10 Dutch Winter Foods Must Try in Amsterdam

Snert

It`s green. It`s more delicious than it looks. It`s snert. Often you`ll see it called “erwtensoep” or “Hollandse erwtensoep” but it all means the same. Snert is emblematic of Dutch winter cuisine, and it`s the ultimate winter warmer: a thick pea soup packed with onions, celery, leeks, carrots and sliced smoked sausage (rookwurst), traditionally served with rye bread and smoked bacon.

Fondue

It may not have its origins in Holland, but fondue has a very special place in the hearts of all Dutchies. What could be cosier than huddling around a cauldron of hot melty cheese with a bottle of red on a winter’s night? NOTHING that’s what. There are plenty of places to get your fondue fix in Amsterdam – some favourites include ‘t BlaauwhooftFondue & Fondue and Café Jaap at the Jaap Eden ice rink.

Stamppot

Stamppot is a big lovely mess of mashed potato mushed up with other vegetables including sauerkraut, kale, spinach or turnip greens. Sometimes the potato is smashed with carrots and turnips, and then it’s called Hutspot (not to be confused with the fashionable clothes and homeware store of the same name). You’ll normally find it served with a big ol’ smoked sausage or a pork chop at a traditional Dutch restaurant.

Suddervlees

Suddervlees literally means “braised meat” which translates on the plate to a big hearty beef and ale stew. It makes absolutely no attempt to look attractive (see picture), but with its punchy combo of slow cooked meat, beer, onions and seasoning, it’s winter on a plate for many people in the Netherlands. Get it with frites to mop up all that lovely gravy.

Image result for Suddervlees amsterdam

Suddervlees: Looks aren’t everything

Oliebollen

Oliebollen (which translates to “oily balls” – yum?) are so special that you can only get them for a few short winter months. Traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve, they’re essentially deep fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar, studded with raisins and currants. Look out for Oliebollen stalls (oliebollenkramen) which appear around Amsterdam in mid October, and eat as many as you possibly can before they disappear for another year.

Poffertjes

Repeat after me: “Poff-fert-jus”. There, now you know how to say it, you have no excuse for not ordering trays and trays of these tiny pancakey treats while you’re in Amsterdam. Get them steaming hot from a street vendor, slathered in melty butter and powdered sugar, and devour them whole. What a time to be alive.

Image result for Dutch pancakes Poffertjes

Dutch pancakes

Nice things about eating massive pancakes in winter: everything. Thankfully pancakes are as ubiquitous as bicycles in Amsterdam, so drizzle them in syrup and sugar and let the good times roll. Take a look at some of our favourite pancake houses if you’re in need of inspiration.

Image result for Dutch pancakes amsterdam

Chocolate letters

Go into any food store in November or early December (pre-Sinterklaas) and you will probably see lots of giant letters made from chocolate. These “chocoladeletters” are an integral Sinterklaas tradition in the Netherlands, given as gifts to reflect the first letter of the recipient’s name. It’s also absolutely fine to buy them for yourself.

Image result for chocoladeletters amsterdam

Hot Chocomel

Wrapping your hands around a mug of hot chocolate milk on a winter’s day is one of life’s simple pleasures. You’ll find hot chocolade (usually the Dutch brand Chocomel) on the menus at most cafes and street markets in Amsterdam – ask for yours with a splash of rum if you want to feel a bit naughty.

Image result for Hot Chocomel amsterdam

Dutch apple pie (appeltaart)

Image result for dutch apple pie

Holland’s national pastry comes into its own in the winter months, and there’s nothing more enjoyable than sitting on a heated terrace on a crisp winter’s day, tucking into a thick slice of freshly baked apple pie. Dutch appeltaart is a thing of wonder: with layers of layers of sliced apple tightly packed under a layer of yummy doughy pastry.  Winkel 43 and Café Papeneiland are both commonly said to have the best appeltaart in Amsterdam, but there can be only one winner – and only one way to find out.

Explore the historic center of Amsterdam and delight in the culture and history of this unique city from cobbled streets to world-famous canal houses on our Amsterdam Private Old Town Walking Tour. During the tour you can try local cheese and make a spontaneous coffee break in one of the suggested cafeterias or bakeries.

