When exploring the area around Museum Het Grachtenhuis in Amsterdam, you’ll find a variety of cafes and restaurants to satisfy your hunger. Here are some top picks that offer great quality and value for your money:
Broodje Bert
Broodje Bert is a unique sandwich shop located on the corner of Singel (#321) and Wolvenstraat canal bridge. The food here has a Mediterranean twist, and the portions are generous, so come with a hearty appetite.
Must-Try Sandwiches
- Grilled Chicken Filet with Garlic Sauce: A house special featuring tender chicken and flavorful garlic sauce.
- Homemade Broodje Bert Burger: A juicy lamb burger that’s sure to impress.
Both sandwiches are served on a bed of wild greens, tomato, and fresh corn, with ciabatta bread on the side. You can either assemble your own sandwich or enjoy the ingredients as a salad, using the bread for dipping in the delicious sauces. Due to the generous portions, it’s often easier to eat these dishes with a knife and fork.
Seating Options
The interior of Broodje Bert is cozy, with limited seating. You can choose to sit at the bar and watch the cooks work their magic, grab a spot by the window with a view of the canal, or enjoy your meal at one of the few sidewalk tables when the weather permits.
Greenwoods English Tea Room & Restaurant
Greenwoods is a charming spot that serves breakfast, lunch, high tea, and dinner. The menu features a range of tasty options, such as the steak sandwich with garlic butter and fries, and the lamb burger with blue cheese, bacon, and caramelized onions. While the food is delicious, keep in mind that the service can be a bit slow, and the prices are slightly higher compared to some other nearby eateries. You can find Greenwoods at Keizersgracht, 465.
Kantjil To Go
For a quick and affordable Indonesian-inspired meal, head to Kantjil To Go. This fast-food spot allows you to create your own dish by following a simple process:
- Choose your base: steamed white rice, fried rice, or fried noodles
- Add your preferred vegetables and/or meat
- Select a sauce to complete your meal
Once you’ve made your choices, the server will reheat your meal in a microwave. As the name suggests, Kantjil To Go is a take-out only hotel, so there’s no seating available. After picking up your food, you can find a nearby park bench (there are several in Spui Square, just a short walk south) or enjoy your meal while strolling through the city. Kantjil To Go is located at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 342, just around the corner from its sister restaurant, Kantjil & de Tijger.
Kantjil & de Tijger
For a more extensive Indonesian dining experience, visit Kantjil & de Tijger. This popular dinner spot offers a wider range of Indonesian-style dishes compared to its take-out counterpart. During the day, the restaurant transforms into the New Asian Brasserie, serving a cosmopolitan Asian-influenced lunch menu, high tea, and high wine.
Rijsttafel: A Must-Try Indonesian Feast
If you’re eager to try the famous Indonesian rijsttafel, or rice table, Kantjil & de Tijger and New Asian Brasserie offer it on both their lunch and dinner menus. The rijsttafel is a communal-style meal that consists of rice accompanied by various stews, sauces, and vegetables. Typically, the rijsttafel is priced per person (with a minimum of two people) and includes 10 or more separate dishes, making it an excellent way to sample a variety of flavors. Kantjil & de Tijger and New Asian Brasserie are located at Spuistraat 291-293.
Vlaams Friteshuis “Vleminckx Sausmeesters”
For a true Dutch snack experience, head to Vlaams Friteshuis “Vleminckx Sausmeesters”, a popular “Flemish Fry House” that serves homemade Belgian fries (which are fried twice for extra crispiness) with a wide selection of sauces. While the typical sauce for fries in the Netherlands is fritessaus, a mayonnaise-like condiment, Vleminckx offers over 30 different sauces, earning them the title of “Sauce Masters.”
Frites: A Dutch and Belgian Staple
Frites, or fries, are a beloved snack throughout the Netherlands and Belgium, and trying them during your visit is a must. Vleminckx’s frites are some of the best in Amsterdam, thanks to their light, crispy texture and perfect seasoning. Be sure to try them with the unique joppiesaus for an authentic Dutch taste. You can find Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx at Voetboogstraat, 33, just a 6-minute walk from Museum Het Grachtenhuis.
Cora Delicatessen & Broodjes
Cora Delicatessen & Broodjes is a delightful neighborhood deli that serves homemade soups and freshly made sandwiches with a variety of fillings and three types of bread to choose from. Some standout options include the goat cheese with fig jam and arugula on a whole-grain baguette, and the pecorino and chorizo with mesclun greens and sundried cherry tomatoes on a plain baguette. The menu at Cora is perfect for a picnic lunch, as the deli is take-out only. The sole seating option is a bench outside the shop, which offers a pleasant view of the canal at Prinsengracht 705a.
Singel 404
For a quintessential Dutch lunch experience, visit Singel 404. This charming cafe serves traditional Dutch-style open-faced sandwiches and excellent coffee. The brie, bacon, and pecan sandwich, paired with a comforting bowl of pumpkin soup, is a particularly satisfying combination. As the name suggests, Singel 404 is located at Singel 404, just a 2-minute walk from Het Grachtenhuis Museum.
Budget-Friendly Rijsttafel Options
If you’re interested in trying the rijsttafel but prefer a more affordable lunchtime version, consider the Rijsttafel Preview or the Rijsttafel Preview Special from New Asian Brasserie. These options feature fewer dishes, making them lighter and roughly half the price of the dinner versions.
Exploring Amsterdam’s Culinary Scene
As you explore the area around Museum Het Grachtenhuis, take advantage of the diverse culinary offerings available. From Mediterranean-inspired sandwiches and Indonesian fast food to traditional Dutch open-faced sandwiches and the famous rijsttafel, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems tucked away in the city’s charming streets and along the picturesque canals. Amsterdam’s food scene is a reflection of its multicultural heritage, and by sampling a variety of dishes, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich culinary traditions.
As you savor each bite, take a moment to appreciate the passion and skill that goes into preparing these meals. Many of the eateries in Amsterdam are family-owned and have been perfecting their recipes for generations, ensuring that every dish is a celebration of flavor and tradition.
So, whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a leisurely meal, the area around Museum Het Grachtenhuis has plenty to offer. By following these recommendations and exploring the local culinary scene, you’re sure to have an unforgettable dining experience during your time in Amsterdam.
