Amsterdam is not only one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, but it’s also becoming a serious foodie destination. The picture perfect Nine Streets neighbourhood and leafy Amsterdam Oud-West are full of stylish cafes, buzzing brunch spots and restaurants that you won’t want to miss.
For a true taste of Holland, you can indulge in local specialities like pancakes, stroopwafels and bitterballen and discover the local street food scene. Just be sure to Google the difference between a coffee shop and a koffiehuis before parking up for an afternoon brew.
Here are a few cool places that I discovered on my recent weekend city break in Amsterdam…
Moak Pancakes
Pancakes are a Dutch tradition and should be part of your food itinerary when visiting Amsterdam. However, Moak Pancakes (formerly named Mook Pancakes) does things a little differently to the old guard. This hip hop pancake house is a fun hang-out with concrete interiors, plenty of plants, a cool soundtrack and most importantly, insanely good pancakes.
I took my mum there for her birthday breakfast and we were looked after so well by the super friendly staff. The menu features healthy sweet and savoury pancakes, avocado dishes, salads and fresh market fruit juices.
We both kept it simple and went for The Blue Magic with fresh blueberries, shaved coconut and unlimited Canadian maple syrup. The pancakes were fluffy, light and substantial, plus is there anything better than having your own jug of maple syrup to drench them in?
Cafe Winkel 43
The best apple pie in Amsterdam (and possibly the world) can be found at Cafe Winkel 43 at Noordermarkt. Established in 1983, this charming corner cafe is renowned for its homely, deep-dish apple pie and has been serving up over 1000 slices from early mornings to 1am every night (3am on Fridays and Saturdays).
It’s essential to make a pilgrimage there, however it gets extremely busy on weekends and we were very lucky to score a seat on the terrace under the heaters.
We ordered hot chocolates to warm up and a slice of apple pie with cream each, because frankly it’s too good to share. The enormous wedge of pie had a crispy, golden crust and a thick layer of buttery, cake-like pastry with lots of slow-cooked apples infused with lots of cinnamon and finished with really yummy sweet cream. It was absolutely heavenly and the most memorable apple pie I’ve ever tasted – be sure not to miss it!
Chocolaterie Pompadour
For teatime with a touch of refinement, head to Chocolaterie Pompadour in the Nine Streets neighbourhood. This charming French patisserie and tea room has a dazzling array of cakes, tarts and freshly-made Valrhona chocolates that make excellent gifts.
I loved the traditional, thick and velvety hot chocolate served with a pot of cream and cute little financier on the side.
Pluk
Pluk has become a big Instagram sensation and handily there are two cafes just moments apart in the Nine Streets district. Unfortunately the service was painfully slow and inefficient at both and all of the waiting really cut into our afternoon.
It might not hit the mark on busy weekends, but it’s worth trying if you simply go for tea and cake, take-out or have plenty of time to wait for those pretty pastel unicorn cupcakes.
Cafe George
This New York-style French brasserie, overlooking Leidsegracht in Jordaan, is a stylish but casual spot for a bite at any time of the day. Cafe George is extremely popular for its sparkling atmosphere and romantic design, but most of all its affordable menu, from classic brunch dishes to the more luxurious oysters, lobster linguine and josper-grilled entrecote.
We popped by for a light lunch and really enjoyed the buttery, comforting Croque Madame with hot, crispy frites with mayo to share. There are a few different George eateries across town, so you’ll never be too far away from a good meal.
Foodhallen
Every cosmopolitan city has street food market now, but Foodhallen in Amsterdam Oud-West does it better than most. It’s a major part of De Hallen, a multi-purpose centre for culture, media, fashion, food and crafts, housed in a former tram depot. The space is pretty impressive and has a local, indie spirit with a cinema, library, art galleries, shops, restaurants and a stylish design hotel.
But, what really draws the crowds is Foodhallen, where you can grab a bite from stars of the Amsterdam street food scene and enjoy live music and DJs. Whatever you’re craving you can find it there, with dishes such as bao buns, tacos, ramen, falafel pita, crab cake burgers, grilled meats and dim sum.
We were drawn to L’Entrecôte Mobile, which specialises in French steak sandwiches made with organic beef, freshly cooked to order. The toasted sesame bun was generously filled with tender, smoky medium-cooked steak, fresh lettuce and a mouth-watering sauce made with tarragon, garlic and parsley butter.
I was keen to try bitterballen – a traditional Dutch snack – and where better than DeBallenbar, created by a Michelin-starred chef? Peter Gast, who earned his first star aged just 25 for his restaurant ‘t Schulten Hues in Zutphen, teamed up with his sous chef Jeroen Elijzen to open DeBallenbar at Foodhallen in 2014.
The bitterballen come in a mix of classic and creative flavours such as Dutch shrimp, bouillabaisse or truffle and are served with a choice of sauces. I went for the original meat bitterballen with mustard sauce and liked the crunchy breadcrumb coating and smooth bechamel centre.
In the mood for something sweet, we picked up some heavenly Earl Grey and chocolate tarts from local French pâtisserie Petit Gateau to graze on back in our room.
Lotti’s
The Hoxton Amsterdam is the coolest place to stay in the city and its all-day brasserie Lotti’s is popular among locals and guests alike. It has a cosy, relaxed vibe and the menu is a mix of classic bistro dishes and Dutch specialities.
I went for a classic Hoxton beef burger with bacon, baby gem, vine tomato, burger sauce, homemade pickles and fries – the perfect comfort food on a chilly night. My mum enjoyed a rich and indulgent Butler’s steak – slow and slow braised beef with liquorice, artichoke and carrots. Dessert was simple and luxurious home-made vanilla and peanut butter ice cream – a delightful end to the meal.
Are you inspired to take a foodie trip to the Dutch capital? Where are your favourite restaurants and cafes in Amsterdam?
All photos by Chérie City
