On the Scene Amsterdam: Locals Talk about the Latest Trends in Their City

There have been Chinese restaurants in Amsterdam for over 100 years. While other European countries were only beginning to incorporate influences from other continents in the kitchen, dishes like Peking duck in plum sauce and sweet and sour pork were already being served in the Netherlands, particularly in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Why? Because the first dockworkers came from China, establishing a Chinese community in the city from 1911 – the oldest in Europe. And Chinese culture still lives on in Amsterdam today, or – more precisely – in Zeedijk.

After the Second World War, the return of soldiers from Indonesia sparked a revolution in the flourishing Chinese restaurant scene. The demand for Indonesian dishes grew – and the Chinese had an answer: “Chin. Ind. Spec.” restaurants. It is a special type of restaurant for the needs of the Dutch. When I was little, I always thought it was real Chinese food. I was wrong. 

Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of Chinese restaurants here in Amsterdam that aren’t just trying to please the European palate. Culinary traditions are being upheld again. I can especially recommend the restaurant Wing Kee. The Cantonese fried pork is a dream. 

The Sichuan restaurant also serves very authentic food. The website points out that the dishes are not suitable for all tastes. But if you want to try a delicious beef stew with heart and tripe, this is the place for you. Speaking of offal, my favorite thing to eat at the Nam Kee restaurant is beef intestines. It's excellent! However, both restaurants also serve dishes such as Peking duck or noodle soup, which have long been popular in Europe. 

On the way, I recommend a stop at the small bakery of the Hoi Tin restaurant. You have to hurry and need a bit of luck to get the buns with pork filling, because the bakery only makes them once a day and the buns sell out quickly.

Daniël de Jonge was born and raised in Amsterdam. As a photo and video editor for the public-private foundation behind the “Iamsterdam” motto, he is always on the lookout for new trends in his home city.