3 Best Food Areas in Amsterdam
After seeing all of the touristy hotspots and cramming in as many museums as possible, you may be looking for somewhere to grab some food. If you are a little bit lost when looking for spots in Amsterdam that offer something a bit different than the centre, then here are a few foodie hotspots for you to try.
De Pijp
De Pijp is a great neighbourhood when looking for restaurants. Located just past the Heineken Experience, this area hosts plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars, full of locals and hungry tourists. The diversity of food is also praised with brunch spots (take a look at the brunch blogs and you will find a few), to ramen bars and seafood restaurants. The neighbourhood also has artisan and vintage clothes shops filling the area with character.
The famous Albert Cuyp market runs all year round, Monday till Saturday, so it is definitely worth checking out. As the most popular market in the region and largest outdoor market in Europe, the market offers 260 market stalls, ranging from local goods, flowers and fresh food to try. If you are looking for the true dutch experience, a trip to Albert Cuyp means you will be able to try fresh herring (not sure about this, but it seems to be hugely popular!) and sweet stroopwafels.
Foodhallen
The De Hallen is a converted tram depot, creating a unique ambience of retro and creative areas since 2015. The cultural complex is home to the Filmhalen cinema, creative outlets, craft markets, library, boutique hotel and the Foodhallen, an indoor food market. There is no shortage of things to explore!
The Foodhallen is a hotspot with huge popularity, so be warned during weekends and evenings there will be crowds. However, it is ideal for a relaxed meal or snack with a wide range of stalls and seating. The social concept means you grab your food, drinks and seats and just enjoy yourself! You will find food from all around the world with around 20 street food vendors, ranging from local to international flavours with Michelin-awarded concepts to streetfood and drink stands.
Magna Plaza
This food spot is located on the top floor of the iconic Magna Plaza, located in the heart of Amsterdam behind the Palace on Dam Square. The building from the inside is just as spectacular as the outside - one of the reasons why this building was added to the list of the ten most valuable monuments of Amsterdam. The Magna Plaza is a Neo-Gothic style has been turned from a discontinued post office to a hotspot for build for both tourists and locals in mind.
The shopping mall is full of quirky shops, with the Food Department taking up the entire top floor. Since opening in Spring 2019, this spot is popular with tourists and locals as there is no doubt that you will find something to drink or eat. With around 17 different stalls, the floor offers everything from pizza, sushi, gourmet hotdogs to poffertjes, gateaus and let’s not forget numerous bars. The floor offers open seating meaning you can grab food from any stall and have the option of sitting anywhere.
If you are visiting Amsterdam during the Christmas period, then I recommend taking a look inside to get into the festive mood. Also, if you get your hands on the Proffertjes from The Poffertjes Office, small fluffy pancakes do not disappoint!
