Kapsalon Recipe: The Best Dutch Street Food You Need to Try
Kapsalon recipe
Today on the Takrecipe website, we are diving into the delicious world of Dutch street food with the famous Kapsalon! This indulgent dish, which translates to “barbershop” in Dutch, was invented in Rotterdam when a local hairdresser asked for a unique combination of his favorite ingredients in one tray. Kapsalon consists of crispy French fries layered with seasoned shawarma, melted cheese, and fresh salad, all topped with garlic sauce and sambal. This savory, spicy, and cheesy meal has since become a fast-food favorite across the Netherlands and beyond. Let’s learn how to make this mouthwatering dish at home!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- Base:
- 800g frozen French fries
- 500g shawarma meat (chicken, lamb, or beef)
- 2 tbsp shawarma spice mix
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Toppings:
- 200g Gouda cheese (grated)
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce (shredded)
- 1 medium cucumber (sliced)
- 2 medium tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 small red onion (sliced)
- Sauces:
- ½ cup garlic sauce
- 2 tbsp sambal (or hot sauce)
Prepare the French Fries
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) or heat oil in a deep fryer to 180°C (350°F). Cook the frozen French fries according to package instructions until they are golden and crispy. If using an oven, spread the fries on a baking tray and bake for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Once cooked, set them aside.
Cook the Shawarma Meat
While the fries are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the shawarma meat. Sprinkle the shawarma spice mix evenly over the meat. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Layers
Take a rectangular aluminum takeout container or an oven-safe dish. Spread the cooked French fries evenly at the bottom. Add the cooked shawarma meat on top of the fries.
Melt the Cheese
Preheat your oven’s broiler or grill function. Sprinkle the grated Gouda cheese evenly over the meat layer. Place the dish under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Add the Fresh Salad
Once the cheese is melted, remove the dish from the oven. Immediately top it with shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, and red onion slices.
Drizzle with Sauces and Serve
Generously drizzle garlic sauce over the salad layer, followed by sambal for a spicy kick. Serve the Kapsalon immediately while the fries are still crispy and the cheese is warm.
Tips:
Use Freshly Fried Fries
🟢For the best texture, avoid soggy fries by frying them fresh instead of baking.
Customize the Protein
🟢While shawarma is traditional, you can experiment with grilled chicken, kebab meat, or even plant-based alternatives.
Balance the Sauces
🟢Adjust the ratio of garlicsauce and sambal to your taste; too much sauce can make the fries soggy.