When we hear Amsterdam in conversation, most of us think of pretty colourful buildings, an eclectic art scene, friendly people, and a diverse culture. Few of us consider Amsterdam one of those culinary cities for a family holiday, although the cuisine is surely one of Amsterdam’s top selling points. Whether you are a solo traveller or a single parent foodie, join us on a culinary journey through the Dutch capital. Find out which foods to try and where to eat in Amsterdam. But first, let’s get you there!
How to Get from London to Amsterdam
When travelling from London to Amsterdam, you have a plethora of transportation options. Some people may choose to hop on a plane and arrive within an hour and a half. Others prefer to travel by ferry, bus, or car (which takes longer but is a lot of fun). However, for an absolute treat of a journey, consider taking the train and doing away with the hassle and time it takes to board a plane or ferry.
The Eurostar is, arguably, the most popular way to get from London to Amsterdam because it is convenient, sustainable, and affordable. It takes just under 4 hours, and the journey is wonderfully comfortable. The scenic views along the way will make time fly. You can buy your Eurostar ticket from London to Amsterdam online and start your culinary journey right from home.
Insider Tips for Eating in Amsterdam
Now that you know how to get to the city, it is time to find out where to eat in Amsterdam.
Luckily, the city is home to some of the best eating out spots in the world. So, book your stay, and let your taste buds take control! To help you make the most of your trip, here are our top tips for eating in Amsterdam:
Where to Eat in Amsterdam: The City’s Food Scene by Area
Whether you are on a city trip with kids or travelling on business, your choice of food will depend on where you are in the city.
If you are staying in Jordaan, for example, you will have a wide range of options: The narrow streets and canals of this charming part of the Netherland’s capital are home to numerous cosy restaurants and artisan cafés that truly reflect the Dutch food scene and offer many sweet treats like Dutch pancakes (known locally as pannenkoeken) and apple pie.
If you are a lover of street foods, then De Pijp is the best neighbourhood to explore. You can enjoy stroopwafels, Dutch herring, and kibbeling (fried cod) here, as well as numerous international foods, including Surinamese, Vietnamese, and Turkish delicacies.
Other neighbourhoods worth checking out are Oud-west for gourmet burgers and sushi, Nieuwmarkt/Chinatown for Asian cuisine, and Nine Streets for poffertjes (small batter cakes) and krokets (Dutch meat croquettes).
Best Times and Foods for Eating Out in Amsterdam
Peak hours for breakfast in Amsterdam are between 7 and 9 am. Breakfast can be anything from yoghurt with granola or pastry to breads with sweet or savoury spreads and cold meats. Lunch is usually taken between 12 and 2 pm, but restaurants often stay open until 2:30. Typical lunch dishes include broodje kaas (bread with cheese), broodje gehakt (meatball sandwich), krokets (deep fried meat ragout covered in breadcrumbs), erwtensoep (a thick split pea soup), and fishy foods, such as eel and herring sandwiches!
Dutch families tend to eat dinner as early as 5 or 6 pm, but due to its international population restaurants in Amsterdam stay open until around 10 pm. Authentic dishes to try in Amsterdam include stamppot (mashed potatoes and vegetables topped with sausage), bitterballen (beef and gravy croquettes the size of small meatballs), hutspot (potato and carrot stew), hachee (a hearty beef and caramelized onion stew), and, of course, seafood dishes, such as lekkerbreek (Dutch fish and chips), gerookte paling (smoked eel) or waterzooi (a creamy fish and mussel stew). Needless to say, you don’t have to go for a traditional meat or fish laden dish – you can have pretty much anything you want in international Amsterdam.
In Amsterdam, restaurants and other eateries can get rath busy, so if you are a foodie who likes to take their time and enjoy a good service, try to avoid peak times, and have a late breakfast, lunch, or dinner, for example.
Dietary Considerations: Finding Food that Fits Your Needs
If you have any dietary requirements, Amsterdam has got you covered. The city has something for everyone, whether you are looking for a vegan, gluten-free, or halal diet. It doesn’t matter where you are in the city – you will find plenty of places catering for your needs, whether you have a fussy eater, have food allergies, or any other requirements.
If you are in the De Pijp neighbourhood, check out the Meatless District restaurant, which serves vegan food only, SLA for gluten-free options and Sir Hummus for Jewish and ethnic foods. When in Jordaan, stop by Dignita or Pluk for vegan and gluten-free meals.
Reservations and Queues: Planning Ahead
Amsterdam is a relatively busy tourist destination, especially during the holidays. As a result, eateries and restaurants will often fill up – especially those popular spots where visitors frequent. If you know where you want to eat, make a reservation in advance to avoid missing out or long waits for a table. Needless to say, you can book most restaurants online. There are some exceptions, but a quick phone call should get you a reservation to your favourite places to eat.
Don’t be afraid to be spontaneous and try out any local spots not listed here or in any culinary guide to Amsterdam. You might come across a surprising food find and hidden culinary gem!
Conclusion
We hope that you enjoyed our culinary journey through Amsterdam! Easy to reach from London, the city boasts some of the best cuisines in the country – making it a haven for foodies. Not only that: If you are looking for gluten-free, vegan, or halal diets, or craving authentic Dutch delicacies, there is a great chance that a local restaurant within walking distance offers just what you need and what tickles your tastebuds. Enjoy!
