks) to your kitchen, not just because they taste incredible, but because each bite tells a story.
The Kwekkeboom Story: A Butcher’s Vision
The Kwekkeboom story begins in 1900, when Cornelis Kwekkeboom opened a butcher’s shop in Amsterdam.
Known for his craftsmanship and honest recipes, Cornelis laid the foundation for what would become one of the Netherlands’ most iconic snack brands.
His butcher’s counter wasn’t just about meat; it was also the birthplace of croquettes, ragouts, and tasty bites that quickly earned a loyal following.
While Cornelis built the business, Herman Kwekkeboom embodied its spirit — the image of the traditional butcher dedicated to flavor, quality, and innovation. Together, their legacies represent both the roots and the inspiration driving Kwekkeboom forward.
For decades, croquettes and bitterballen became staples of Dutch pubs and snack bars, traditionally cooked in a deep fryer. But as cooking habits shifted, with ovens and airfryers finding their place in almost every kitchen, Kwekkeboom once again adapted. The challenge: keep that signature golden crunch while reducing the oil and fuss.
The solution is the Kwekkeboom Oven & Airfryer series in 2014. With specially developed coatings and fillings, the snacks are designed to turn out crispy and flavorful straight from a baking tray or airfryer basket.
From Cornelis’s shop in 1900 to Herman’s role as visionary and to today’s modern ovens, the Kwekkeboom story is one of tradition evolving without losing its soul — always crisp, always full of flavor.
Snacks Made for Your Kitchen in Hong Kong
Kwekkeboom snacks offer something unique: high-quality Dutch flavor in under 15 minutes — no deep fryer required. Here’s what makes them special:
- No artificial flavors or fillers — just honest Dutch ingredients
- Airfryer & oven-ready — perfect for small HK kitchens
- Consistent quality — batch after batch, year after year
- Authentic taste — made to original Dutch recipes Herman approved
At our shop, we’re especially proud to stock fan favorites like:
1. Kwekkeboom Oven & Airfryer Old Amsterdam: 10 Bitterballen
2. Kwekkeboom Oven & Airfryer Old Amsterdam: 4 Croquetten
The original Kwekkeboom masterpiece! These larger croquettes boast a rich, beef ragout filling encased in a perfectly crispy breadcrumb coating.
Cooking Instructions: Airfry at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and golden.
3. Kwekkeboom Oven & Airfryer Veal Meat ('Kalfsvlees') Croquettes: 4 pieces
For a more refined flavor, try these veal croquettes. The delicate veal ragout offers a subtle, yet satisfying taste.
Cooking Instructions: Airfry at 180°C (350°F) for 9-11 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and heated through.
4. Kwekkeboom Oven & Airfryer Rundvlees Bitterballen: 12 pieces
These beef bitterballen are a hearty and flavorful snack, perfect for sharing (or not!). The rich beef filling is a classic Dutch favorite.
Cooking Instructions: Airfry at 180°C (350°F) for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Kwekkeboom Oven & Airfryer Borrelmix Hapjes / Snacks during drinks 12 pieces
Can't decide? This mixed snack pack offers a variety of Kwekkeboom's most popular bites, perfect for a borrel (drinks and snacks) with friends.
Cooking Instructions: Airfry each snack type according to the individual instructions on the packaging (typically 7-10 minutes at 180°C).
We have all sorts of frozen snacks for your enjoyment!
View AllBringing Dutch Culture to Your Hong Kong Table
Here’s how to embrace Kwekkeboom's snacks in Hong Kong:
- Party Hosting: Create a snack board with bitterballen, kroketten, cheese, and pickles. Add Dutch mustard and gin for authenticity.
- Movie Night: Swap popcorn for air-fried cheese sticks.
- Fusion Flair: Top kroketten with truffle mayo for a local spin.
- Quick tasty meals: For busy professionals, heat them in 10 minutes after work, pair with a salad, and enjoy a gourmet meal without the effort.
If you’re curious about authentic Dutch croquettes, bitterballen, or party mixes, check out our full frozen snacks collection. We deliver frozen snacks straight to your door, so you can enjoy a taste of the Netherlands anytime, anywhere.
And don’t forget to browse our sauces and condiments, drinks, cheese, and snack selections for the perfect pairings!
