A little commemoration this fortnight as The Netherlands marks its Veterans Day on June 26. The birthday of Prince Bertrand, himself a veteran, it has been designated a day of remembrance for the armed forces since his death.

One way to commemorate is with flowers, and famously the unofficial Dutch national flower is the tulip. For fresh tulips in Hong Kong, try Hong Kong Flower Shop (15/F, 80 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai, 2381 0828), or if you have green fingers you can grow your own as tulips make ideal pot plants. KK Horticulture (Tau Chung Hau Rd, Sai Kung, New Territories, 2792 7440) have all you need to brighten up your own corner of Hong Kong.

It’s impossible at this time of year not to mention the World Cup and, along with many countries, football is the most popular sport in The Netherlands. In time for the World Cup, newly-launched Dutch-run Avon Lau Company (9861 3367) are releasing a range of shorts for men and women, illustrated to represent each competing country. Slightly more haute couture, the latest ready-to-wear collection by Dutch designers Viktor & Rolf can be found in Lane Crawford’s flagship store (Podium 3, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, 2118 3388). Their collection promises a perfect mix of their usual showpieces as well as classic Dutch style.

Onto food. The Orange Tree (17 Shelley St, Mid-Levels, 2838 9352) specialises in Dutch and Continental cuisine including North Sea garnaaltjes (shrimp) and bitter ballen (deep fried beef dumplings). Also offering Dutch dishes, Baby Blue Café (3/F-4/F, Johnston Enterprises Building, 463-483 Lockhart Rd, Causeway Bay, 2882 8770) offers snacks and seafood, a favourite being their baked oysters.

Finally, to work off all that seafood and beef, The Dutch Hockey Club welcomes players of all nationalities and play all over Hong Kong.

Mel Coghlan

Sammie Lau
Co-founder of the Avon Lau Company

Best way to experience The Netherlands in Hong Kong?
Right now with the World Cup in full flow, the best way to experience Dutch passion will be by watching football matches at Grappa’s Cellar in Central. There, almost 500 to 600 Oranje supporters will gather; the atmosphere will be fantastic with singing and dancing and goals galore.

Thing that feels most Dutch in Hong Kong?
Eating Dutch food at The Orange Tree, especially the desert called poffertjes. You can usually only get them in Holland.

Things you miss most from home?
The food. For example, the dairy products. They come in so many variety of flavours and are so good. I also miss the smoked sausages Rookworst. Typical Dutch food.

What’s the best thing about Holland?
Creativity. Either in print, architecture or fashion. Holland is a very liberal country, where we are allowed to express ourselves with pretty much no limitations.