Ever tried to explain to someone why you’d pay ten dollars for a bag of salted licorice that tastes like ammonia? It’s a hard sell. But for anyone who grew up in the Netherlands or spent significant time there, that specific, stinging hit of dubbel zout is basically a core memory. That’s why places like Holland International Market Inc exist. It’s not just a grocery store. Honestly, it’s a time machine for the Dutch diaspora and a curiosity shop for everyone else.
Located in Bellflower, California, this spot has become a landmark. People drive from all over the state because, frankly, you aren't finding speculaas or authentic rookworst at your local Kroger.
The Story Behind Holland International Market Inc
You’ve gotta appreciate the longevity here. The store has been around for decades. It originally opened to serve the massive influx of Dutch immigrants who moved to the Artesia and Bellflower areas after World War II. Back then, the neighborhood was heavy on dairy farming. Dutch farmers were everywhere. They needed their coffee, their chocolate, and their very specific types of cheese.
While the neighborhood has changed—the dairies are mostly gone now—the market stayed. It’s one of the few remaining "Dutch Hubs" in Southern California. Walking in, the smell hits you immediately. It's a mix of smoked meats, sweet cookies, and that faint, medicinal scent of heavy-duty licorice. It isn't fancy. It doesn't have the polished, corporate sheen of a Whole Foods, and that's exactly why people love it. It feels like a shop you'd find in a side street in Utrecht or Arnhem.
Why the Food Here Actually Matters
Most people think "Dutch food" and they just think of pancakes or maybe those tiny waffles you see at Starbucks. But Holland International Market Inc proves it’s a lot deeper than that.
Take the Indies influence, for example. Because of the colonial history between the Netherlands and Indonesia, Dutch cuisine is inextricably linked with satay sauces, sambal, and kroepoek. If you walk down the aisles, you’ll see massive jars of peanut sauce and packets of nasi goreng seasoning. For a lot of Dutch-Indo families, this is the only place to get the specific brands they grew up with, like Conimex.
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The Licorice Wall
We need to talk about the licorice. Or drop, as the Dutch call it. It’s a polarized world. You either love it or you think it’s a prank. At Holland International Market Inc, the selection is genuinely overwhelming. You have:
- Zoute Drop: Salted licorice.
- Dubbel Zout: Double salted. This is the stuff that makes your eyes water.
- Honingdrop: Sweet licorice made with honey.
- Katjes: Little hard licorice cats.
It’s a cultural touchstone. In the Netherlands, they consume more licorice per capita than anywhere else on earth. Having a local source for these specific textures—some are hard like rocks, others are chewy like taffy—is why this business survives in the age of Amazon. You want to see the bag before you buy it. You want to know the salt levels.
Beyond the Pantry: The Deli and the Gifts
It’s not just dry goods. The deli counter is where the heavy lifting happens. They stock real Gouda and Edam. And no, I’m not talking about the red-wax-covered rubber you find in the "International" aisle of a big-box store. I’m talking about aged Oude Kaas that has those little crunchy salt crystals in it.
They also carry Vla. If you haven't had it, it's basically a pourable Dutch custard that comes in cartons. It’s a staple dessert, and for some reason, American pudding just doesn't hit the same. Then you have the metworst and the leverworst. It’s a meat lover’s paradise, provided you like your meats cured and heavily seasoned in the Northern European tradition.
Then there’s the "stuff." The Delft Blue pottery. The wooden shoes. The orange soccer jerseys. It’s a bit kitschy, sure. But during the World Cup or King’s Day, this place turns into a sea of orange. It’s the community center for a culture that is often invisible in the broader American melting pot.
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Navigating the Challenges of Specialty Retail
Running a niche business like Holland International Market Inc isn't easy in 2026. Import costs are high. Shipping glass jars of curry ketchup and fragile boxes of beschuit across the Atlantic is a logistical nightmare.
Sometimes items go out of stock for months because of shipping delays or customs issues. Loyal customers know this. They don't complain; they just buy five boxes of their favorite tea when it finally arrives. There’s a silent understanding that these products are a luxury of heritage.
The store also faces the reality of a changing demographic. The original generation of immigrants is aging. However, their kids and grandkids—many of whom have never lived in Holland—still come back. They come for the hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles) because their grandma used to put them on buttered toast for breakfast. It’s emotional eating at its most potent.
What You Should Actually Buy There
If you’re a first-timer, don't just wander aimlessly. You'll end up with a jar of pickled herring you aren't prepared for.
Start with the Stroopwafels. Yes, they are everywhere now, but the ones imported directly from the Netherlands at a specialty market are usually fresher and have a better syrup-to-waffle ratio. Set it over a hot cup of coffee to let the caramel melt.
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Next, grab some Speculoos. Not the cookie butter spread (though they have that too), but the actual spiced biscuits. Look for the brands like Lotus or the windmill-shaped ones.
If you're feeling brave, get a small bag of Muntdrop (coin-shaped licorice). It’s a "medium" level of saltiness. It’s a good litmus test for whether or not you can handle the harder stuff.
Finally, check the freezer section for Bitterballen. These are deep-fried gravy balls. That sounds weird, I know. But they are the ultimate bar snack. Buy a pack, fry them up at home, and serve them with spicy mustard. Your life will change.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
Don't just show up and hope for the best.
- Check the hours: They aren't a 24/7 operation. They keep traditional small-business hours, often closing earlier than you'd expect on weekends.
- Look for the "Best By" dates: European date formats are different (Day/Month/Year). Don't freak out thinking something expired months ago; you're likely just reading the date wrong.
- Ask for help: The staff knows the flavor profiles. If you want a cheese that isn't too sharp but still has flavor, ask them to point out the Jong Belegen vs. the Belegen.
- Bring a cooler: If you're traveling from a distance, the deli meats and cheeses need to stay cold. Don't let that expensive Gouda sweat in your trunk for two hours.
- Explore the Indonesian section: Don't skip the spices. The Ketjap Manis (sweet soy sauce) they carry is miles better than the thin stuff in the grocery store.
Holland International Market Inc is a survivor. In an era of digital everything, there is still a massive value in a physical space where you can hold a box of cookies that your grandfather ate and talk to someone who knows exactly what gezellig feels like. It’s a bit of the Old World tucked away in a corner of California, and it’s worth the trip.