In recent years, eating habits have changed considerably. The Dutch diet normally consists of #@2.6.1.dir|two cold meals (breakfast and lunch) and a hot meal (dinner) consisting of meat or fish, potatoes and a large portion of vegetables#. But people also eat between meals - #@2.6.2.dir|sweets and various snacks#.
As the Dutch have travelled more widely and learned about the different eating habits of immigrants, their culinary tastes have widened. This is evidenced by the many cookery programmes on television and food columns in newspapers and magazines. These days, many people prepare foreign dishes at home or eat them in ethnic restaurants.
Dutch drinking habits have also changed. As people become more prosperous, they spend more time at pavement cafÈs, where they usually drink beer or wine. They are also drinking more beer and wine at dinner in the evening. At lunch, however, the Dutch still stick to a glass of milk or a cup of coffee or tea. Total per capita alcohol consumption in the Netherlands is lower than in France, Spain, Germany and Italy.
For the rest, the Dutch are real coffee drinkers. At home or at work, they drink coffee all day. Tea (without milk) is also popular. It is considered polite for hosts to offer visitors tea or coffee on arrival.
