What I Ate in Amsterdam (and What I'd Skip)

It's easy to get Amsterdam wrongfrom the moment you step off the train—like the time I nearly got lost in the Albert Cuyp Market, chasing the smell of stroopwafels only to find the stall selling them had closed for the day. I stood there, holding a half-eaten apple, as a local woman chuckled and pointed me toward a tiny alley where a family-run bakery still had warm ones. That’s when I realized: Amsterdam’s food scene isn’t about ticking off tourist spots—it’s about listening to locals and letting them guide you.

One of my favorite meals was at a place called De Kas, tucked away on a quiet street near the Vondelpark. It’s not on every guidebook, but it’s the kind of spot where you’ll find chefs foraging for ingredients in their own garden. I had the beetroot tartare with goat cheese and pickled onions for €18, and the dish was so fresh it tasted like the earth itself had been seasoned. The menu changes daily, but they always have a few vegetarian options that are as creative as they are delicious. It’s open for lunch from 12 PM to 3 PM and dinner from 6 PM to 10 PM, so I’d recommend booking ahead—this place gets busy fast.

Another must-try is a meal at a small spot called Bazar, located on the corner of Oude Kerkstraat and Oudezijds Voorburgwal. It’s a family-run kebab shop, but don’t let the name fool you—they serve some of the best Middle Eastern street food in the city. I ordered the lamb shawarma with tahini and pickled vegetables for €12, and it was so flavorful I almost forgot I was in a city known for its canals and bicycles. They open at 11 AM and close at 10 PM, so it’s perfect for a casual lunch or dinner after a day of exploring.

Most visitors get the wrong idea about Amsterdam’s food scene—they think it’s all about cheese and stroopwafels. While those are great, the city’s real culinary magic happens in the hidden alleys and local markets. I’ve seen tourists line up for hours at the same touristy cheese shop, only to miss the incredible fresh fish at a tiny stall near the Central Station. The truth is, Amsterdam’s food is about the people who live here, not just the places they visit.

For anyone looking to dive deeper into the city’s food culture, I’d suggest checking out best food in Amsterdam for a curated list of places that locals actually go to. It’s not just about the most famous spots—it’s about finding the hidden gems that make Amsterdam’s food scene so special.

One practical tip I’ve learned: always carry a small bag with you when you’re out exploring. You never know when you’ll find a perfect spot to grab a bite, like the little bakery on the corner of Oudezijds Voorburgwal that sells fresh pastries for €2.50. It’s easy to get caught up in the city’s beauty and forget to grab a quick snack, but having a bag with you means you can take it with you and enjoy it while walking through the canals.

Amsterdam’s food scene isn’t about the big names—it’s about the little moments. Like the time I sat at a tiny table in Bazar, eating my shawarma, and realized I was surrounded by locals chatting in Dutch, their laughter echoing off the old buildings. That’s the kind of moment that makes a city feel alive, and it’s the kind of moment you’ll find if you just take the time to look for it.