Amsterdam Food Tour (Self Guided), Amsterdam

Dam Square, or the Dam, is a central town square in Amsterdam, known for its significant buildings and frequent events. Positioned in the historical heart of Amsterdam, it sits on the site of the original dam on the Amstel River. The square extends some 200 meters from west to east and 100 meters from north to south, connecting Damrak and Rokin streets that trace the Amstel's original course.

The square is also the termination point for other notable streets like New Dike, Calf Street, and Dam Street, with the main red-light district, De Wallen, just beyond its northeast corner. Prominent features on Dam Square include the neoclassical Royal Palace, the 15th-century Gothic New Church, the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and the National Monument which honors World War II victims, all of which collectively turn the Dam into a major tourist hub.

The name "Amsterdam" originates from a dam built on the Amstel River around 1270. This dam, integral to the city's development, included a discharge sluice and later locks to facilitate navigation and control water levels. By 1275, the settlement was significant enough to be recorded in connection with a road toll granted by the count of Holland, Floris V. Over time, the dam expanded to accommodate a town square, now known as Dam Square. Eventually, the area became a hub for commercial and governmental activities, featuring a large fish market and a town hall.

Significant changes occurred over the centuries, including the demolition of a weigh house in 1808 to clear the view for Louis Bonaparte’s Royal Palace and the infilling of Damrak Avenue in the 19th century. The square also hosted the Beurs van Zocher stock exchange until 1903. Today, the De Bijenkorf department store has been in its place since 1914. Dam Square has also been a site for national events – such as the National Memorial Day commemorations at the National Monument unveiled in 1956, and public demonstrations, – maintaining its status as a national and cultural gathering spot for the Dutch.

Tip:
For those in need of a restroom, free and well-maintained toilets are available at the De Bijenkorf 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.

If chocolate were a symphony, Puccini Bomboni would be Amsterdam’s finest conductor. This celebrated chocolatier orchestrates a dazzling lineup of artisanal bonbons, blending intriguing flavors like lavender, drambuie, vanilla poppyseed, and even a cheeky marzipan currant with black pepper. One step inside their stylish shop and you’re met with the heavenly aroma of cocoa and rows of stunning, oversized truffles—renowned as some of the best in the world.

Every piece is handcrafted on-site, made with sustainable chocolate and absolutely no preservatives. It’s a labor of love, using only top-notch, natural ingredients. You can mix and match your favorites, then have them wrapped in a chic purple box or a shiny cellophane bag—perfect for gifting, though keeping them all to yourself is entirely understandable.

A quick tip: Wait until just before your departure to snag these bonbons. They’re at their peak for about a week, provided you don’t give in to the inevitable temptation to sample them all before they make it to their intended recipient.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.