Amsterdam indoor Food Market: Foodhallen

When in Amsterdam...there are many street markets.

Foodhallen is a food market in part of the old tram depot of Amsterdam west. The market is a retail food market where 21 small independent businesses have a stall and dispense some wonderful treats for under 10 euro. Music and events take place regularly so be sure to check out the the Foodhallen website for up to date information.

In the middle of the market is a bar that sells drinks. This market is similar in concept to Chelsea and Grand Central Market in New York and Borough Market in London.

Foodhallen, Amsterdam (source Facebook page Foodhallen)

The building complex is great urban rejuvenation project supported by the City of Amsterdam, the local community and investors. In addition to the food, within the complex is a library with a reading cafe, movie theaters, television studios and indoor parking for 500 bicycles.

Foodhallen, Amsterdam (source Facebook page Foodhallen)

The food section has the restaurant De Brasserie Halte 3 and the Grill Restaurant Meat West. The complex is also a short walk to the famous Ten Kate street market.

Meat West (source Meat West Facebook Page)

If you love food and markets this is a must visit for anyone exploring Amsterdam as a return or first time visitor.

Getting there:

Location:

Location is between the Kinkerstraat, Bellamyplein, Tollensstraat and the Ten Katemarkt. It is a very big complex hence the complicated address.

Bike: 10 minutes bike from the Anne Frank House Museum for beginners.

Tram:

• 13, 14, 12, 3 exit at corner of Bilderdijkstraat and De Clercqstraat
• 7, 17 exit at corner of Ten Katemarkt and Kinkerstraat
• Preferred option from Centraal Train Station catch Tram 17.
• Preferred option from Museum district is Tram 7, departing from nearby Leidseplein. 

Opening Time:

 1200hrs to 2330hrs

Keep up to date with what is going on at the Foodhallen on their Facebook page.

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

For more blogs on Amsterdam food:

All time top 10 thing to eat in Amsterdam: a critical analysis 

Amsterdam top 10 things to eat: a critical approach

When in Amsterdam....visitors always ask what local specialty food to eat and try? 

Our Approach:

• Review websites with a top list of things to eat in Amsterdam
• Collate
• A critical analysis
• Recommend places to try the local delicacy.
• Include options you can try all year and not seasonal food.
• At the end there are a range of food tours for you tick as many off the list in one outing.

10. Patat (Fries)

Although originally from Belgium(hence the name Flaamse Frites) the locals have adopted this local snack. Most street corners in tourist areas will have an outlet. Served in paper cones with an assortment of sauces of your choice.

Be sure to try the Amsterdam topping of Peanut sauce, Mayo and fresh onion. Locally referred to as Patatje Oorlog. 

Recommendation: 

Manneken Pis was voted the best fries in all of the Netherlands. Sadly, it is located on the Damrak rated the ugliest street in Amsterdam. Order and head three blocks to the west to sit on the Single canal and enjoy your fries.

Manneken Pis
Damrak 41, Amsterdam

9. Rijstaffel (Indonesian)

The Jewel in the crown of the Dutch Empire was Indonesia. Indonesian restaurants abound in Amsterdam similar to Indian restaurants in England. 

The Rijstaffel is a colonial invention. No Indonesian would ever serve small amounts of anything on their table. The meal was invented to make the colonial masters satisfied. Nonetheless, you order a fixed menu and an assortment of curries and other small Indonesian dishes are presented in the middle of the table for you. 

When reading reviews of Indonesian restaurants be mindful that many reviewers have never been to Indonesia or have tried the food before. Also, that many Indonesian restaurants reduce the flavour to cater to Northern European pallet. 

Recommendation:

Puri has a simple interior and at times grumpy staff (which is very Amsterdam). However, the Rijstaffel is excellent and recommended by the local Indonesians. It also doesn't have the high price tag that many Indonesian restaurants attach to their Rijstaffel. Probably another reason for the recommendation.

Puri Restaurant

Albert Cuypstraat 58-60

8. Pancakes

Dutch pancakes are thin like crepes but the size of a large plate. Toppings are sweet, savoury or both. You can have them for breakfast, lunch, or all three.

