Culinary surprises from Zeeland
5 tips for discovering Zeeland’s culinary highlights
Zeeland is a Mecca for foodies. Fish, lobster, shellfish, you name it, in Zeeland it is caught and cultivated in large numbers. Take the famous Zeeland flat oysters and Zeeland’s ‘creuse’ oysters. But there’s much more. Such as saline sea vegetables and local craft beers and wines. Check out our 5 top tips for experiencing Zeeland’s culinary delights.
Discover the Oosterschelde
The Oosterschelde estuary not only offers fantastic views, but also many unique culinary possibilities. If you take an excursion on the waters by boat, you can sample freshly caught oysters, Your guide will tell you about the surroundings and the fishing traditions of the region. Try out De Oesterij in Yerseke, for example, where they offer the Oesterij Tour & Experience. For those who haven’t had enough, fishing trips can be organised so that you can even land your own fish! Beginners also welcome.
Are you more of a landlubber? If so, you can hike the ‘Proef de Oosterschelde’ trail or cycle the ‘Zilte Route’. This will take you through Yerseke, the oyster capital of Zeeland.
Are you more of a landlubber? If so, you can hike the ‘Proef de Oosterschelde’ trail or cycle the ‘Zilte Route’. This will take you through Yerseke, the oyster capital of Zeeland.
Visit Zeeland’s mussel and fishery days
It’s hard to ignore Zeeland’s proud fishing traditions. Many street-side statues, such as the mussel in Bruinisse and the fisherman in Yerseke, bear witness to its fishing heritage. The biggest ode however, takes place at the annual fishery days or weekends.
For example, the Havendagen in Zierikzee, the Mosseldag in Yerseke and the fishery days in Bruinisse and Breskens. There are many other places in Zeeland where similar such festivities are held, so if you find yourself in Zeeland in the summer, you’re bound to come across one of them!
Zeeland in a glass
When it comes to a tipple, Zeeland has a few surprises in store. Take the Kleine Schorre vineyard, for example: this is a wine estate in Schouwen-Duiveland which has been supplying the very best wines for business class on KLM flights! Great for a visit and a guided tour, plus sampling sessions. Discover more about the different vineyards in Zeeland here. So, what about Zeeland beers? There are numerous breweries making their own craft beers in Zeeland too. For example, Dutch Bargain in Groede and Emelisse/Slot Oostende in Goes.
How about something a little stronger? Then pay a visit to The Holy Spiritus in Sint Janssteen. They produce ciders, liqueurs and honied wines. These guys put the fun into brewing!
Sample saline sea vegetables
Sea lavender, sea fig and marsh lavender aren’t vegetables that quickly spring to mind. That’s a shame, because these delicious saline delights are cultivated along Zeeland’s shores and widely used in culinary fish dishes. There are several nurseries where you can visit and sample these delicacies. Our tips include Mariahoeve in Nieuw-Namen (Zeeland-Flanders) and Zeeuws Zilt in Wolphaartsdijk.
The best fish restaurants
There are many fish restaurants here where you can get the full Zeeland experience, with fantastic sea views, a unique setting and an ambience which immerses you in Zeeland’s heritage. Whether you enjoy fine dining in a 5-star restaurant or with your feet in the sand with a platter of seafood, in Zeeland fish is always a tad bit zingier! For example, De Visbar in Domburg. And one of the most unusual fish restaurants in Zeeland is Seafarm. As we’ve already said, you’re spoilt for choice.
