Category Archives: Amsterdam Food & Drink

Hip Guide to Amsterdam
 
Amsterdam Food and Drink

Pizzeria Rimini

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The Leidseplein area is famous for a wide range of entertainment and dining options. Most of the restaurants seem to be clones of each other, with little to differentiate the various ethnic places, especially the Italian ones.

Pizzeria Rimini is unique in that it offers pretty much the same fare as most other Italian eateries in the area, but boasts pizza and pasta dishes at about half the price of other restaurants. This was such an unusual claim, especially for Amsterdam, I had to give it a try.

I ordered a pizza funghi (with cheese & mushrooms) and I wasn’t disappointed. While it wasn’t the best pizza in the area, it equalled most others. It was huge covering the entire platter. The only faults I could find was perhaps just a little less of each ingredient. A little less cheese, fewer mushrooms (although there certainly was enough), and a slightly thinner crust.

All pizzas are priced at just 5 euros.

You’ll have to walk a bit farther to get the deal as the Rimini is at the edge of the restaurant district. No doubt that’s why they have the half price gimmick to get people to walk past a dozen other Italian restaurants along the way. It’s also very popular with young Dutch people looking to save a few Euros, so it might be crowed on weekends. If you’re looking for cheap eats around the Leidseplein, check out Rimini!

A-Fusion

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Over the last few years Amsterdam has seen a surge of new Asian restaurants, especially since the renovation of Chinatown. Likewise more fusion restaurants seem to be popping up as Dutch taste becomes accustomed to the more unusual, creative fare these kinds of restaurants offer. So it’s no surprise then that another new Asian fusion restaurant has opened on the Zeedijk.

A-Fusion is the descriptive name of this already popular eatery just steps away from the Nieuwmarkt. The intriguing menu and reasonable prices have tourists and locals alike dropping in for lunch and dinner. Their creative fusion of Asian flavors combines elements of Japanese, Chinese and Indonesian/Malaysian cuisines.

The sleek decor with warm woods and blue accents is offset with beautiful live orchids and lilies scattered about the room. The only strange thing is the projection TV on the wall playing Japanese commercials. This silent infotainment might seem dissonant, but it really did fit in with the modern Asian motif, and I’d take it over a football game with my meal anytime.

For appetizers we ordered a Hot and Sour soup (4 Euros), which came with a rich tasty broth and some very hot red chilies. If you don’t like it so hot, let them know or avoid eating those. My Seaweed Wrapped Sesame Chicken rolls were sublime, four for 3.75 Euros.

My main course of udon noodle soup had shitaki mushrooms, bok choy and was topped with chicken satay sticks with an excellent dipping sauce (8.50 Euros). On the menu it was actually a mixed satay, but they gladly substituted my preference. My friend had the Seafood Fried Rice which was served in a whole pineapple. This huge portion contained shrimp, squid and some of that crab-like substance the Japanese love. It was light and delicious but so filling, we couldn’t finish it.

I ordered a Coconut Bubble tea to see if it was like those Tea Shakers I’d had in Barcelona. So I was surprised when I discovered the “bubbles” were actually tapioca pearls. Good thing they served it with both an extra wide straw and a spoon. It was delicious, with good coconut flavor, not too sweet (they asked my preference) yet I had trouble tasting the tea. But that was the only fault I could find with this place on my first visit.

The service was very good, and I noticed the waiters constantly scanning the tables for anyone needing assistance. It almost made me feel like I wasn’t in Holland anymore. The price was right, with our bill coming to around 32 Euros for two with drinks.

A-Fusion is a very pleasurable experience where tasty surprises await adventurous diners.

Info:
Address:
Zeedijk 130
Amsterdam
Phone: 020-330-4068

Eat Mode Asian Fusion Kitchen

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New in Amsterdam, and first in Chinatown the owners claim, is the Eat Mode Asian Fusion Kitchen.


The workers have to restock constantly
to keep the customers satisfied here on the Zeedijk.

Glad I discovered this little eatery on the Zeedijk in Amsterdam, right off the Nieuwmarkt. Fine food, cheap prices and nice ambience all combine to make this place a new favorite of mine in the Mokum. The menu consists of a variety of Asian specialities culled from Japanese, Chinese and Thai cuisine. A separate sushi menu is also available.

I ordered the chicken curry lo mein soup bowl, which was filled to the brim with a rich brown broth, chunks of chicken, potatoes, and chinese veggies. Thanks to such large portions, I was also completely filled to the brim when I finished eating it. My friend ordered the Udon soup with vegetables tempura, and it was also delicious. The crispy fried veggies contrasted well with the savory broth of the soup.

Chinese tea is free with your order. English and other types of tea as well as soft drinks are available. Nothing is expensive at this delightful place, with meals averaging around 6 Euros, topping out around 11 Euros for a prawn dish.

The ambience is nice, the soothing lounge music, quietly chatting diners, contrast with the view of the crowds scurrying by on the Zeedijk. Simple wood block tables and comfortable benches make for an enjoyable, relaxing experience. Please note there is no table service here. You must order at the counter and wait for your number to appear on the display.

