You could say the Dutch invented gin. That’s because the Dutch (along with their similar-speaking neighbors, the Flemish) created juniper-flavored genever in the Middle Ages. It was originally intended for medicinal purposes (that it made you feel a bit tipsy was a bonus). By the 17th century, the British discovered it, called it “gin,” eventually […]
Amsterdam Blog
Craft Beer in Amsterdam: Breweries & Bars From a Hop Lover
Posted on August 21, 2024
Craft beer in Amsterdam has been thriving over the past decade or so. With dozens of breweries and taprooms to enjoy, working your way around the city’s best beer spots is a great way to explore some of the more off-beat areas of Amsterdam. The Netherlands has been brewing beer for centuries, but what we […]
Herring in Amsterdam: A Beginner’s Guide to Enjoying This Bite
Posted on May 7, 2024
Holland and herring go together like bread and butter. Visit any city or village in the Netherlands, and you’ll see the iconic image of a young woman in traditional Dutch dress holding a herring by the tail, dangling it into her mouth. The Dutch have been catching these prized silver fish in the North Sea […]
Everything You Need to Know About Bitterballen
Posted on April 23, 2024
No visit to the Dutch capital would be complete without savoring every Amsterdammer’s favorite bar snack: bitterballen. Thankfully, you needn’t look very hard to find the best bitterballen in Amsterdam. These golden-brown orbs of deep-fried delight can be found almost anywhere. Most Amsterdam restaurants, bars, and cafés serve at least one variety. But where to […]
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Chinese Restaurants in Amsterdam
Posted on April 16, 2024
Chinese gastronomy is wide and varied, and the capital city of the Netherlands has a considerable variety of worthy spots. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, you’ll want to visit these Chinese restaurants in Amsterdam. Are you in the mood for moreish dim sum? Spicy Sichuanese cuisine? Comforting Chengdu hotpot? We’ve got you covered […]
Stroopwafels: All About This Iconic Dutch Sweet Treat ( + Where To Try!)
Posted on January 18, 2024
The stroopwafel perfectly encapsulates a culinary trend that we’ve seen many times before: the transformation of a simple, everyday treat into a highly sought-after culinary delight. You see it in the histories of typical Tuscan dishes like ribollita, French cassoulet, and even truffles—humble beginnings with a later elevation to haute cuisine. While this Dutch cookie may […]
Exploring Dutch Cheese: A Comprehensive Guide
Posted on August 3, 2023
A quick peek at the average grocery store’s cheese selection might lead you to think that the list of Dutch cheeses consists of only one or two types: Gouda and Edam. These are, to be sure, the most popular Dutch cheeses, but the cheese world in the Netherlands is diverse—and delicious. Cheesemaking in what is […]
Top 10 Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Amsterdam
Posted on July 31, 2023
Amsterdam is a mecca for vegetarians, vegans, or omnivores looking for delicious plant-based alternatives. Everything from comfort food to fine dining is not only easy to find, but also top quality. Dutch cuisine may not have always had a reputation for being particularly vegetarian or vegan friendly, but thankfully that’s changed in recent years. Today, […]
Cozy Cafés & Delicious Drinks: The Best Coffee in Amsterdam
Posted on June 26, 2023
The Dutch love their coffee. Whether they’re in the office entertaining a client or at home with a friend visiting, drinking a koffie together is as much about conviviality and hospitality as it is about the beverage itself. Most Dutch households have some kind of coffee machine (no instant coffee here, thank you very much!) […]
A Local’s Guide to Wine in Amsterdam: Wine Bars, Shops & More
Posted on June 15, 2023
From Dutch grape varieties to natural orange wines, and from sparkling sensations to wine bars offering the perfect pairing, the Dutch capital has something for every oenophile. Read on for the ultimate guide to wine in Amsterdam. If you’re contemplating what people drink in the Netherlands, you might think of the famous Dutch beers like […]
