Seek and find
This will be your go-to for fresh Korean street food
The Bab Amsterdam will soon open its doors on the corner of Ruyschstraat and Camperstraat in East Amsterdam. When I cycled past unsuspectingly a few weeks ago, I had to rub my eyes. A Korean restaurant is opening (finally again!) in Amsterdam, and right on my street, no less. I could swear my prayers have been heard by Junghun Pyo (37) and Sunny Kim (39), because I've said so often that I'm bummed there's no Korean restaurant in Amsterdam. Amsterdam Oost They're going to change that with the opening of The Bab Amsterdam, and I spoke with them extensively about their new restaurant for Your Little Black Book.
Follow @yourlbb on Instagram
IF YOU ARE READY: 𝗺𝗶𝗷𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘁𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀
As a child, I went there with my parents to shop, and as a teenager and in my twenties, I went clubbing. Now, I love coming here for a weekend escape, filled with good food, great wine bars, and that typical Rotterdam down-to-earth attitude.
Rotterdam is buzzing with creativity and has a real IT-factor. In this mini-guide, I share my favorite hotspots you'll definitely want to know.
📌Book your next trip to Rotterdam.
𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘
⦁ @parqiet_parkcafe
⦁ @dunerotterdam
⦁ @wollyaandewaterkant
⦁ @nice.neighbourhood
**Illegible**
⦁ @morganandmees
⦁ @hotelame
⦁ @roommate_bruno
⦁ @thejameshotelrotterdam
𝗡𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦
⦁ North
⦁ Katendrecht
⦁ Dijkzigt (Museum Park)
⦁ Shipping Quarter
I
⦁ Take the Water Taxi
⦁ @boijmans
⦁ Walk & unwind at the Kralingse Plas
⦁ @nlfotomuseum
⦁ Visit @stationbergweg
**
⦁ @tresrotterdam
⦁ @barbertarotterdam
⦁ @hinoki_rotterdam
⦁ @barbistroloevetdie
⦁ @oxrotterdam
⦁ @restaurant_rotonde
⦁ on my to-visit list, the new @lioncitybistro
𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦
⦁ @walsjerot_nl
⦁ @cafeverward
⦁ @spikizibar
⦁ @lenselinq
💌What's your favorite spot in Rotterdam?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Perhaps the last weekend with ice and snow ⛄️❄️
Are you a cocooner or do you prefer to get outdoors? In our Snowy Amsterdam Guide, I share my favorite winter tips for this weekend in the city.
Save it – because snow days like this are rare 🥰
Do you have any great winter tips for Amsterdam? I'd love to read along!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#snow #amsterdam #winter snow in amsterdam, things to do winter in amsterdam
First of all: thank you for being here to close out 2025 <3.
2025, you were everything I hoped you would be and more. So many new memories.
I don't yet know what 2026 will bring, but last year was one for the books. Highlights included trips to China, Mexico City, Egypt, and exploring the English countryside.
Entrepreneurs probably recognize that 2025 was not an easy year.
When I started Your Little Black Book, I had one dream: not to work to stay somewhere for free in exchange for content and the pressure of a "picture perfect" experience. But to use my revenue models to book and experience those special places myself, as a guest instead of an influencer, and to give you honest tips.
After almost 15 years of entrepreneurship, I'm so happy with the balance between editorial and commercial work and that I can also say no to things that don't feel right.
At the same time, it's still special that destinations, airlines, and hotels hire me to create a customized Little Black Book for them. I have complete freedom with these campaigns, and I believe in the value of these content-based tips that truly suit your taste. And they come from me personally, not from a machine.
So thank you for your support when you see #yourlbbcollab, #pressstrip or #prinvited ;-).
This will always be my dream job, the one I created almost 15 years ago. I still do as much as possible myself. That's energizing—from both successes and failures.
Luckily, I have a small team that helps with certain sections, and this year we're going through all the tips critically. What's still truly fun, and what's not?
As a leisure expert and queen of curation, I'm so excited to take yourlittleblackbook.me to the next level. Even though being an online entrepreneur requires constant attention and doesn't always come naturally, I wouldn't want anything else.
My mission remains: making your life easier.
So you don't have to search, but can simply choose well.
So glad you were here this year. Without you, there would be no Your Little Black Book 🖤
See you in 2026!
With love,
@anne_de_buck
I have always been part of the family and have always been proud of my work. I have a nice garden in my garden 🗝️👀
Mark your calendars! Because on January 17th and 18th, Hotel Night returns to Amsterdam with a year-round event packed with health and wellness events, and of course, legendary parties you'll be talking about all year long.
I got a sneak peek at The Art of Balance theme at the luxurious Anantara Krasnapolsky and arranged a similarly special experience for you as a YLBB follower.
And in my opinion:
• overnight stay for 2 people in a luxury room on January 17, 2026
• access to the spa & wellness (subject to availability via the wellness desk)
• pre-dinner cocktail at Bar The Tailor
• fully catered dinner from the chef
• passe-partouts for the Hotel Night parties
• extensive breakfast in the Winter Garden
• participation in unique Ice Experience in Krasnapolsky Summergarden
And in Flanders:
• let us know who you would like to check in with at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky during the Mastercard Hotel Night
• download the Mastercard Hotel Night app where you can see the complete program
• and take a look at @hotelnacht and @anantarakrasnapolsky for the latest updates and to get the fun started!
The winner will be notified on January 5th in a comment from @hotelnacht that I will share in my stories.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!
Love,
Anne
#hotelnacht #amsterdam #yourlbbcollab #winactie #giveaway
NEW YEAR 🥰 ~ I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!
I'll be sharing more of these kinds of diaries with you in 2026. What a month December was! 🖤 So grateful for all the special moments!
