The oliebollen from Barry Groot from Heerhugowaard have been voted the very best in the province for the second year in succession. His fatty snacks received a nine from the anonymous jury, something that does not surprise Barry himself. “I think we’re just the best.”
Oliebollen bakers who want to compete to can register their stall for the prize, but the anonymous jury – consisting of fourteen volunteers and two experts – also selects bakers themselves.
This jury determines which baker bakes the tastiest oliebollen per province. For the second year in a row, Barry takes home the honor in the province of North Holland, this time again with a 9 as a final score.
Oliebollen for breakfast
Not only the jury, Barry’s customers are also very satisfied. “Yes, these are the tastiest, that’s why we’re here. It’s our breakfast today,” says a couple. A man and his daughter happen to pass by on their way to the adjacent garden center and also take a test on the spot. “Oh you can taste it! Nice and fresh, not too greasy and crunchy.”
100,000 oliebollen
The last week of the year is the busiest for Barry. “It would be very nice if we could sell 100,000 oliebollen in the last week of the year,” he hopes.
The baker from Heerhugowaard strives every year to be the best again, and from January he will start specializing his secret recipe even further. “I’m never satisfied,” he explains. “Customers come from far away and I don’t want to disappoint them.”