Info:
Open daily from 11 am until midnight. The entire menu is available for take-out as well as eat-in.

Address:
Zeedijk 105-107
Amsterdam 1012 AV
Phone: 020 330 0806

Aneka Rasa Indonesian Restaurant

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The Aneka Rasa is an Indonesian restaurant on the Warmoesstraat in the heart of Amsterdam’s Red Light District. But don’t let that fact put you off your food, some of the best meals in Amsterdam are to be found in this area. Just two blocks from Centraal Station, or three from the Dam Square.

As there were two of us dining, we decided to order a rijstaffel “menu” and enjoyed it greatly for all it’s uniqueness, especially the variety of sauces in each of the many dishes.

We started off with their spring rolls, unusually and delightfully prepared with lime leaf and lemongrass, with bits of chicken and vegetables, they were deep fried to a nice crispiness without being drenched in oil. They were served with a delicious sate sauce.

As we sat in the dining room with our beers admiring the nice wood paneling, the main course arrived with two long heated metal trays down the middle of the table loaded with goodies to eat. There were at least a dozen dishes to choose from, the more memorable are listed below.

Hard boiled eggs, with a dark savoury sauce were in one dish. Another had skewers of chicken satay and a huge puddle of peanut sauce, quite nice and lots of it! There were large portions of rice, both coconut flavoured and stir-fried. A bowl held fresh green beans with a fine zesty sauce and other bits of vegetables and nuts stirred in with it. There was a portion of fried mackerel fish, swimming in it’s own sauce, but that was about the least favorite thing I had. The prawns were great however, with a red spicy pepper sauce, and when sprinkled with finely grated coconut, an amazing treat! A bowl of cabbage and carrots was swimming in some herbal sauce that left me cold, but it was in fact piping hot like all the rest of the dishes. Our most favorite that evening had to be the hot and spicy chicken pieces, with nice chunks of red peppers in its own unique sauce… so it was an evening of many sauces, all unique to say the least.

Afterwards our menu meal featured a dessert with coffee or tea, and fried bananas covered with powdered sugar, a fine way to end the meal. And these weren’t ordinary bananas either, they were the fine red fig variety I love so much when I’m in the tropics, or Amsterdam, and lucky enough to find then in the local market.

Our bill, including four beers, was 61.50 euros. Not bad considering we left the table filled with pleasure!

So, my hats off to the Aneka Rasa, with its great service, fine food, and convenient location.

Klaas Compaen

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I must admit I’d passed by this quaint Thai restaurant in the Red Light District many times before I finally took the plunge. Klaas Compaen is named after a man who journed to India but ended up living happily in Thailand because he liked the women and the food.

Klaas Compaen claims to be the first Thai restaurant in Amsterdam, operating here some 30 years. The entry way leads you down some steps into a scent filled basement room. This relatively small restaurant which has just a half dozen tables and more seats at the bar is very cozy. Those sitting at the bar can watch the chef at work creating those Thai delights we know and love.

We had ordered our usual test for Thai restaurants consisting of spring rolls, Tom Yam soup, Pad Thai and red curry. These are the standard dishes served up at all Thai restaurants and reveal the food quality and consistency.

All the dishes were fresh and authentic, although I found the very thin noodles used for the Pad Thai to be lacking in flavor and ingredients. It was mostly noodles with few vegetables or chicken pieces to be found. This was the only drawback to what otherwise was a very tasty meal.

As we were the only patrons for most of our meal, the staff of three provided perfect service. When the place is packed, which I noticed is common on weekends, it may feel a bit claustrophobic or gezelig (cozy) depending upon your personality. Fortunately a bank of air conditioners should prevent the usual Dutch restaurant smoke from being a big problem in such a small room. Ask them to turn them on if you feel uncomfortable.

Info:
Klaas Compaen does not accept credit cards!
Hours: 5pm – 9:45pm

Address:
Raamgracht 9
Amsterdasm

Phone: 020-623-8708

Toko Dun Yong

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Amsterdam’s Chinatown is growing daily, with new shops opening along the edge of the district, servicing the booming restaurant trade and immigrant population as well as the growing interest in Asian food among Europeans.

Toko Dun Yong, a multilevel department store, has been selling a wide variety of products made in China since 1957. This is the class market in Amsterdam’s Chinatown, with far more items than the other, smaller markets carry.

Their excellent selection of food, kitchenware, ceramics, furniture, books, music, restaurant equipment and decorations are without peer in Amsterdam. Whether you’re looking for just the right size wok, or that special kind of tea you’ll find it here or nowhere.

If you can make it past the first floor’s enormous selection of edibles, venture downstairs to the basement’s treasure horde of kitchen and restaurant items. You’ll be sorely tempted to buy that long desired kitchen implement. I was amazed to see such a range of items, including things I didn’t expect to find in a Chinese store, like Paella pans (in 2 sizes!).