Local's enjoy the mixture of bacon, cheese and topped with syrup on one pancake.

Pancakes are very simple to make so the below is nice old quirky place.

Recommendation:

Pannenkoekenhuis (Pancake House) Upstairs has been at the same location since the 1960s. The charm of the place is the death defying stairs and the little tables.

Pannekoekenhuis Upstairs

Grimburgwal 2

7. Koffie (Koffie)

Yes, it is not an eat. However, it is an integral part of Dutch society. You don't need half a gallon of coffee to keep you going in Amsterdam. A simple black coffee with some coffee milk on the side(is optional) and one biscuit. This is all you need to feel what a majority of the country runs on, coffee.

Recommendation:

Cafe Barones is situated centrally and next to some of the buildings of the University of Amsterdam. Well regarded coffee and a mixture of locals, students customers with a busy bike path at the front to watch the world pass.

Cafe Barones

Torensteeg 2

6. Apple Tart

Dutch apple tart recipes date back to the 1500s. Different from other countries in that there is a biscuit base and lattice top. Also, local appel varieties are often used such as Elstar and Goudreinet. Mixed with cinnamon and lemon juice don't forget to ask for whipped cream on the side.

Many places rate their Apple Tart as the best in town. Some places have built a reputation just on their pie alone. However, like pancakes Dutch Apple Tarts are not hard to make and most places have a very good tart.

Recommendation:

Anywhere in the Jordaan. The Jordaan is a district in the 17th Century area. Every guide book and site lists Winkle 43 as the best apple pie but they are normally filled with tourists. Explore the alleyways of the Jordaan and find a place to yourself and order the apple tart You will find a better experience and as good a slice of pie as the famous places.

Herring from Meer Dan Vis (Photo byAmsterdam Food Tour see below)

5. Herring 

Most cities built from a commodity base. For Amsterdam it was Herring and beer. Once this country pioneer the curing of this little fish it could be sent further as a commodity and exchanged for beer. From this humble start the country becomes a world power in the 17th century to the country it is today.

Note: In Amsterdam we do not hang it by the tail and take bites from it dangling above your head. Custom dictates that you get it cut up into small slices and sample in a civilised manner.

If you are not here from May to July. Get some onion to go with the fish as the new herring is is out of season.

Recommendation:

Meer dan Vis source their fish from small fishing vessels rather than industrial boats. They do this daily so it is sure to be fresh.

Meer Dan Vis
Tweede Eglantiersdwarsstraat 13 (long name for a short street...its in the Jordaan)

4. Ossenworst

Its a sausage. The only EU accredited food to be special to Amsterdam. Have it on a sandwich or as slices for a beer snack. The beef sausage is lightly cured and mixed with pepper and other spices.

Originally ox(hence the name ox sausage) was used when large number of them were imported from Austria and Germany in the 17th century. The boom in the spice trade made a delicious combination. Today the sausage is beef.

Recommendation:

Vet (fat) Butcher is known for their quality meat. Although the only place to sit is the bench at the front. Pop into this unassuming quality Dutch butcher in the middle of Amsterdam's Chinatown. Order an Ossenworst sandwich.

Vet
Zeedijk 99, Amsterdam

3. Stroopwaffel

Originally from Gouda (same place as the cheese) this local favourite dates back to the 1800s when a baker wanted to use leftovers. Today. two thin waffles are stuck together by syrup hence the name syrup waffel.

This is your best gift to take home with you. In the supermarkets these retail for 2 euros depending on the brand. They are a hit with all. Even that person that doesn't like sweets.

Recommendation:

Fresh from the Albert Cuyp Market. You won't be able to take a fresh one home from your travels but you can tell people about the best way to have them. There is one stall holder on the market which does them fresh. Do becareful as the syrup is dangerous when hot.

Albert Cuyp Market

2. Bitterballen/Kroket
Deep fried crumbed beef stew. They come in ball(bitterballen) or log (kroket) shaped. Bitterballen are normally served with bitters (mustard) as a beer snack. Krokets can be a snack or added to bread for a sandwich. 

