Is Frikandel Halal? The Dutch Snack-Bar Sausage, Explained

Usually no, a standard frikandel normally contains pork. The frikandel is the default Dutch snack-bar item: a skinless, deep-fried minced-meat sausage, served plain or speciaal (with curry ketchup, mayonnaise and chopped raw onion). The typical recipe blends chicken with pork (and sometimes a little horse meat), so the standard version isn't halal.

The two catches

1. The meat, a normal frikandel contains pork, so it's the snack-bar item to be most careful with.
2. The shared fryer, even if you order bitterballen or a kroket instead (both beef or veal), a snack-bar's oil is frying frikandellen all day, which matters to some strict diners.

The good news: halal frikandel exists

Because the frikandel is a national favourite, a halal frikandel is now a real, common product, made with chicken and beef and no pork. Many halal snack-bars and Turkish cafeterias sell them. So you don't have to miss out:

• Look for a halal snackbar (very common in Amsterdam, our guide to halal food in Amsterdam points to the areas with the most) and ask for the halal frikandel.
• Or skip the sausage and order patat/friet (confirm the oil) or a Turkish or Surinamese item.

FAQ

A note on how we talk about food: this guide is general traveler information about typical recipes, not a ruling on any specific snack-bar's kitchen. Recipes vary from place to place, always confirm directly with the venue.

Restaurants are chosen for quality and reputation. If you follow a specific diet, or want to know whether any dish or drink contains alcohol, please check directly with the venue.