What is the traditional New Year’s Eve food called oliebollen in the Netherlands?

Oliebollen are traditional Dutch New Year’s Eve deep-fried dough balls.

The name literally means “oil ball.” The batter commonly contains flour, yeast, milk, and eggs, and may include raisins, currants, or pieces of apple. Portions are dropped into hot oil, then dusted with powdered sugar before serving.

Oliebollen are strongly associated with the winter holiday period in the Netherlands and parts of Belgium. Temporary street stalls and seasonal bakeries sell them in the weeks around New Year, while families may also fry them at home. Their round shape and rich preparation make them particularly suited to a festive occasion.

The food is sometimes compared with doughnuts, but the recipes and texture are not identical. Historical explanations connect fried dough traditions with older European customs, although the modern Dutch New Year association developed over time rather than from one single documented origin.