Bitterballen is generally meat while krokets can come in a range of flavours from shrimp to vegetarian.

Recommendation:

Any Brown cafe. A traditional dutch bar that is brown on the inside. Hence the name, Brown Cafe. Cafe t' Smalle (the Small cafe) is a charming place though normally busy. If it is busy just cruise the near alley ways and look for old cafes.

Cafe t' Smalle
Egelantiersgracht 12

1. Cheese

Of course Cheese is number 1. Cheese in the Netherlands dates back to 2 centuries before Christ. The rich delta pasture has produced cheese famous all over the world. Gouda and Edam are the most popular internationally. Although the later is mainly exported. Aged, young, smoked, spiced there is cheese for every occasion. 

There is a range of cheese shops in Amsterdam. Many cheese shops have sprung up for the tourist market over the last few years. Be sure to taste but don't waste your money.

Recommendation:

Kaaskamer is for serious cheese heads. It is a retail place for you to take away or purchase a sandwich with some tasty cheese

Kaaskamer van Amsterdam
Rundstraat 7


Not a bad list for a city and country not known for cuisine. There is something for everyone. The cheese head, the sweet tooth, the adventurous and the conservative. So when you are asked about Dutch food in Amsterdam you have something to say.



Now you can spend hours navigating Amsterdam on your own trying to find these and other places to get your Dutch treats. However, to do it properly and save time here is a list of food tours so you can tick a number of these and many others off your list while learning something.

Food Tours of Amsterdam

Eating Amsterdam - 75 euro per person, 3-4 hours, 6 stops and a canal cruise. 6-12 people per group

Urban Adventures - 36 euros per person, 2.5 hours. 4 snacks and 1 drink. You get to go to a supermarket and finish at at micro-distillery. 12 people group maximum

Omy Amsterdam Jordaan Food Tour - 50.00 euro per person, 2 - 2.5 hours. 5 stops food drinks included and the history of the Jordaan. 4 people group maximum.

Hungry Bird Tour - 59 euro per person. Snacks and drinks equal to a full lunch. 8 people group maximum

Shop, Cook, Eat Tour. Go to the market with a local chef buy local goodies. Bring them back learn to cook local and eat or invite the rest of the family or friends to eat. 110 euro per person. Eaters are charged additional fee of 45 euros drinks and food included.

Tours by Locals - 290 - 560 euro for 1 to 10 people. 6 stops, 2.5 hours

Other interesting blogs

Beer related things to do in Amsterdam

Things to do in Amsterdam: local tips from famous Amsterdammers

Overcoming the biggest problems to Amsterdam for Visitors

Places to mum for lunch when visiting Amsterdam

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Neighbourfood Market in Amsterdam

When in Amsterdam visit a market. Today we visited the Neighbourfood Market at the Westergasterrein.

Neighbourfood Market Amsterdam

We arrived around 10am. The bad weather meant many stalls were still setting up so we walked to the nearby Bakkerswinkle for a cup of tea and a fresh juice.

The Neighbourfood Market is a new market in Amsterdam. The market is held on the third Sunday of every month in the Westergasterrein in the Westerpark complex. The market runs from 10am to 4pm.

Cooks, growers, bakers, and food lovers unite at this fantastic market. Many of the stalls hold organic produce. There was so much to try. The setting is wonderful. Full of light and warmth, world's away from the cold and wet that was outside.

Neighbourfood Market Amsterdam

Our pick of the market was the following:

Dolmas (Dolmades) from de Groene Griek (the Green Greek). This stall sold organic olive oil but it was the dolmades that caught my attention. Dolmades are grape vine leaves that are wrapped around a morsel of normally rice, pine nuts and fresh herbs.These were no tasteless tinned rolls that normally get around northern Europe. These were fantastic little morsels of flavour.

De Groene Greek Stall at the Neighbourfood Market Amsterdam

Tapas from Pintxo. This stall had a great selection of Northern Spanish Tapas. Pintxo does catering events. The sausage was a definitive stand out but all that we tried were wonderful.

