There are so many Thai restaurants in Amsterdam, it’s difficult to keep track of them all. But here’s one you won’t soon forget, Me Naam Naan, located just off the Nieuwemarkt. A friend recommended this place, and I’m glad she did. It seems the Dutch have been keeping this little gem a secret.

We were very fortunate that we arrived earlier because all the other tables were already booked, and our whole meal was punctuated by new arrivals being told there were no tables available. Most of the customers, who were Dutch seemed to know this place fills up fast, and were consequently unperturbed.

I love Thai food having spent a few months there back in the 80s. And the more authentic the better. This means making your own curry pastes and using fresh ingredients, not dried. This place is not only authentic, but better than any I’ve found in Amsterdam.

The true test of a good Thai restaurant is how well they excute the most common dishes, like Tom Yam Koong (Shrimp soup with lemongrass) Pad Thai (rice noodles) and Red Curry. Well this place does these standards so well, I could find no fault. In fact I was amazed to discover they could be done like this. I guess I’m jaded since so many Thai places adulterate these fine dishes with canned pastes or tomato ketchup. Not here. The food is refined, the service was good (suprise!) and the waiters were quite the exotic vision dressed up in traditional, yet elegant Thai fashions. And best of all the price was quite reasonable for such quality food and service.

It seems the owners of this restaurant also own the little Thai market across the street which has a very good selection of authentic Thai ingredients including a varied assortment of those very same homemade curry pastes (my favorite is Penang). Don’t miss out on the restaurant, as it’s a true find!

Get there early or the place will be full. No reservations accepted, so it’s first come, first served.