In the past, French Huguenots migrated to the Netherlands. Frisian is spoken in Friesland and English is widely used. FOOD Dairy products play an important part in Dutch cooking . Milk, butter and cheese are consumed in large quantities together with eggs, sausages and ham. These are accompanied by a variety of breads.
Popular dishes are Dutch pea soup, meat balls, raw herring, smoked eel, and chips with mayonnaise.
The Netherlands' colonial past is reflected in the availability of Indonesian food. Desserts include pancakes and apple pie, both served with cream. Pastries are readily available in the shops together with chocolates and Dutch liquorice. Traditionally beer was the most popular alchoholic drink although, today, wine is gaining ground. The country now known as the Netherlands was conquered by Julius Caesar in the first century.