Best of Breakfast and Brunch Spots in Amsterdam

A beaming morning sun over the charming canals and superb ingredients at hand, there are plenty of delectable breakfasts to be found throughout Amsterdam.

Image result for happiness breakfast food image

The best places for breakfast and brunch in Amsterdam

In a city where the collective population cycles 2 million kilometers each day, there is no shortage of hearty breakfast options. From bakeries, brunch spots, pancake shops, brasseries and bistros, here are the places you should head to fuel up and start your day in style.

The Breakfast Club

With two locations in Amsterdam West (Bellamystraat & Haarlemmerplein), this hipstery hotspot is the place to go for late, lazy brunches that last all day long (or until 5pm, at least). The menu boasts various city-themed dishes, which means you get a pretty wide selection of breakfast styles, from flapjacks to eggs on toast and from fresh croissants to buckwheat pancakes. Green, orange, brown and pink smoothies are also on the menu. The Breakfast Club // Oud-West & Westerpark

Rum Baba

Sweet-toothed brunchers should head to this friendly cafe in Amsterdam’s Oosterpark neighborhood for a delectable range of freshly baked pastries and delicious hot coffee at any time of the day. Pull up a seat and stay as long as you like. And if you become particularly attached to your chair you could even take it home with you – the furniture, books, plants, other home accessories here are all for sale. Rum Baba // Oosterpar

Drovers Dog

Now with three locations in Amsterdam, this Australian inspired eatery is taking over the city one neighborhood at a time. Hungry pups can tuck into of all-day brunches with ricotta pancakes, eggs Benedict, organic muesli and the best flat whites this side of Down Under. Drovers Dog // drovers-dog.com // Oost & Zuid and West

Bakers & Roasters

This cute breakfast and brunch spot in the bohemian neighbourhood of De Pijp describes itself as a ‘New-Zealand-style café served with a heavy dose of Brazil’. It’s an unusual mix but we like it; and the colourful breakfasts, baked delicacies and fresh fruit salads will certainly put a spring in your Samba ahead of a day exploring Amsterdam. Bakers & Roasters // De Pijp

Sugar & Spice

Best thing about being a grown up? You get to eat cake for breakfast whenever you like. And at this cosy De Wallen bakery you can do just that. The brunch platter offers a tempting selection of all things nice; yoghurt with granola, cake and pastries, served up in kitsch, homely surroundings with friendly service. Sugar & Spice // Centrum

The Pancake Bakery

Beloved by visitors, international students and locals alike, this cosy pancake house inside a 17th century warehouse on Prinsengracht is something of an Amsterdam institution – which explains the queues frequently seen snaking out of the door and along the canal. Visitors can tuck into a choice of more than 100 (huge) sweet and savoury pancakes, and help themselves from generous pots of syrup on the tables. The Pancake Bakery // Centrum

Image result for The Pancake Bakery amsterdam

You might also like: Top pancake spots in Amsterdam

Bar Spek

Literally translated as ‘bacon bar’, this quirky breakfast spot is set on the edge of Amsterdam’s newly hip Baarsjes neighbourhood. It’s open for lunch and dinner too, but it’s well worth the short trip out of the centre for the most important meal of the day. Snag yourself a table on the terrace if the weather’s nice and tuck into a selection of cooked breakfasts, pancakes and healthier optionsBar Spek // Oud-West

Scandinavian Embassy

On a leafy block a stone’s throw from Sarphatipark, this understated De Pijp breakfast spot is definitely one for the coffee purists; thanks to its Swedish owners’ unfaltering commitment to the perfect cup. Head there for award-winning, freshly-brewed coffee and a healthy, Scandinavian influenced breakfast in stylish, Nordic inspired surroundings. Scandinavian Embassy // De Pijp

Anne & Max

Anne and Max are the fictional characters behind this eponymous Amsterdam café, open every day for breakfast, a quick coffee, lunch, high tea and savoury snacks. Every day, you can read the menu boards to see which specials Anne and Max recommend, including the baguette with hummus and avocado, and the revitalising `goedmaken’ fruit shake, made with pomegranate, blackberry, apple, strawberry and ginger. The ingredients are, wherever possible, sustainable and homemadeAnne & Max // De Pijp

