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Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and everything in between. If you’re trying to decide what to eat in Amsterdam then you’ve come to the right place.
Amsterdam is an absolute fusion when it comes to its food scene. On some corners you’ll come across entire cafés that have been turned into giant vending machines, where you can insert a coin and open the locker of your choice. Wandering the streets you’ll also come across many street food vendors serving traditional dutch dishes like raw herring, chips and mayo or stroopwafels. When you start to explore the narrow streets, you’ll discover authentic local eateries that have been around for decades.
Those who are in-the-know flock to the many trendy ‘it’ cafés and restaurants dotted around Amsterdam, often with queues rivaling the busiest museums in town. If it’s fine dining that you’re after, Amsterdam doesn’t disappoint either. There are 16 Michelin star restaurants to choose from, amongst many other amazing options.
Finally, Amsterdam is known for its crazy nightlife and also its love of beer. You may be surprised to learn that the city also has a thriving wine and cocktail scene!
With so many options and never enough time, we’re here to help you decide what to eat in Amsterdam. Here are the places you need to try during your visit.
What to eat in Amsterdam
That famous herring
The traditional Dutch way to eat raw herring is to hold the fish by its tail, dip it in raw onions, hold it over your head and slide into your mouth. On the streets you’ll also find it sliced into bite-sized pieces, sprinkled with onions and pickles, and served on a paper plate with a toothpick. For those who are a bit unsure, order it in a “broodje” (a soft bread roll) with pickles and onions for a delicious sandwich.
Specialty Coffee
Amsterdam has become a hot spot for specialty coffee in recent years. Far from the infamous “coffee shops” that the city is known for, this new wave of coffee shops that actually serve coffee are taking over. From flat whites to drip coffee, the city is exploding with trendy cafés and high quality coffee beans roasted on-site. Try White Label Coffee, Sweet Cup, Lot Sixty One and Two for Joy, just to name a few.
Don’t skip dessert!
From fresh giant stroopwafels oozing with caramel goodness, to some of the best apple pie that you’re likely to ever have in your life. How about freshly-made poffertjes with cream, or hot waffles with melted chocolate and strawberries. Amsterdam is the home of many mouth-watering desserts that are just too good to miss. After a busy day of exploring, you’ll have the perfect excuse to sit down with a coffee and dessert to recharge.
Local drinks in Amsterdam
Indulge in the Beer Culture
Amsterdam has a thriving beer culture with countless places to enjoy a brew. The Brouwerij Troost Westergas brewery in Westerpark has 12 taps and a laid-back menu for the ultimate chilled afternoon. If you have a little more time, head to the Heineken Experience where you can tour the original Heineken factory. You’ll learn how the beers are made and finish off with a taste testing session.
Discover the Wine Bars of Amsterdam
There are some fantastic wine bars in Amsterdam to please even the most refined connoisseurs. Worst Wijncafé has a selection of 17 wines to try by the glass, alongside their fantastic brunch menu. Vyne is the city’s most well-known wine bar with over 275 wines to choose from. If you’re a lover of natural wine then head straight to Glou Glou in the lively De Pijp area.
Cocktail Hour!
Amsterdam is known for its great nightlife and the cocktail scene doesn’t disappoint. If you love a lively speakeasy then head to the secret ‘Apt’ and knock three times to get in. The luxe Café Panache serves entire pitchers of cocktails, while the whimsical Tales & Spirits bar has the most unique cocktail in the city called the “What if…”
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