New Delhi, Sept. 24 -- Some cities announce themselves with a skyline or the smattering of a language you don't understand. Amsterdam announced itself with a stroopwafel, warm and caramelised, handed over with a glass of champagne. It turned out to be the first of many small, walkable bites that would define the trip far more than any sit-down meal did.

The stroopwafel, a snack of two thin waffle layers bound together with a caramel filling, has an interesting history. It originated in the city of Gouda in the early 19th century, where bakers are said to have created it from leftover crumbs and dough, bound together with a sweet syrup filling. "Many Dutch people still place it on top of a hot cup of coffee or tea for a minute, allowing t...