De Bakkerswinkel

If you stumble across it by accident, you may not even realise that this stylish but humble eatery is actually a much-loved national bakery chain. It has three Amsterdam branches to its name and, more often than not, queues out of the door. Select from tea, coffee or juices to perk you up while you decide whether you fancy a basic breakfast bun with a tasty filling, a slim-line yoghurt-muesli combo or a more elaborate mix of croissant, breads and eggs. De Bakkerswinkel // Westerpark & Centrum

Omelegg

Omelegg pride themselves on being the Netherlands’ first “omeletterie”. And they’re not joking around when it comes to egg cravings, providing their first customers’ fix from 7 in the morning. As you would expect from such a specialised place, the menu boasts some rather experimental items – think omelette with dates, currywurst or banana and peanut butter – but purists won’t need to abstain from the standard variations, either. While you wait, watch the eggs sizzling with all sorts of fresh ingredients in the open kitchen. Omelegg // De Pijp

Image result for omelegg amsterdam

Pancakes!

Another Amsterdam institution dedicated to the lovely art of pannenkoeken, this cosy café jwith two central locations serves up a selection of pancakey treats all day long amongst modern Delft print decor and wooden tulips. Choose from fluffy American style pancakes, traditional Dutch, French clafoutis and even Turkish mucver – all with your choice of fillings and toppings. The Dutch don’t traditionally eat pancakes for breakfast so you’ll need to wait until opening time 10am to get your fix; plenty of time to build up an appetite (you’ll need it). Pancakes! // 9 Streets & Centrum

Conservatorium Brasserie

If you’re looking to push the breakfast boat out, the bright and airy brasserie at the luxurious Conservatorium hotel in Museumplein makes the ideal spot for an elegant breakfast or brunch in Amsterdam. Located in an internal courtyard with a spectacular glass ceiling and floor to ceiling windows, the brasserie offers a choice of exquisite a la carte breakfast or a modern buffet-style ‘ice table’. If you really want to start your day off in style/a bit drunk, the breakfast menu also includes Louis Roederer Champagne by the glass. Conservatorium Brasserie // Oud-Zuid

The Cottage

This cosy little place in Amsterdam Oost serves delicious British comfort food all day long. Start your day (they open at 8:30) with great coffee, fresh scones, homemade jam or a full English – part of their all-day brunch menu. The lunch menu includes delicious pies, sausage rolls and a Sunday roast, plus they have an excellent range of drinks and cocktails, served from a beautiful old bar. The Cottage // Oost

CT Coffee & Coconuts

Like coffee? Like coconuts? Then you’ll love this airy De Pijp eatery. Housed inside a former 1920s cinema, the art deco building has been lovingly converted into a hip hangout with stripped back décor and a laid back atmosphere ideal for long, lazy brunches. As well as a regularly updated selection of coffee to accompany your breakfast, visitors can enjoy an entire fresh coconut with a squeeze of lime (and a dash of rum if you like). Breakfast is served until 1pm and includes a healthy range of overnight buckwheat porridge, avocado on toast and delicious coconut pancakes. Coffee & Coconuts // De Pijp

Yoghurt Barn

Get your day off to a healthy start by creating your own perfect yoghurt at this trendy De Pijp breakfast spot. Choose organic, soy or goat milk yoghurt and then add a variety of delicious toppings to it. You can also select one of the fixed yoghurt combinations on the menu, such as the crazy cookie or brownie bango. Feel like having something else? Yoghurt Barn offers frozen yoghurt, yoghurt smoothies and coffee as well. Yoghurt Barn // Oud-West

5&33 at art’otel amsterdam

For brunch with a designer twist, head to the colourful bar and art space at the newly opened art’otel opposite Central Station, for one of their famous Bloody Mary Brunches. Choose from a selection of imaginative egg dishes, sandwiches or larger meals served up with a range of Bloody Mary cocktails – the perfect tonic for the morning-after-the-night-before. 5&33 at art’otel // Amsterdam Centrum

