Come visit Amsterdam – the culinary mecca of the Netherlands
The Culinary Mecca: The Dutch capital is world renowned for a food scene fit for travellers of every taste and budget. The diversity of Amsterdam’s cuisine reflects the diversity of its people; every culture from French fine dining to Thai street food is represented.
The Culinary Mecca: So if you’re visiting for the first time, your options are almost limitless. Here are some of our favourite restaurants in and around the city:
Foodism
Hugo de Grootplein,
Aimed at those who want to explore intriguing new combinations without breaking the bank, Foodism is a Slav-run restaurant with a mediterranean twist. Staple dishes include mushroom-stuffed, goats cheese-topped zucchini, artichokes with mint and pesto and squid with garlic. Portions are fairly small, so treat Foodism like a tapas bar – two or three dishes per person. A meal with set you back between 15 and 20 euros.
Japan Inn
Leidsekruisstraat ,
Tourists and locals alike flock to the Japan Inn for authentic, tasty sushi and sashimi dishes at a reasonable price. The staff pride themselves on their friendly service and the chilled-out east Asian ambience. Dinner costs around 20 euros.
Little Collins
Eerste Sweelinckstraat,
Drawing inspiration from their home city of Melbourne, the team at Little Collins serve up international staples with an imaginative twist. Take, for example, the bruschetta, which comes with Stilton and pears, or saffron-pickled mackerel – both of which are exquisite. Little Collins also markets itself as one of the leading venues on Amsterdam’s burgeoning brunch scene, so the coffee is superb too. Two courses from 19 euros.
Poco Loco
Nieuwmarkt 24,
Open from breakfast time and all through the day, Poco Loco serves simple but delicious international food, often with a Dutch twist. The tapas are popular choices, with options including Dutch croquettes and Italian bruschetta, while the lunchtime sandwiches come with smoked chicken, bacon and Dutch cheese. The dinner options change regularly, with recent offerings including fajitas and grilled meats. Wash them down with a glass or two of traditional Dutch white beer. Main courses are priced from 12 euros.
Sawaddee Ka
Overtoom 49,
Of of Amsterdam’s best Thai restaurants is located close to Amsterdam Hostel Leidseplein, just a five minute walk from the square, and offers both cheap and invariably tasty Thai food. The dishes are fairly typical of the South East Asian nation with sweet and spicy curries, noodles and soups on offer. A main course can cost as little as 9 euros.
Amsterdam’s cuisine is unparalleled compared to many other capitals; it’s a foodie’s paradise. Amsterdam Hostel Leidseplein, located in the heart of Downtown, offers dorm beds from a very reasonable price. So come and stay with us – and sample some of the world’s most interesting food.
