Summer tips for Zeeland: food, beach, shopping

My ultimate Zeeland guide: food, beach, shopping & memories

I lived in Zeeland for five years, and what an endlessly beautiful time it was.
Surfing in the Oosterschelde, horseback riding, mussels (so many mussels), the best chicken curry sandwiches (we thought they were delicious back in the eighties) after a night of dancing at El Toro, mint tea on Friday afternoons at La Strada, and of course going to the beach with my girlfriends as often as possible.

Summers in Zeeland: always close to the beach

If there’s one nice thing about living in Zeeland, it’s that there’s always a beach nearby. And the Zeeland beaches are so picturesque. Recently, I typed ‘memory lane’ into Google Maps and went out to eat with my love at Pure C in Cadzand. If you’re in the mood for Zeeland but Demain is fully booked (because I seriously booked the last table), then I have other tips for you here.

Domburg: stylish coastal town with Ibiza vibes

Of all the beautiful little places, Domburg might just be the prettiest. Old chic, lovely shops, good restaurants, and such beautiful dunes. You can eat at De Visbar in Domburg, at Het Badpaviljoen, or De DAM – there you might feel like you’re in Ibiza, as my trendiest Zeeland friend Judith has let me know. You can shop at Palazzo or De Nobelaer.

Yes, Turkeye is in Zeeland

Yes, you read that right: it’s a very small place in Zeeland that tickles the Belgian border. There you’ll find twenty small houses overlooking a beautiful nature reserve. You can bike to the coast and through the polders. And good news: you’re close to Sluis, and it’s great for shopping there. Those lovely, old houses are begging for a Pinterest page and are gold for your Insta. They are also available for rent.

Shopping in Sluis

Sluis is known for its shops with cheerful frivolities – in other words, genital-themed toys – but it’s also great for shopping. Especially on Sundays, when the rest of the province enjoys its well-deserved rest. My brother used to live in Antwerp (this is my favorite stopover route in Antwerp) and when we had a great time there for a weekend, we always drove back via Sluis to do some shopping, because the shops were always open there.

My lovely Goes

Goes was my go-to city for years and I had such a great time there. My allowance definitely went to Hot Legs – and it’s still there. Go there for wearable and affordable fashion like Penn&Ink, YAYA, Aaiko, and so on. Sleeping and eating seems to be very cozy at Katoen.

Sleep well at De Zilte Melis

But really nice and beautiful is De Zilte Melis in Meliskerke, with a wonderful wellness area.

Zoutelande: sing it out loud

Of course, you want to go to Zoutelande, if only to let Bløf play loudly on Spotify. I once worked there for a summer holiday in a hotel (and accidentally let a beer slip from my hands on the first day that landed right in the lap of a customer) and found it endless. That hotel no longer exists, by the way – and no, it’s not because of my shaky service skills – but I do know another nice hotel for you: De Tien Torens.

Zeeland food: this is what you must try

If there’s one thing that colored my teenage years in Zeeland, it was the food. My mother can do a lot of things, but cooking isn’t really her hobby. It didn’t matter at all, because we lived in Wemeldinge, close to Yerseke, and we had our own mussel supplier. A nice guy would bring fresh mussels a few times a week, and sometimes there was even a stray lobster among them. My mother was a master at cooking mussels: a few fries or a fresh baguette on the side and we were happy. By the way, did you know that we got milk directly from the farmer? In such a large aluminum can. And then scooping off the top layer – so delicious. I would put this on your eating list if you go to Zeeland:

1. Oysters (definitely number 1)
Both the flat Zeeland oyster and the creuses are world-famous. Especially in Yerseke you can taste them – often fresher than fresh, sometimes even directly from the oyster beds. This recipe for gin-tonic oysters sadly didn’t exist in my youth.

2. Mussels
Zeeland mussels are perhaps the most famous export product of the province. They are best when the ‘r’ is in the month, so indulge yourself. They are delicious with wine or beer. I love them as simple as possible.

3. Zeeland bolus
Yes, it’s called that because it visually resembles… well, you know. And it sticks to all sides. But oh, how delicious it is. In my opinion, it’s the Zeeland equivalent of Frisian sugar bread. A propos de Friesland; these are things I learned from Frisians) By the way, did you know that the bolus has Jewish-Portuguese roots? I didn’t. Wash your hands afterward and pat your belly contentedly.

4. Zeeland bacon
A spiced, grilled bacon that is often eaten cold on bread. You can find it at many local markets and butcher shops. I’m skipping this one, but I hope you don’t mind, right?

5. Zeeland beers
I’m more of a wine person (we wrote here that wine makes you smart and happy), but Zeeland has great beers from its own brewery: Emelisse, Slot Oostende, or Scheldebrouwerij. They have a briny taste, so perfect with mussels or oysters. By the way, there are also Zeeland wines – for example, in Dreischor.

6. Babbelaars
My dentist should now read another article – for example about why you should go to Vlieland or something – but you must also try the Zeeland babbelaars during your trip. Or take them home for the one who took care of your dog during your absence. They usually come in a cute little tin.

Oh guys, I want to go back immediately.