 

For more local tips, contact us or join us on our Amsterdam tours!


sales@nordicexperience.com
www.nordicexperience.com

Amsterdam Cultural Calendar Autumn 2019

Amsterdam Culutural Calendar 2019 | Nordice Experience

Amsterdam Cultural Calendar

Amsterdam in autumn is beautiful, and while the leaves changing colour is a wonderful sight to behold, there are sure to be rainy days when you’ll want to be warm and dry inside. Luckily, there’s also a cloudburst of culture this season, with amazing art exhibitions, film festivals and dance events to keep you entertained. Here’s a curation of what to see and do this autumn in Amsterdam.

For film buffs

  • IDFA (International Documentary Film festival Amsterdam) sees a staggering amount of films beam onto the city’s big screens. 20 November – 1 December // Rembrandtplein
  • Cinekid is a film festival with a focus on younger audiences. 19-25 October // Westergas
  • Head to Kaboom Animation Festival (formerly KLIK) for the latest and greatest in all things animated. 13-17 November // Westergas
  • Film buffs will love the Andre Tarkovsky retrospective at Eye Filmmuseum, where carefully selected film fragments, archival material, and photographs and Polaroids will give you insight into this filmmaker’s existentially poetic world. 14 September – 6 December // EYE Filmmuseum

For shutterbugs

Brassai FOAM Amsterdam | Nordic Experience

  • Of Hungarian descent, French photographer Brassai’s work can be seen at Foam as part of his first retrospective exhibition in the Netherlands. His focus was on Paris, where he captured countless images of a city in flux. 13 September – 4 December // Foam
  • Unseen Amsterdam, a three-day photography festival presenting the latest work from photo artists across the globe. As with IDFA, there’s an expansive programme of events including lectures and workshops. 20-22 September // Westergas
  • Over at Huis Marseille there is another first, as the museum of photography celebrates American photographer Berenice Abbott. This large retrospective looks at her New York work and provides insight into the modernist master. Until 1 Dec // Huis Marseille
  • Reflect on a selection of 30 years of work by Inez & Vinoodh, a Dutch duo at the forefront of digital technology who have made cutting-edge work in the fashion realm. It’s at The Ravestijn Gallery. Until 19 October // The Ravestijn Gallery

For art aficionados

  • With Rembrandt year celebrations drawing to a close, take an in-depth look at the techniques Rembrandt used. Rembrandt House’s Rembrandt Lab exhibition explores the ways, materials and methods used by Rembrandt and puts them under the microscope. Until 16 February 2020 // Rembrandt House Museum
  • At the Rijksmuseum, compare Rembrandt with his Spanish counterpart Velázquez, or experience Rineke Dijkstra’s compelling video installation of people looking at the Night WatchUntil 3 December // Rijksmuseum
  • There’s a fascinating exhibition featuring the work of Chagall, Picasso and Mondrian at the Stedelijk Museum. Until 2 February 2020 //Stedelijk Museum
  • Van Gogh Museum ponders French artist Jean-François Millet’s paintings. 4 October – 12 January 2020 // Van Gogh Museum
  • See cutting-edge contemporary art at the annual Amsterdam Art Weekend21-24 November // various venues
  • No matter what your taste is, PAN Amsterdam is likely to have something for you. It’s all about art, antiques and design at this fair that attracts upwards of 45,000 visitors each year. 24 November – 1 December, RAI Amsterdam
  • The Affordable Art Fair is where you may find fabulous art works that are within your budget. 31 October – 3 November // Kromhouthal
  • Every November Amsterdam’s museums open their doors for a night of arty events as part of Museum Night Amsterdam2 November // various museums

Get your dancing shoes on

Amsterdam Dance Event | Nordic Experience

  • ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event) is a massive music festival, with more than a thousand events, that takes over the city each year. From top DJs to the freshest talent, both local and international, this is where every facet of the electronic dance music industry is explored. Catch lectures, workshops and forums as part of the well-attended conference. 16-20 October // various venues
  • At Amsterdam Music Festival (AMF) big names like David Guetta and Armin van Buuren take to the stage. 19 October // Johan Cruijff Arena

