Amsterdam Food Tour (Self Guided), Amsterdam

Positioned at the very core of the city, Dam Square, commonly referred to as the Dam, holds historical significance as the place that bestowed Amsterdam with its name. In the 13th century, the River Amstel was dammed here, giving rise to the fishing village that eventually earned the name "Amstelredam". Boats traversed Damrak to access the square, unloading goods in the heart of the burgeoning village, which thrived through the exchange of herring for Baltic grain. Subsequently, the construction of Amsterdam's principal church, the Nieuwe Kerk, and later the town hall ("Koninklijk Paleis"), solidified the Dam's status as Amsterdam's focal point.

Today, it stands as an open and spacious area, despite the prominent presence of the primary municipal war memorial. This memorial features a prominent stone obelisk adorned with somber figures and embellished with the coats of arms representing each of the Netherlands' provinces, including the former colony of Indonesia. The square otherwise primarily serves as a venue for large-scale events, such as National Tulip Day, when the entire space blooms with tulips. While it may not demand an extensive visit, it serves as a valuable reference point for navigating the city.

Why You Should Visit:
An ideal setting to immerse oneself in the city's vibrant atmosphere, explore diverse culinary options, peruse shops, revel in music, or simply relax by the fountain.

Tip:
For those in need of restroom facilities, free and well-maintained toilets are available at the De Buenkork shop on the 5th floor.

When you're kicking it in Amsterdam, raw herring is a must-have delicacy, and this haringhuis ("herring house", i.e. takeaway fish shop) in the city center probably serves up the finest you can find. They take this fish seriously. Meticulously prepared, it has a great, buttery, rich taste, and really pairs well with the onions and pickles.

If you think this is anything like the average pickled herring sold in jars at grocery stores, you are absolutely wrong. This fish gets the royal treatment. First, they soak it in salty water in big vats, then they freeze it for a solid couple of days before they clean it up and get it ready for you. So, it's super fresh and not all stinky "fishy" like you might expect, and it's got a nice, firm texture.

But wait, there's more! This place isn't just about herring. They also dish out some salmon, eel, and something called "Hollandse garnalen", which are tiny shrimp that are unique to the Dutch. You won't find shrimp like this anywhere else.

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 9:30am–6:30pm

Amsterdam's renowned chocolatier Puccini Bomboni specializes in crafting artisanal bonbons infused with a delightful array of flavors, ranging from lavender and drambuie to vanilla poppyseed and marzipan currant with a hint of black pepper. As you step inside their elegant shop, you'll be immediately greeted by the rich aroma of cocoa filling the air and the artfully arranged, oversized truffles, celebrated as some of the world's finest.

These delectable chocolates are crafted on-site and boast a preservative-free recipe. Each bonbon is meticulously prepared using sustainable chocolate—a buzzworthy commitment in today's world—and only the highest-quality natural ingredients. You can select an assortment of these exquisite bonbons, which can be elegantly packaged in a cellophane bag or a pretty purple box, making for a perfect gift, especially for chocolate enthusiasts.

Tip:
Ensure you purchase these chocolates shortly before your return journey, as they maintain their freshness for just 7 days. Of course, that's assuming you can resist the temptation to indulge in them yourself before gifting them!

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 9am–7pm, Sun, Mon: 11am–7pm

In one of the most striking sections of Amsterdam's city center, this bar offers waiters who know their wares, great Dutch beers, and suitable snacks to take the edge off the alcohol. The beers are largely Belgian-style, so Belgian beer fans won't be disappointed, but there is also a fair number of interesting local craft beers that don't fit into any traditional style. And if you're into gin, they've got Dutch gins as well – just ask the friendly staff to recommend one that pairs perfectly with your beer.

If you want to sit outside, keep in mind that the outdoor seating area is rather small – probably 8 tables at most – but it is right by the canal (one of the prettiest in Amsterdam) and cozy. No warm blankets or heat lamps, though, so dress accordingly if you want to chill out there. Oh, and whatever you do, don't spend too long looking at the printed bottle list and the huge blackboard with the draught beers, or your head might start spinning!

Tip:
If you're up for a beer tasting, they set you up in a special room here, and you can book it for any day except Fridays and Saturdays, when it gets a bit busy.

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 2pm–12am; Fri: 2pm–1am; Sat: 12pm–1am; Sun: 12pm–12am

Located in the atmospheric basement of an old canal house that used to belong to the Dutch East India Company, this spot serves up some fantastic outsize pancakes, both sweet and savory, with a mind-boggling, near-infinite range of fillings. The menu includes French, Greek, Hungarian, Mexican, Masai, Indonesian, and even Greenlandic pancakes!