Pintxo stall at Neighbourfood Market Amsterdam

There was so much to try. Cupcakes, freshly made cakes, English meat pies, gourmet toasted sandwiches fresh produce the list goes on. Thanks to the organizers. After a bit of exercise we look forward to next month's edition.

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Amsterdam in the Winter: Food for thought and warmth

When in Amsterdam and the east wind blows in winter the city gets cold, very cold. It is that time of the year again, Winter. There are many good things about winter in Amsterdam. The city is not so busy, you can go ice skating and walking along the canals reveals the architecture of this great northern European capital.

Through shared struggle comes identity. Winter in Amsterdam at times can be a struggle and food brings people together and creates an identity, Dutch Cuisine. In Winter Dutch Food comes into its own.

photo taken from La buena vida a food store in the Hague

The Dutch are not known for their cuisine, something that their southern cousins in Belgium consistently remind them.

If you are in Amsterdam during winter don't lament the cold, embrace it. Food will be your savior. There is no better time of the year to enjoy good old fashioned Dutch food.

1. Stampot (stamp in a pot)

This is a winter classic. Everything is stamped/mashed together in a pot - makes sense, yes? Normally mashed vegetables with gravy and a boiled sausage.

There are many versions of this of Stamppot:
- Hutspot has onions, carrots and potatoes mashed together.
- Boerenkool, translated as farmers cabbage, but in English Kale. This is mixed into the mashed potato at the end of the cooking and mashing process.
- Zuurkool Mashed potato with sauerkraut
- Andivie stampot: the same as Boerenkool but instead of using Kale, endive is used.

Bacon bits are a popular addition but the dish is limited only by your imagination.

photo of Zuurkool by blog Kattebelletje

Karin Engelbrecht from About.com Dutch Food made an Asian inspired Stamppot with bok choi (an Asian cabbage), cashew nuts and shitake mushrooms.

The secret is always in the sauce. Plenty of sauce is needed.

2. Erwtensoep (pea soup)

Similar to the English pea and ham soup the Dutch have been at lengths to explain the difference. First a traditional Erwtensoup must be cooked slowly over night on a very low heat. Vegetarian versions can be found but normally there is pork hock and sausage in this thick soup. It is perfect after ice skating.

3. Gehaktbal (meat ball)

 A good Dutch meatball will quickly make you forget the cold. Normally served with potatoes and gravy you can also have a sandwich of meatball. If your into meat, this is a show stopper. Dutch meatball is 5 times the size of a Swedish meatball normally around 100grams. Every house has its own recipe but normally there is mixed spice and a toasted bread mixed into the ball.Wednesday is traditionally meatball day. Yes, that's right a whole day attributed to a meatball.

Picture taken from an Australian Food Blog

4.Oliebollen (oil balls)

It doesn't sound healthy and it isn't. The Oliebollen is a Dutch donut without the hole. Amsterdam's squares and train stations are filled with Oliebollen stands during winter. If your waiting for the train or tram because it is to cold to bike this is a perfect treat. Freshly cooked and sprinkled with icing sugar a perfect snack to ward off the east wind.

These also come in many varieties some are stuffed with currents (krentenbollen) or apple.

5. Chocomelk (chocolate milk)

A warm cup of chocomelk goes a long way in winter. The famous brand chocomel originating out of Friesland, a northern province of the Netherlands, is distributed widely in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. This Dutch favourite is served in almost every business from Cannabis Coffeeshop to high end restaurant.

photo taken from blog: Almost barefoot farm girls

5. Mullwijn (mull wine)

Similar to the German and Scandinavian versions. Although a Swedish friend said the Dutch version was nothing like the 'great' Swedish winter wine. Warmed red wine with herbs, warms you to your very toes. Rembrandtplein, the Dam and Leidseplein are popular places to grab a warm red wine.

Here is a list of highly recommended Authentic Dutch restaurants in Amsterdam to enjoy. Click on the links to their websites.

• Restaurant Greetje
•  Bij Ons,
• De Keuken van 1870.  (website under construction at time of writing)
• Kop van Jut,
• Moeders

When In Amsterdam....rug up and enjoy!