A city bustling with students and politicians alike, hard-working families too, from a range of nations, makes The Hague a foodie’s dream. With so many cuisines to choose from, you could virtually travel the world, all through a food delivery app (thuisbezorgd of course!).
Maintaining a healthy diet remains paramount though. Explore the below list of tried-and-tested recommendations for healthy dining in The Hague, perfect for enjoying a meal out or ordering a delicious takeaway!
SAPLAB, Denneweg 8, 2514 CG
My all-time favourite smoothie bar in the city. Not only is it situated in a quintessentially Dutch street with a delightful window view from the cafe, but the bowls are prepared throughout the day right in front of you in this modestly sized juice bar. Service varies, though. One lady was particularly jovial and smiley, while other staff members were rather brusque. Nevertheless, the food quality remains consistently excellent.
If you’re fortunate to be served by a smiley blonde lady, you can also request some adjustments to your smoothie bowl, such as the removal of nuts as a topping. The drinks and smoothie bowls taste wonderful, and you will feel energized for the rest of your day.
Señor Torres, Zoutmanstraat 57, 2518 GN
This is a life-changing experience, especially if you’ve never tried Venezuelan food before.
This humble cafe is open on weekday evenings and from lunchtime to late-ish evenings on the weekends. They serve warm arepas filled with melt-in-your-mouth shredded meat, plantain, and Gouda cheese. All of this is freshly prepared and served in moderate-sized portions that will leave you feeling full in a good way.
Bonus: if you’re gluten-free, you have to stop by this place when in The Hague!
Arepas are naturally gluten-free as they’re made of cornmeal flour. This winning combination of gluten-free bread with fresh meat and vegetables is a perfect protein-packed meal for meat-eaters.
There are also vegan options and a chicken-stuffed arepa, so take yourself along with a friend to enjoy this homely Venezuelan vibe.
Nefeli Deli (Greek Delicatessen), Valeriusstraat 88, 2517 HT
Nefeli Deli is an elegantly designed cafe situated in the upscale neighbourhood of Statenkwartier, distinguished by its grand terraced housing and rare Dutch detached homes. The cafe also features a deli section offering imported Greek foods such as cheese and biscuits. The quality of the products is seemingly impeccable, and there’s even a cozy children’s play nook.
I once had the pleasure of indulging in their lamb kleftiko on a bustling Saturday. The dish was traditionally packaged in Greek style with baking paper and was served with care by one of the deli’s co-owners. The ambiance was warm, inviting, and peaceful, making me feel inspired in such a friendly and positive environment. It seems that the owners are a couple whose unconditional love for food shines through in every aspect of their business.
Due to its location, it attracts many expatriates as well as local families. The weekends are always busy so call ahead to make a reservation. The menu changes on a weekly basis, but the home-cooked element is unchanging at Nefeli’s.
Ali’s Lebanese Incredible Sandwiches, Regentesseplein 228, 2562 EZ
Whilst I’m not a fan of falafels or wraps, this place has an outstanding level of customer service. The man who served me was gracious enough to educate me on the bestsellers as well as combinations that suited my needs at the time. It’s highly rated on Dutch food delivery app thuisbezorgd and Google Maps for a reason.
If you follow a vegan diet then you may fall in love with this place! Seating is not fancy by any means and is typical of Middle-Eastern shwarama places (massive leather sofas stuck to the wall and the odd crooked table) but it only adds to the authenticity of this quaint Lebanese-inspired eatery.
JOE & THE JUICE, Plaats 17, 2513 AD
This made its way to The Hague at the end of 2022. The American-style, Danish-born chain had a presence in Europe for a while with many stores in Central London and a few in Amsterdam for the past 10 years but it’s fairly new to The Hague.
The menu is the same across all branches so if you’ve had a dish/drink in London, you’ll find its twin waiting for you in The Hague.
It’s on the pricier side, but the interior is comfy, though quite dark (if you have difficulty seeing in the dark then maybe sit closer to the front window).
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