And if you're into something smaller but just as tasty, they've got these fluffy, buttery puffs called "poffertjes", topped with all sorts of goodies like chocolate sauce, mandarin and honey, and more. The servings are big and will fill you up, but keep in mind that poffertjes are best enjoyed warm.

Now, here's the deal: this place is pretty popular with tourists, so sometimes you might find yourself waiting in line for a table. If you want to skip the lines and/or minimize your wait, aim for weekdays and go early in the morning. But on weekends and during the busy meal times (lunch and dinner), you are almost guaranteed to have to wait.

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 9am–8:30pm; Fri, Sat: 9am–9pm

Winkel 43 is a favorite hangout in the heart of the Jordaan for a drink or a bite to eat. The "appeltaart" (apple pie) is particularly tasty here; many consider it to be the best in Amsterdam, but you be the judge! This delectable Dutch specialty, whose secret is in the moist, cakey dough that also manages to be crispy on the edges, is served in large portions and topped with a generous dollop of (not too sweet) house-made fresh cream if you'd like. And the perfect pairing? A steaming mug of fresh mint tea. You can savor all of this on their spacious patio overlooking the Prinsengracht canal – especially inviting on sunny days!

But hey, if you're not just in the mood for sweets, they've got you covered with tasty sandwiches, salads, soups, and something called "bitterballen" – all priced very reasonably for the quality. The bitterballen, in particular, is another long-time favorite with the Dutch, who just can't get enough of it. Similar to "appeltaarts", these (deep-fried) meatballs have a crispy coating but soft center, and some amazing creamy flavors inside. You've got to give them a try!

Tip:
The place is rather small, so you might have to line up (especially on Saturdays), or try to choose an off-peak time if you want to linger for longer. And if you're in a rush, you can totally enjoy your appeltaart right from the tray while standing up – it's a fun twist!

Opening Hours:
Mon: 7am–1am; Tue-Thu: 8am–1am; Fri: 8am–3am; Sat: 7am–3am; Sun: 9am–1am

Café Chris proudly claims the title of Jordaan's (and Amsterdam's) oldest bar, having been around since 1624. When you step inside, it exudes an old-world charm and a sense of history without feeling uptight. You'll be greeted warmly by the friendly owner and bartender, and the atmosphere is incredibly homey and snug, inviting you to partake in authentic Dutch culture.

Don't hesitate to grab a seat right at the bar – it's actually the best seat in the house. In fact, most folks prefer to perch at the bar rather than taking a table, as both the bartender and the regulars love to strike up conversations, even with newcomers. The interior is quite compact, with soft lighting, wooden décor throughout, a pool table, and a comically tiny restroom – it's the quintessential "brown bar" experience.

While parched patrons won't have to endure a dry throat for long (there's a legend that even Rembrandt frequented this place), the food menu is intentionally concise. Nevertheless, it's highly recommended to nibble on some of the finest (and most reasonably priced) traditional "bitterballen", a meaty delight that always goes well with a cold beer.

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 2pm–1am; Fri, Sat: 2pm–2am

Moeders is an authentic Dutch eatery nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, renowned for its warm and inviting ambiance and its dedication to honoring the role of mothers in Dutch society – hence the name "Moeders", which means Mothers in Dutch.

Inside Moeders, the walls are adorned with an extensive collection of photographs featuring mothers, grandmothers, and other cherished women, all contributed by the restaurant's patrons. Additionally, you'll find an array of sentimental keepsakes, including plates, teapots, and various kitchen utensils, that gives it that warm, homey feeling.

Moeders' menu boasts a delectable array of traditional Dutch fare, including mashed potatoes with veggies ("stamppot"), a hearty carrot and onion stew ("hutspot"), and succulent meatballs ("gehaktballen"). To wash it down, they've got Dutch beers and spirits, including the famous Dutch gin called "jenever".

One standout feature is the "mothers table," a generously sized communal dining area where guests can gather and share a meal with fellow diners. It's decked out with all kinds of vintage kitchen implements and nostalgic items, making it feel super cozy and inviting.

Moeders has been a go-to spot in Amsterdam since it opened back in 1990. People love it for its charming ambiance and yummy food that's all about traditional flavors. So, if you want to dive into Dutch cuisine and soak up some Netherlands culture, this is the spot.

Tip:
Make sure to book a table ahead of time before making the trek over there.

Operation Hours:
Mon-Fri: 5–10pm; Sat, Sun: 4:30–10pm