A culinary bird's-eye view of the city This year Amsterdam celebrates its 750th anniversary — a milestone that calls for special moments, beautiful memories, and of course... good food. Because if there's one thing in which Amsterdam excels, it's in its rich and diverse culinary tradition. From centuries-old markets to iconic cafes, from historical recipes to modern flavors: the capital is a true melting pot of tastes and stories.
Culinary Heritage in Amsterdam Style
Did you know that Amsterdam has played a central role in the culinary history of the Netherlands for centuries? Think of the international influences that entered the city via the VOC, the development of markets like the Albert Cuyp, or the centuries-old beer tradition that was once visible in almost every neighborhood of the city. You can still taste these flavors of the past—if you know where to look. At Eat2Gather, we love to dive into that past. Not only to learn from it but especially to revive it in unique experiences that bring people together.
From Jenever, Jewish Cuisine to Croquette from the Wall
Amsterdam has always embraced flavors from all over the world. In the 17th century, jenever was exported far beyond the city, and the city was famous for its liqueur distilleries. Old brands like Wynand Fockink and A. van Wees distillery De Ooievaar still produce according to traditional recipes, thus honoring the recipes. The Jewish cuisine also left its mark. Think, for example, of chicken livers with fried onions. A classic! You have to look around, but at some Amsterdam establishments, you can still find them on the menu. And what about the snack bar culture? FEBO, named after Ferdinand Bolstraat, became famous with the automatiek, its grill burger, and croquette. Snacking in Amsterdam thus gained a unique, almost cultural status.
From Market to Steak Amsterdam Style
A visit to the city is not complete without a stop at one of the many markets. The Albert Cuyp Market, established in 1905, is still a bustling place where scents and flavors from all corners of the world come together. From herring to baklava, and from Surinamese roti to Vietnamese spring rolls: this market is Amsterdam. Eating steak out happened frequently in Amsterdam as early as the beginning of the last century. The classic Amsterdam steak restaurants are also part of the city. Think of places like Loetje and Piet de Leeuw, where people go for a good steak 'jus' with bread. The city also had its own culinary guru: Johannes van Dam, the influential restaurant critic of Het Parool, who for years put Amsterdam's eating culture on the map with his sharp pen and deep knowledge. His work reminded us that good food is also history. What is now continued in full glory with the 'Proefwerken' in Het Parool by culinary critic Mara Grimm. But the culinary history is also kept alive behind closed doors. In monumental buildings, former warehouses, or old cafes, the echo of conversations at long tables and fragrant meals that connected generations can still be heard.
Eat2Gather in the Heart of History
Eat2Gather is proudly located in such a place full of stories: a beautiful National Monument in the heart of Amsterdam. In this building, where history and hospitality come together, we organize dinners, gatherings, and walks that do justice to the city's culinary past.
We believe that food is more than just taste. It is memory, encounter, and connection. And where better than in a city that has been bringing people and flavors together for 750 years?
Want to Join?
Whether you walk along old cafes and liqueur distilleries, dock on a canal boat with a plate full of stories, or join us in our National Monument for a private dinner: with Eat2Gather you taste Amsterdam, in scents and colors, literally and figuratively.
