Amsterdam: A Culinary Cruise Across Canals and Cobblestones
Amsterdam‘s charm isn’t just about charming houses and canal cruises. It’s a feast for the senses, and nowhere is that more evident than in its diverse and delicious culinary scene. Whether you’re a hardcore vegan, a coffee connoisseur, or a hungry carnivore, this guide will navigate you through Amsterdam‘s food alleys, hidden gems, and iconic institutions, ensuring your taste buds tango with pure delight.
Breakfast:
De Kas: Start your day with sunshine and greenery at De Kas, a greenhouse restaurant serving farm-to-table goodness. Their organic pancakes with seasonal fruits and homemade granola are a revelation. (€15-€20)
Bakkerij Wolf: Fuel your exploration with a freshly baked croissant and a strong latte at Bakkerij Wolf. Their cinnamon swirls are legendary, and the aroma alone will wake you up from any slumber. (€5-€10)
Bar Bitterballen: Craving something savory? Dive into Bar Bitterballen’s world of deep-fried Dutch delights. Pair their juicy beef or vegan bitterballen with a cold Amstel beer for a perfect start. (€8-€15)
Flore: For a touch of Parisian elegance, head to Flore in De Pijp. Their buttery croissants and decadent pastries are the perfect way to start your day. (€5-€10)
Lunch:
Floreyn: Experience Michelin-starred flavors at Floreyn, where contemporary Dutch cuisine meets global influences. Their lunch menu, with options like smoked eel salad and roasted duck breast, is a delightful symphony of textures and tastes. (€20-€35)
Maoz Falafel: Indulge in the vegetarian street food king at Maoz Falafel. Pile your pita bread with fresh falafel, vibrant veggies, and their signature creamy tahini sauce. Vegans rejoice, the entire menu is plant-based! (€5-€10)
Foodhallen: Take your pick from over 20 diverse food vendors at the trendy Foodhallen. From Vietnamese pho to juicy burgers and sushi, your choices are as colorful as the market itself. (Prices vary)
Humus & Babel: This vegetarian and vegan haven in De Pijp offers flavorful wraps, salads, and bowls brimming with fresh ingredients and creative combinations. (€10-€15)
De Wetering: Sample Dutch classics like herring and kibbeling (fried fish) at this charming canal-side eatery in Jordaan. (€15-€20)
Coffee Fix:
Coffee & Coconuts: For the perfect Instagram-worthy latte and a healthy bite, head to Coffee & Coconuts. Their acai bowls are packed with superfoods, and their coconut lattes are a creamy dream. (€5-€10)
Screaming Beans: True coffee aficionados will find their haven at Screaming Beans. Their single-origin beans are roasted to perfection, and their baristas are masters of the pour-over. (€3-€6)
Caffe Latte Sisters: Immerse yourself in the cozy atmosphere of Caffe Latte Sisters. Curl up with a cappuccino and a slice of their decadent apple pie, and watch the world go by from their charming window seat. (€5-€10)
Dinner:
Ron Gastrobar: Take your taste buds on a world tour at Ron Gastrobar. Their tapas-style plates featuring everything from Dutch croquettes to Thai curry will leave you wanting more. (€30-€50)
Restaurant Vinkeles: Experience traditional Dutch cuisine with a modern twist at Restaurant Vinkeles. Their signature stoofvlees (beef stew) is melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and their herring dishes are a must-try for adventurous palates. (€25-€40)
Yaarok: Savor the flavors of the Middle East at Yaarok. Their charcoal-grilled kebabs, fluffy hummus, and fragrant tagines are perfect for sharing and celebrating. Halal options are readily available. (€20-€30)
Bistro Marius: For a taste of French indulgence, Bistro Marius in De Pijp is the perfect spot. Their melt-in-your-mouth steak frites and decadent desserts will leave you wanting more. (€30-€50)
Warung Mawar: Embark on a culinary journey to Indonesia at this vibrant restaurant in Oud-West. Their fragrant curries, satays, and gado-gado are a feast for the senses. (€20-€30)
Dessert:
Van Stapele Koekmakerij: Satisfy your sweet tooth with traditional Dutch stroopwafels at Van Stapele Koekmakerij. These thin caramelized waffles sandwiched with syrup are a delightful souvenir and a melt-in-your-mouth treat. (€3-€5)
IJscofabriek & Gelateria Massimo: Beat the Amsterdam heat with a scoop (or two) of handcrafted gelato at IJscofabriek or Gelateria Massimo. Their unique flavors, like salted caramel and lavender honey, will tantalize your taste buds. (€4-€6)
De Bakkerswinkel: For a truly decadent experience, indulge in the cronuts at De Bakkerswinkel. These croissant-doughnut hybrids are filled with creamy goodness and topped with everything from chocolate ganache to fresh berries. (€4-€8)
Ben & Jerry’s: For a familiar taste of home, head to Ben & Jerry’s in the city center. Choose from their classic flavors or try one of their Amsterdam-inspired creations like “Stroopwafel Delight.” (€5-€10)
Vegan and Halal Options:
Humus & Babel: As mentioned earlier, this vegetarian and vegan haven offers a diverse menu of delicious plant-based dishes.
De Kas: Their seasonal menus always feature vegan options, and they’re happy to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Yaar: This elegant restaurant in De Pijp serves Middle Eastern cuisine with a modern twist. They offer a variety of halal meat dishes and vegetarian options.
Maroush: This Syrian restaurant in Oud-West offers charcoal-grilled kebabs, mezze platters, and delicious falafel, all halal.
Halal Snackbar Ali: For authentic Halal cuisine, look no further than Halal Snackbar Ali. Their flavorful kebabs, falafel, and shawarma wraps are sure to satisfy.
Beyond the Plate:
Albert Cuypmarkt: Explore the largest outdoor market in Amsterdam, the Albert Cuypmarkt, and sample street food from around the world.
Jordaan Food Tours: Join a guided walking tour of the Jordaan neighborhood and discover hidden gems and culinary delights off the beaten path.
Many restaurants offer English menus, but learning a few basic Dutch phrases can go a long way. So, grab your fork and dive into the vibrant culinary scene of Amsterdam. From traditional Dutch delights to global flavors and innovative twists find exactly what your heart desires (or your stomach craves!)
An explorer at heart and a wordsmith by profession, discovered early on that her joys were found in blending the themes of travel and storytelling. With a background in creative writing and a passion for culture, she takes you to the soul of the destination. Join her as she spins tales of curious cultures for curious minds.