With all the other Chinese specialty stores around, the prices might not be the best on certain items, but it’s hardly worth the time to shop all over to save a few cents, when this place has it all.

Info:
Open: 9am – 6pm daily, Sunday Noon-6pm.
Metro: Nieuwmarkt

Address:
Stormsteeg 9
Amsterdam 1012 BD
Phone: +31-(0)20-622-1763

Al’s Plaice

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If you’re craving some fish and chips, look no further than Al’s shop. Featuring a variety of fish including the usual cod (kabeljauw), salmon (recommended!), halibut or whatever is available that day. The fish, cut in huge pieces, is usually done to perfection. The coating is crispy if a little greasy, which only adds to the authenticity. The chips are likewise good.

A fish and chips plate is certainly a filling meal. A selection of pies, including the ubiquitous steak and kidney are available too.

The interior is your typical fast food joint, with stools and tables, often littered with English and Dutch newspapers for your reading pleasure. No swank, just good fish. Enjoy!

Info:
Address:
Nieuwendijk 10
Amsterdam 1012 MK
Phone: 020 427-4192

De Roode Leeuw

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A mild “splurge”. I had 2 wonderful meals at this restaurant on Damrak.

As I travel often, I make it a point to NEVER eat in any hotel restaurant (too expensive, mediocre-to-lousy food).

This restaurant, De Roode Leeuw, was an exception. The steamed mussels were excellent, soups and bisques superb, and the lamsfilet was fabulous. Check out the photo of marrowfat peas with garnishing (tastes even better than it looks, and MUCH better than it sounds). For the excellent service and cuisine, prices were reasonable (great meal w/wine & drinks/dessert/espresso for approx. 30-40 EU maximum). A great “splurge” dinner in a great location. They also have a BRASSERIE with windowed terrace seating for any claustrophobics.

To see pictures of the restaurant, the food served there (including full menus and photos), and get a lot of useful information, goto https://www.hotelamsterdam.nl and click on the “Restaurants” tab on left. (The nice, older fellow in the picture was my waiter). Drill down to the menus & pictures of great Dutch food and try not to imitate one of Pavlov’s dogs.

I ate in Paris, Italy, DAM, everywhere in Europe, and this place was definitely a highlight. No attitudes and friendly staff if you are cool, and dress is casual. Put on your last reasonably clean shirt, have a splif, stroll over to De Roode Leuw and chow. Bon appetit. Enjoy!

x
daveq
ps (I did not stay at the Hotel.. too expensive and modern for my taste though it looked like a good business hotel).

Info:
De Roode Leuw is in the Hotel Amsterdam: Just a couple blocks up Damrak from the Dam square (N towards Centraal Station) on the West side of Damrak, about 2 blocks east of New Church. Hours/info are posted on the website included in this review.

Address:
Damrak 93-94
Amsterdam 1012 LP

Vleminckx Sausmeesters

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In business since 1887 and at this location since 1958, Vleminckx Sausmeesters have mastered the art of the “French” fry. Actually these are Belgian frites, those large, mouthwatering, golden brown crispy fries that are served in a paper cone and smothered in rich sauces.

Until you’ve tried these, you haven’t experienced the best. And with an amazing assortment of sauces to choose from (they call themselves sauce masters after all), including curry and sate, ketchup or mayonaisse (the Dutch preference) seem rather tame. But you can get those too.

For around two Euros you can experience this delicacy the way it was intended.

Warning: After eating these, you will forever disappointed by every other fry you come across. That’s the price you pay for perfection!

The only drawback is there’s no tables and chairs, you must eat standing up or find a seat on a nearby stoop.

Info:
Open Mon-Sat. 11am-6pm, Sun. 12pm-5:30pm
Address:
Voetboogstraat 31, just off the Spui
Amsterdam

Shiva

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We’ve been coming to Shiva for years now, and I’ve always been very satisfied with their quality food, good service and reasonable prices.

The small restaurant on Reguliersdwarsstraat is warm, inviting and cozy. Large and colorful painted scenes from India adorn the walls, and delightful Indian ragas surround you with the sounds of sitar and tabla, setting the scene for your meal.

On our last visit we ordered the Onion Bahji appetizer, delicious little fritters with herbs and spices, and another appetizer of Chicken Pakora, battered & fried chicken pieces served with a tasty tomato/onion chutney.

Our main courses of salmon curry (the fresh fish of the day) was good, but a special order of Prawns Bhuna was even better. I always love bhuna, as it’s more spicy than most curries, and sometimes I can almost hallucinate from some spice in bhuna (nutmeg perhaps?).

The food was accompanied by a lovely Cote Du Rhone (16 euros), and an order of paratha (fresh bread, like a nan). The entire bill including wine came to 56 euros, not bad for a wonderful filling Indian feast for two.

Info:
Open every day.

Address:
Reguliersdwarsstraat 72
Amsterdam 1017 BN
Phone: 020-624-8713