Hey music lover

Image result for royal concertgebouw | Nordic Experience

  • Experience the magic of the Pianoduo Festival where, you guessed it, two pianists will play side by side. 9-13 October // various venues
  • Check out the Intercontinental Ensemble with their focus on women composers. 2 November // Oosterkerk
  • Take in Haydn’s blustery, intense Symphony no. 52, with a bit of Purcell and Händel thrown in for good measure, played by the RCO with Thomas Hengelbrock conducting. 17-20 October // Royal Concertgebouw
  • Free lunchtime concerts at the Royal Concertgebouw are yours for the taking. Wednesdays // Royal Concertgebouw

Take to the stage

Amsterdam’s stages come alive with an array of performances, many in English or with English surtitles. Here are a few theatre and dance highlights on our radar that are expected to be entertaining, challenging and sometimes even confronting. From small to major productions, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few performances lighting up Amsterdam’s stages this autumn.

  • A Quiet Evening of Dance, 13-16 November // International Theater Amsterdam
  • Kunstkamer, 3 October-16 November //Nederlands Dans Theater
  • Pergolesi’s Stabat Matter28 September // Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ
  • Mozart’s Così fan tutte, 3-21 October // Nationale Opera and Ballet

Plus

  • At the end of November, the Amsterdam Light Festival lights up the city. 28 November – 19 January 2020 // various locations

 

For more local tips, contact us or join us on our Amsterdam tours!


sales@nordicexperience.com
www.nordicexperience.com

 

 

 

10 child friendly cafés and restaurants in Amsterdam

Going out with your children to grab a bite to eat or something to drink can be a challenge. But there are plenty of places in Amsterdam where you can easily bring your kids along for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Whether you are looking to spend a fun afternoon with your children or just need some time for yourself where the kids can entertain themselves, we’ve got the best kid-friendly spots in Amsterdam for you.

Blender Amsterdam

Blender Amsterdam

You’ll find Blender where the neighbourhoods De Pijp and Oud-Zuid meet. This kids’ concept store and café offers plenty of room to explore, socialise and shop. In this kid-friendly café, children can play to their heart’s content every day of the week — and with an expansive children’s menu with healthy and delicious food to nibble on, both big and small appetites will be satisfied. Take a look around the shop for trendy kids’ furniture, toys, gifts and clothing from unique, local brands. Children can even hold their birthday parties at Blender, get their hair cut and participate in all sorts of fun activities such as dance classes, arts and crafts, and cooking lessons.

Blender Amsterdam, Ruysdaelstraat 9- 11- 13 

Moak Pancakes

All you have to say is ‘pancake’ and the little ones are already outside with their coats on…and then it’s off to Mook in Amsterdam’s Oud-West neighbourhood. At Mook, the pancakes (prepared the American way; you won’t find traditional Dutch pancakes here) are not only finger-licking good, the atmosphere and décor are also a delight for people of all ages. From the Mancake to Blue Magic Deluxe, savoury and sweet are both represented on the menu and you can even customise a pancake for the kids. Mook is open seven days a week from 09:00 to 21:00!

Moak Pancakes, De Clercqstraat 34

MiniMarkt Amsterdam

As a concept store, café, kids’ hair salon, play and meeting place in one, MiniMarkt Amsterdam is a great spot to spend a few hours any day of the week. The shop sells original gifts for baby showers and other occasions, clothing, toys and home décor with a Scandinavian touch. You’ll work up an appetite from all that shopping and playing, but luckily MiniMarkt offers a menu for children of all ages as well as a breakfast and lunch for adults with homemade cakes, quiches, organic juices or fresh sandwiches.

MiniMarkt Amsterdam, Beethovenstraat 5A

Wijs West

At Wijs West (in Oud-West), you can buy your child a tasty treat, get them a new hairdo, allow them to pick out a little gift for themselves, and let them play undisturbed with other children. The café serves delicious sandwiches, tasty cappuccino, healthy snacks, juices and cakes, with or without sugar, gluten or lactose. While you take a breather, the kids can do their own thing in the play area full of toys and craft supplies. A different workshop is held every day of the week, such as reading aloud in English, yoga for kids and mothers-to-be, baby massage and crafts.

