The Epicurean’s Guide to Eating in Amsterdam
Amsterdam – a city filled with picturesque canals, historic architecture, and bicycles aplenty. It’s a city that has something for everyone, including the gastronomically inclined. Eating in Amsterdam offers a varied palette of flavours, blending traditional Dutch cuisine with a cosmopolitan touch.
Introduction to Dutch Cuisine
Dutch cuisine is simple, hearty, and leans heavily on dairy products, meat, seafood, and root vegetables. The country’s history as a seafaring nation is evident in its food culture, with herring, mussels, and other seafood making frequent appearances on menus. The colder climate also means a variety of delicious soups and stews.
A Taste of Tradition
When you’re in Amsterdam, make sure to try out these traditional Dutch foods:
Stroopwafel
A stroopwafel is a sweet treat made of two thin waffles with a layer of syrup in between. You can find them in supermarkets, but for the best experience, get one made fresh from a market stall. The vendor will make the stroopwafel right in front of you and serve it hot, letting the syrup melt into a delicious gooey filling.
Herring
Herring is a staple in Dutch cuisine. The raw fish is typically served with pickles and onions. If you’re feeling brave, follow the Dutch way of eating it – hold the herring by the tail, tilt your head back, and take a bite!
Stamppot
Stamppot is a traditional Dutch dish, essentially a hearty mash of potatoes and other vegetables, often served with a smoked sausage. It’s the perfect comfort food, particularly in the colder months.
The Street Food Scene
Amsterdam’s street food scene is vibrant and eclectic, offering a variety of quick bites that are tasty and affordable.
Bitterballen
Bitterballen are crispy, deep-fried balls filled with a gooey mixture of beef or veal ragout. They’re typically served with mustard and are a popular choice in bars as a snack to accompany a round of Dutch beers.
Febo
Febo is a unique Dutch fast-food chain where you can buy hot snacks from vending machine-like walls. This includes things like burgers, fries, and kroketten – breaded rolls filled with meat ragout. It’s a fun, quintessentially Dutch experience you shouldn’t miss!
Dining in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is home to a vibrant restaurant scene, where you can find everything from Michelin-starred establishments to cozy, family-run eateries.
Michelin-Starred Restaurants
For a luxurious dining experience, try one of Amsterdam’s Michelin-starred restaurants. ‘Ciel Bleu’, for example, offers an exquisite menu and stunning views of the city from the 23rd floor of the Okura Hotel. ‘De Kas’, located in a greenhouse, serves fresh dishes inspired by the vegetables and herbs grown on-site.
International Cuisine
Given its status as a global city, Amsterdam also offers a broad array of international cuisine. ‘Restaurant Blauw’ is known for its Indonesian rijsttafel – a Dutch colonial interpretation of an Indonesian feast, while ‘Bazaar Amsterdam’ serves up tasty Middle Eastern dishes.
Local Favourites
If you’re looking to eat where the locals eat, then ‘Moeders’ (Mothers in Dutch) should be on your list. Famous for its traditional Dutch food, you’ll find the walls covered in photographs of mothers brought by customers. Another popular spot is ‘The Pancake Bakery’ in the Jordaan district. Serving a wide range of both sweet and savoury pancakes, it’s a hit with locals and tourists alike.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Amsterdam is a friendly city for vegetarians and vegans. ‘Deer Mama’ is a fully vegan burger and milkshake bar that’s popular for its creative take on comfort food. For a more fine dining experience, there’s ‘Yerba,’ a restaurant serving plant-focused, sustainable dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Cheese in Amsterdam
No guide to Dutch food would be complete without mentioning cheese. From Gouda to Edam, Dutch cheeses are famous worldwide. Visit a traditional cheese market, such as the one in Alkmaar, or pop into a ‘kaaswinkel’ (cheese shop) in Amsterdam to sample and learn about the different varieties. ‘Reypenaer’ is a particularly popular cheese tasting room in the city.
Amsterdam’s Coffee Culture
Amsterdam’s coffee scene is bustling. From artisan roasteries like ‘Lot Sixty One’ to cozy cafés like ‘Café de Jaren,’ there’s a coffee spot for every mood and preference. But don’t mistake a ‘coffeeshop’ for a coffee shop; in Amsterdam, the term ‘coffeeshop’ refers to establishments where the sale of cannabis for personal consumption by the public is tolerated by the local authorities.
Food in Amsterdam is as diverse and exciting as the city itself. From traditional Dutch treats to high-end dining and vibrant street foods, there’s a taste for every traveller in this charming city. So, get ready to eat like a local and dive into the delicious culinary world of Amsterdam.