Wadden gastronomy: local food with a story

Can you taste the Wadden Sea? For Anke Arts, researcher at the European Tourism Futures Institute (ETFI) of NHL Stenden, the answer is clear: "What you put on your plate says something about where you are." Together with colleagues from ETFI and Ernst Jonker from the Academy of International Hospitality Research (AIHR), she is exploring how food can contribute to the experience of the Wadden area as a World Heritage Site. Regional products, stories and sustainable choices come together in this. On 18 June, Sustainable Gastronomy Day, that research is extra relevant.

"In the wadden region, you cook with what grows, flourishes and lives here," Anke explains. "In a way that suits landscape, nature and community." It is exactly this thought that is central to her research towards how food can contribute to the experience of the Wadden area as a World Heritage Site.

Sustainable food with roots in the region

The wadden region stretches across North Holland, Friesland and Groningen. From islands to coast. Everywhere you find its own flavours and traditions. How do you make sure these last while keeping up with the times? "Sustainable food doesn't have to be difficult or expensive," says Anke. "It just starts with choosing local and seasonal. In doing so, you support nature, the regional economy and the people who live there."

Three ways Waddengastronomy makes a difference

1. Food that takes you somewhere

Local products are given a place in catering establishments, markets and food routes. So you taste where you are. "From samphire to Wieringer beef," says Anke. "There is a story behind every product."

2. Young creators, old traditions 

The project encourages young entrepreneurs to get started in the region in particular. They combine innovative ideas with local products and thus continue to strengthen the area. Actively involving students in subprojects creates a natural bridge to these young entrepreneurs in the area.

3. Slow tourism with flavour

There are now 50 food routes for walkers and cyclists. Past farmers, bakers and special places. For those who take the time to taste and experience.

Food that makes you look at things differently

Wadden gastronomy is more than a tasty initiative. It is also a learning process. For students, entrepreneurs and visitors. Anke: "We work together with local producers, catering industry, municipalities and knowledge institutions. We also involve the cookery school that works from the principles of Dutch Cuisine. It's precisely in this mix that new ideas arise. For a food system that is right for the region and ready for the future."

Want to know more?

Want to know more about the Wadden gastronomy project Or other tourism innovations? Contact Anke Arts at anke.arts@nhlstenden.com or 0652431750.