Anyone with a planned day in Amsterdam will want to visit the red light district and nearby Chinatown. Because if you can eat well somewhere, it is on and around the Zeedijk. But where should you go? What exactly are the best restaurants in Chinatown in Amsterdam? We looked into it.
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8 X Best Restaurants Chinatown Amsterdam
Mata Hari
Mata Hari has been renewed! ‘The Pearl of the Red Light District’ got a new menu and look thanks to a change of guards in terms of owners. The food remains good, and the concept is familiar but slightly more modern than you are used to.
Oudezijds Achterburgwal 22, Amsterdam, matahari-amsterdam.nl
Thai Bird and Bird Snack Bar
Anyone who says Thai food in Amsterdam says Thai Bird. The restaurant and its accompanying snack bar (further on the Zeedijk) grew into a household name in the capital and far beyond. Their curries are legendary, and they cook at a fast pace. An evening of dining is not possible at Bird, but it is one of the best restaurants in China Town Amsterdam.
Zeedijk 72-72, Amsterdam and Zeedijk 7, Amsterdam, thaibird.nl
Trees
Trees Amsterdam is precisely the kind of place that our capital was missing. It is a place with allure, a pleasant atmosphere and a menu to die for. The interior is cosy and dark and feels like a second home. It resembles Gertrude (also created by Amadou and Géza) in some ways but in a different guise. The tableware and cutlery sets are slightly mismatched and come from Tableware Amsterdam – a mecca for lovers of vintage, silver and glassware.
Zeedijk 14, Amsterdam, treesamsterdam.nl
More of the Best Restaurants ChinaTown Amsterdam
Hoi Tin
You will have nothing more to wish for when you eat at Hoi Tin – a household name on the Zeedijk. Steamed oysters with special marinade and herbs, dim sum, teppan beef, ma poh tofu… The range is extensive, just like the flavours of the dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Zeedijk 122, Amsterdam, hoitin.nl</em >
Ken Sushi
Dining at Ken Sushi is a treat. At a large table (or at the bar), you can eat a set menu with everyone present, where the chefs prepare everything. Each course has an explanation so you can learn to taste better and appreciate the flavours. Be there on time because you need to reserve well in advance at Ken Sushi.
Geldersekade 19, Amsterdam, kensushi.nl
Nam Kee
Nam Kee has been known for its authentic Cantonese cuisine for more than forty years. Nam Kee’s oysters, in particular, became famous in our country overnight thanks to the 2002 film of the same name. But in addition to fresh, steamed and fried oysters, the restaurant has more to offer: anyone visiting Nam Kee will want the noodle soup with Peking duck. and try the chicken fillet fried in Sichuan sauce.
Zeedijk 111-113, Amsterdam and Geldersekade 117, Amsterdam, namkee.nl
More of the Best Restaurants ChinaTown Amsterdam
New King
New King may not be as old as Nam Kee, but it has existed for over 35 years. You will find delicious classic Chinese dishes at this Chinese restaurant on the Zeedijk, where both locals and tourists are queuing. Try the sesame shrimps and the stuffed trout – both irresistibly good.
Zeedijk 115-117, Amsterdam, newking.nl
Little Saigon
The tastiest Pho in Amsterdam? You can find it on the Zeedijk near Little Saigon. You’ve also come to the right place for delicious Bahn Mi. Little Saigon was such a storm that they opened businesses in Amsterdam’s North, South, and West. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best restaurants in Chinatown in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Bucketlist & Things to Do
(DIGITAL) ART EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fabrique des Lumières
⋙ NXT Museum
⋙ STRAAT street art museum
⋙ MOCO Museum for street and modern art
⋙ Amaze, an audiovisual labyrint
FOOD EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan area
⋙ Albert Cuyp Market Food Tour
⋙ Sightseeing Boat Cruise with unlimited drinks
⋙ Pancake Cruise
⋙ Micro Brewery Beer Tasting Tour
BEST BIKE TOURS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fatbike e-bike tour (also to Amsterdam North)
⋙ Rent a bike by yourself and explore like a local
⋙ Outside of Amsterdam: windmills & Zaanse Schans
⋙ 3 hour biketour: backstreets & hidden gems
FIRST TIME VISIT TO AMSTERDAM – MUST SEE & DO’S:
⋙ Private Canal Boat Tour
⋙ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
⋙ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
⋙ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
⋙ Canal Cruise in the evening
INSTAGRAM MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
⋙ Youseum
⋙ The Upside Down
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
⋙ Drive-it-Yourself Tulip Fields GPS Audio Tour
⋙ Catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, London or Paris, starting at € 20,-! Check tickets & prices >>
AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS:
⋙ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
⋙ Go an a bike tour with the kids
⋙ NEMO Science Museum
SPIRNG / SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Paddle board tour on the canals
⋙ Go for a kayak-tour in Amsterdam
FALL / WINTER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival bike tour
| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>
Our favourite hotels in Amsterdam:
TOP LUXURY // €€€
☾ Pillows Maurits at the Park: this newly opened hotel is all about luxury.
☾ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
☾ L’Europe: recently renovated, this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
☾ Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
☾ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
☾ W Amsterdam: with lively restaurants and a posh rooftop bar with swimming pool.
VERY VERY NICE // €€
☾ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals with great all day bar.
☾ Hotel Jakarta: the most sustainable hotel ánd great value for money with a spa.
☾ Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
☾ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam from the North side.
☾ Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
☾ Hotel Dwars: small scale and around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
☾ Hotel Mercier: pretty new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
☾ INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city by MGallery.
☾ Morgan & Mees: boutique hotel with restaurant in Amsterdam West.
☾ Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
☾ Ruby Emma: eco design hotel with a great skybar near Amstel station.
AFFORDABLE (FOR AMSTERDAM PRICES) // €
☾ Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
☾ The Social Hub budget proof in trendy East district close tho the subway.
☾ Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
☾ CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
☾ Motel One: budget design hotel with several locations in Amsterdam.
Let’s get social
I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb and @yourlbb.amsterdam you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.
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