Anyone planning a day trip to Amsterdam will want to visit the red-light district and nearby Chinatown. Because if there's one place where you can find good food, it's on and around Zeedijk. But where should you go? What exactly are the best restaurants in Amsterdam's Chinatown? We investigated.
In the heart of the city center, tucked away in the Red Light District, you'll find a hidden gem: Mata Hari Amsterdam. The restaurant, which has been drawing crowds for years, was due for an upgrade and has been acquired by the owners of Helling7 and Café Verlan. At the new Mata Hari, it still feels like late 19th-century Paris, and you can now enjoy fantastic food in a stunning interior.
Old Side Achterburgwal 22, Amsterdam, matahari-amsterdam.nl

Mata Hari © Your Little Black Book
When you think of Thai food in Amsterdam, you think of Thai Bird. The restaurant and its accompanying snack bar (further down the Zeedijk) have become a household name in the capital and far beyond. Their curries are legendary, and they cook at a rapid pace. While a long dinner isn't an option at Bird, it's still one of the best restaurants in Amsterdam's Chinatown.
Zeedijk 72-72, Amsterdam and Zeedijk 7, Amsterdam, thaibird.nl

© Thai Bird
Trees Amsterdam is exactly such a place that our capital was still missing. A place with a sense of security, a pleasant atmosphere, and a menu to die for. The interior is cozy, dark, and feels like a second home. In some ways, it has a certain Gertrude (also from Amadou and Géza's design), but with a different twist. The tableware and cutlery sets are slightly mismatched and come from Tableware Amsterdam – a paradise for lovers of vintage tableware, silver, and glassware.
Zeedijk 14, Amsterdam, treesamsterdam.nl

© Trees
At Hoi Tin – a well-known restaurant on the Zeedijk – you can eat in style. Steamed oysters with a unique marinade and herbs, dim sum, teppan beef, and ma poh tofu… The selection is extensive, as are the flavors of the dishes. They also have a bakery at the front of the restaurant – the only traditional Cantonese bakery you'll find in Amsterdam. The pork buns are a must-try! Tip: they now also have a coffee shop.
Zeedijk 122, Amsterdam, hoitin.nl

Hi Tin© Simone Boeren
Dining at Ken Sushi is a true feast. At a large table (or at the bar), you'll enjoy a set menu with everyone, while the chefs prepare everything right in front of you. Each course comes with a presentation, allowing you to taste and appreciate the flavors even more. Don't miss out, as Ken Sushi requires reservations well in advance. Check out more sushi favorites from Your Little Black Book >>
Geldersekade 19, Amsterdam, kensushi.nl

Ken Sushi © Yourlbb
For over forty years, Nam Kee has been known for its authentic Cantonese cuisine. Nam Kee's oysters, in particular, became instantly famous in the Netherlands thanks to the 2002 film of the same name. But besides fresh, steamed, and fried oysters, the restaurant has more to offer: anyone visiting Nam Kee should definitely try the Peking duck noodle soup and the chicken breast fried in Sichuan sauce.
Zeedijk 111-113, Amsterdam and Geldersekade 117, Amsterdam, namkee.nl
New King may not be as old as Nam Kee, but it has been around for over 35 years. Chinese restaurant On Zeedijk, you'll find delicious classic Chinese dishes, with both locals and tourists queuing. Try the sesame shrimp and the stuffed trout – both irresistibly good.
Zeedijk 115-117, Amsterdam, newking.nl

© New King
The best Pho in Amsterdam? You'll find it on Zeedijk at Little Saigon. Also for delicious Bahn Mi For fresh spring rolls, you've come to the right place. Little Saigon was such a hit that they've now also opened a location in Amsterdam-Noord. Without a doubt, one of the best Vietnamese restaurants of Chinatown in Amsterdam.
Zeedijk 88-90, Amsterdam, littlesaigon.nl

© Little Saigon
Oriental City in the center of Amsterdam is perhaps the most popular spot for Dim Sum Among locals. To be fair, the interior isn't exactly hip. But the dim sum is delicious! And they have an extensive menu, which means plenty of choice!
Old Side Voorburgwal 177, Amsterdam – oriental-city.com

© Oriental City
There's little that beats the classic Korean cuisine, and it is being brought to Amsterdam – to our delight! – by Kim's So Korean Food. In the Molensteeg, a stone's throw from the famous Bird Thai Restaurant and the red light district, is this great Korean hotspot.
NL, Molensteeg 13H, Amsterdam – kimsso.nl
Owner Taka is a true connoisseur, and brought his love of ramen with him from Japan. When he came to the Netherlands in 2008, he desperately missed the high-quality ramen from his home country. He couldn't find truly good ramen anywhere, he thought, so he moved back to Tokyo within a year. Reunited with his favorite meal, he worked in various restaurants to perfect his ramen skills. Three years later, he returned to our capital with a mission: to introduce Amsterdam to traditional Japanese ramen. You'll find the restaurant on the top floor of Toko Dun Yong.
4th Floor, Stormsteeg 9, Amsterdam – takaramen.nl
| TIP:Discover the YLBB shortlist of favorite Asian supermarkets in Amsterdam here >>