Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, is a city that seamlessly blends its rich history with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe. As one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, Amsterdam has a plethora of culinary delights to offer, and at the heart of it all is cheese. With over 800 varieties of cheese produced in the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a cheese lover’s paradise. From artisanal cheese shops to upscale restaurants, the city is filled with options for cheese enthusiasts to indulge in. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the best places to eat cheese in Amsterdam, exploring the city’s top cheese shops, restaurants, and cafes.
The Artisanal Cheese Shops of Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s artisanal cheese shops are a treasure trove of unique and delicious cheeses. These shops offer a wide range of cheeses, from traditional Dutch varieties like Gouda and Edam to more exotic options like goat cheese and blue cheese.
The Cheese Shop
Located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Jordaan neighborhood, The Cheese Shop is a must-visit for any cheese enthusiast. This family-owned shop has been a staple in the community for over 20 years, offering a vast selection of artisanal cheeses from local producers. Their knowledgeable staff will guide you through the various types of cheese, helping you choose the perfect one for your taste buds.
Some of the must-try cheeses at The Cheese Shop include:
- Gouda Smoked Cheese: A rich and creamy Gouda cheese smoked to perfection.
- Edam Young Cheese: A mild and creamy Edam cheese perfect for snacking.
- Goat Cheese with Honey: A tangy goat cheese paired with a drizzle of pure Dutch honey.
De Kaaskamer
De Kaaskamer, or “The Cheese Room,” is a cheese lover’s dream come true. This cozy shop in the Oud-Zuid neighborhood offers a vast selection of artisanal cheeses, including some of the rarest and most exotic varieties in the world. Their knowledgeable staff will guide you through the various types of cheese, helping you choose the perfect one for your taste buds.
Some of the must-try cheeses at De Kaaskamer include:
- Truffle Cheese: A rich and creamy cheese infused with the earthy flavor of truffles.
- Blue Cheese with Walnuts: A tangy blue cheese paired with crunchy walnuts.
- Goat Cheese with Fig Jam: A tangy goat cheese paired with a sweet and sticky fig jam.
The Upscale Restaurants of Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s upscale restaurants offer a unique and luxurious cheese experience. These restaurants often feature a wide range of artisanal cheeses, expertly paired with wine and other culinary delights.
The Grand Café
Located in the heart of Amsterdam’s city center, The Grand Café is a luxurious restaurant offering a range of artisanal cheeses. Their cheese menu features a selection of traditional Dutch cheeses, including Gouda and Edam, as well as more exotic options like goat cheese and blue cheese.
Some of the must-try cheeses at The Grand Café include:
- Gouda Smoked Cheese: A rich and creamy Gouda cheese smoked to perfection.
- Edam Young Cheese: A mild and creamy Edam cheese perfect for snacking.
- Goat Cheese with Honey: A tangy goat cheese paired with a drizzle of pure Dutch honey.
De Kas
De Kas, or “The Greenhouse,” is a luxurious restaurant located in a former greenhouse. This unique setting offers a range of artisanal cheeses, expertly paired with wine and other culinary delights. Their cheese menu features a selection of traditional Dutch cheeses, including Gouda and Edam, as well as more exotic options like goat cheese and blue cheese.
Some of the must-try cheeses at De Kas include:
- Truffle Cheese: A rich and creamy cheese infused with the earthy flavor of truffles.
- Blue Cheese with Walnuts: A tangy blue cheese paired with crunchy walnuts.
- Goat Cheese with Fig Jam: A tangy goat cheese paired with a sweet and sticky fig jam.
The Cafes of Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s cafes offer a cozy and intimate setting to enjoy a range of artisanal cheeses. These cafes often feature a selection of traditional Dutch cheeses, including Gouda and Edam, as well as more exotic options like goat cheese and blue cheese.
Café Papeneiland
Café Papeneiland is a cozy café located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Jordaan neighborhood. This charming café offers a range of artisanal cheeses, including traditional Dutch varieties like Gouda and Edam. Their cheese menu features a selection of cheeses paired with crackers, bread, and fruit.
Some of the must-try cheeses at Café Papeneiland include:
- Gouda Smoked Cheese: A rich and creamy Gouda cheese smoked to perfection.
- Edam Young Cheese: A mild and creamy Edam cheese perfect for snacking.
- Goat Cheese with Honey: A tangy goat cheese paired with a drizzle of pure Dutch honey.
Café de Jaren
Café de Jaren is a popular café located in the heart of Amsterdam’s city center. This bustling café offers a range of artisanal cheeses, including traditional Dutch varieties like Gouda and Edam. Their cheese menu features a selection of cheeses paired with crackers, bread, and fruit.
Some of the must-try cheeses at Café de Jaren include:
- Truffle Cheese: A rich and creamy cheese infused with the earthy flavor of truffles.
- Blue Cheese with Walnuts: A tangy blue cheese paired with crunchy walnuts.
- Goat Cheese with Fig Jam: A tangy goat cheese paired with a sweet and sticky fig jam.
Recap
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored the best places to eat cheese in Amsterdam. From artisanal cheese shops to upscale restaurants and cozy cafes, the city offers a wide range of options for cheese enthusiasts to indulge in. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Dutch cheeses or more exotic options, Amsterdam has something for everyone.
Some of the key points to remember include:
- The Cheese Shop and De Kaaskamer are two of the best artisanal cheese shops in Amsterdam.
- The Grand Café and De Kas are two of the best upscale restaurants for cheese lovers.
- Café Papeneiland and Café de Jaren are two of the best cafes for a cozy cheese experience.
FAQs
Q: What is the best cheese to try in Amsterdam?
A: The best cheese to try in Amsterdam depends on your personal taste preferences. Some popular options include Gouda, Edam, goat cheese, and blue cheese. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as smoked Gouda or truffle cheese.
Q: Where can I find the best artisanal cheese shops in Amsterdam?
A: Some of the best artisanal cheese shops in Amsterdam include The Cheese Shop and De Kaaskamer. These shops offer a wide range of artisanal cheeses, including traditional Dutch varieties and more exotic options.
Q: What is the difference between Gouda and Edam cheese?
A: Gouda and Edam are two of the most popular cheeses in the Netherlands. Gouda is a semi-hard cheese with a rich, creamy flavor, while Edam is a semi-soft cheese with a mild, nutty flavor. Both cheeses are perfect for snacking or pairing with crackers and fruit.
Q: Can I find cheese shops that offer cheese tastings?
A: Yes, some of the best cheese shops in Amsterdam offer cheese tastings. Be sure to check with the shop ahead of time to see if they offer tastings and to learn more about their selection of cheeses.
Q: What is the best way to store cheese?
A: The best way to store cheese depends on the type of cheese. Hard cheeses like Gouda and Edam can be stored at room temperature, while soft cheeses like goat cheese and blue cheese should be stored in the refrigerator. Be sure to wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.