Wijs West, Bilderdijkstraat 62

Lunchroom Lastig

Don’t let the name confuse you; even the youngest lastpakken (troublemakers) will be kept out of mischief for hours in this friendly neighbourhood lunchroom. For older kids (six and up) there’s a thrilling 40m2game room, and for the adults, a cosy sitting area, free Wi-Fi and Indonesian hospitality. The menu features treats such as French toast with banana and cinnamon sugar, panini fresh from the grill, and many Indonesian specialities such as Nasi Kuning or spekkoek (an Indonesian layer cake). Kids of all ages can participate in one of the monthly workshops, such as learning how to draw cartoons, various crafts and ‘Cooking for Kids’. Something to celebrate? Lunchroom Lastig is happy to help you plan a great event thanks to their special package for parties.

Lunchroom Lastig, Christiaan Huygensplein 33

Pllek

Every Sunday afternoon is a celebration at Pllek. The Ruige Rakkers, the creative children’s programme at this hotspot, offers a series of free activities from 13:00 to 17:00. Kids aged four and older can perform in plays, do yoga, paint or get creative with crafts. A glass of lemonade is included to quench their thirst, and bread rolls with schuddebuikjes (tiny spiced biscuits) and other tasty toppings will satisfy their appetites. Mum and dad can relax in the meantime with a drink and admire the beautiful view over the IJ River.

Pllek, TT Neveritaweg 59

The Pool

You might not expect it, but this restaurant on Wibautstraat in the east of Amsterdam is actually very kid-friendly! With its spacious layout and colourful décor, The Pool offers a special kids’ menu in addition to its deliciously expansive menu for adults. Add to this the children’s chairs, coloured pencils and colouring books, and a play area with ping-pong tables, table football and the photo booth at the on-site Student Hotel, then this location will make it straight onto your list of favourite eateries for the entire family. There is even a space under the restaurant with pinball machines and games for older kids. Another feature is the special family dinner: on Saturdays from 17:30 to 18:30, you can enjoy a meal of chicken, chips, salad and ice cream for only €10 per person. Be sure to book in advance!

The Pool, Wibautstraat 131-A

Sissy-Boy Daily

Sissy Boy

At the Sissy-Boy store on KNSM-Laan, not only can you spend hours browsing through the trendy gadgets, furniture, gifts and clothing for children and adults, but you’ll also find a great lunch spot right in the shop called Daily. You can order a tasty sandwich with peanut butter, jam, hazelnut spread or cheese just for the kids, and a fruit ice lolly for dessert. And while the kids make drawings, you can recharge in the café.

Sissy-Boy, KNSM-Laan 19

Café-restaurant Amsterdam

Westerpark Cafe Restaurant Amsterdam Marie Charlotte Peze

Café-restaurant Amsterdam is located in the former engine room of a pumping station dating back to the late 19th century. Such a historic building may not immediately make a child-friendly impression, but appearances can be deceiving. The kitchen is open seven days a week to make dining out with children a lot easier and more fun. A separate menu is available for kids, offering a wide range of choices such as pasta with tomato sauce, burgers, fish nuggets, spring rolls with chips and applesauce, and more. To keep parents’ taste buds happy, the menu offers divine treats such as shrimp croquettes from Holtkamp, Black Angus steak, a special selection of Fruits de Mer, sticky toffee cake and excellent wines. And once the kids have cleaned their plates, they can go make mischief in the football cage outside.

Café-restaurant Amsterdam, Watertorenplein 6

Be sure to also check out our selection of the best activities and attractions for kids and family outings in Amsterdam!

 

Contact us for more local tips!

Book your private Amsterdam city tour or shore excursion here:

www.nordicexperience.com

AMSTERDAM TOURS
sales@nordicexperience.com
Private tours in Scandinavia & Baltics with passion by hand-picked guides!

Follow Nordic Experience on Facebook

Cookies

Attention! We are using cookies to ensure the work of our website and provide you with best user experience. Clicking on button “Accept” would mean that you agree using cookies in your machine.