From overcoming stage fright to New York, lots of QT with my boys, and delicious food. We're closing out the year in Egypt, and it's so incredibly beautiful here ☺️.
1 'Coming home' to NY, this city continues to surprise 🗽
No fancy dinners this time, but a week full of street food, handrolls, slices, and wine bars. 🍕
3 A bizarre end to the trip and another experience richer 🫣
4 Just in time to present the Entree Award for 'best new luxury hotel'. ✨ Overcoming stage fright: CHECK!
One of the best hospitality parties of the year: the Entree Awards. Luckily, we still have the photos. 📸
6, 7, 8 Date night at the always delicious Café Caron, the newly opened Char-d (also recommended) and the snacky dinner that I had been craving for months 😅
9-night hotel preview at Anantara Krasnapolsky and the best night out in your own city. TIP: There's a fantastic giveaway coming up that you won't want to miss. 👀
Note to self: visit a hotel spa more often for the ultimate luxury experience, such as at Anantara Krasnapolsky Amsterdam.
11 Emily in Paris & Cheese Fondue 🫕. What do you think of the new season?
12 AMS rounds with lunch at De Willem & wine and pate en croute at Twee Prinsen 🍷
13 Our Christmas tradition: the World Christmas Circus in Carré 🎪
Manuel's 14th Best Idea: Everyone Had to Hand in Their Phones at Christmas 📵
15 Early Christmas with the fam, and yes I made the viral shrimp tower 🦐
16 EGYPT, here we come! 🛩️
17 Felucca & magical sunset in Luxor ☀️
Christmas gift for the whole family: checked into my dream hotel in Luxor. 🗝️
Bucket list 19: Hot Air Balloon in Luxor. 🔥
20 This is what I call alfresco dining 😍
PS: I love this age of traveling together, a big boy full of fun ideas, but still sweet and small at the same time 🥰
It's crazy to think that the year is almost over, but I'm really looking forward to 2026 and everything that's to come.
I hope you had some nice days too 🖤.
✖️✖️✖️
@anne_de_buck
Merry Christmas 🎄❤️
I wish you very happy days.
Curious about what you're going to do today ✨.
✖️✖️✖️
@anne_de_buck
PS: Who recognizes this Christmas tree? 👀
Comment WEEKEND for the full guide.🎄
I hope your OOO is on, your plans for the festive season are set, and that you're going to enjoy some wonderful days ahead.
If you need more tips, yourlittleblackbook.me is packed with listicles for Christmas and NYE.
From the best delicacy shops for your groceries to last-minute dinner tables and events.
Maybe you're traveling for the holidays? I would love to hear where you're headed.
For now: happy holidays! I'll check in with you next week from Egypt, where I'm adventuring with my family, chasing mummies and pyramids.
ALL THE LOVE,
ANNE
The Christmas holidays are coming and we have collected the best tips for kids (and parents 😉) for you.
From winter getaways in Amsterdam to great family-friendly tips throughout the Netherlands: you'll find them all in our complete Christmas holiday guides.
Think of Christmas markets, winter events, ice skating rinks, light art and quality time together.
In 𝗬𝗟𝗕𝗕'𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝘃𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 on 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲 I have bundled everything for you: from Amsterdam to the best tips throughout the Netherlands.
Countdown: we're off to Egypt for a week soon ☀️, but I've deliberately planned it so we can also fully enjoy all the winter events and outings here. The best of both worlds.
In the guides you will find, among other things:
In the evenings
– Winter outings in Amsterdam, from light art to Christmas markets
– Family-proof events throughout the Netherlands
- Many tips that are also fun in cold or rainy weather
𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 & 𝗙𝗨𝗡
– Cozy winter markets for hot chocolate and mulled wine
– Ice rink, circuses, shows and light festivals
– Outings that are just as fun with the whole family as one-on-one with your child
Of course, this is just a sample of everything there is to do.
Do you want the complete overview?
I have always wanted to make a nice gift to you 🖤
And I'm curious: what do you have planned for this holiday?
I hope you have a great time together!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊 Anne de Buck
#yourlittleblackbook #christmasholiday #christmasholidaytips #kidsproof #familytimewintervibes
I hope this summer you have a nice summer day and a nice bouquet of flowers! 🎄
Send a message right away to that one friend with whom you want to have one this weekend.
𝗭𝘂𝗶𝗱-𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱
– Royal Christmas Fair – The Hague (until December 23) @royalchristmasfairthehague
– Winter Wonder Weeks – Leiden (12–14 & 18–21 Dec)
– Green Christmas Market – Rotterdam (12–14 Dec)
– Dordrecht December Days Christmas Market – Dordrecht (13–14 Dec)
– Rotterdam Harvest Christmas Edition – Rotterdam (13 & 20 Dec)
𝗚𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱
– Winter Festival Zutphen – Zutphen (14 Dec)
𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗴
– Christmas Town Valkenburg – Valkenburg (until January 4)
𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗷𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹
– Christmas Market Delden – Delden (13 Dec)
– Dickens Festival – Deventer (13–14 Dec)
– (H)onest Christmas Market – Deventer (13–14 Dec)
𝗡𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱-𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱
– Museumplein Christmas Market – Amsterdam (until December 28)
– Haarlem Christmas Market – Haarlem (12–14 Dec)
– Funky Xmas Sunday Market – Amsterdam (21 Dec)
– Winter Market Pure Markt – Amsterdam (21 Dec)
𝗨𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗵𝘁
– Winter Market Molen de Ster – Utrecht (13–14 Dec)
– The Utrecht Winter Spectacle – Utrecht (Dec. 18–Jan. 4)
Have fun! There's nothing quite like spontaneous plans in December.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊 @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #christmasmarketnetherlands #christmasmarkets2025 christmasmarketamsterdam christmasmarketthehague christmasoutings thingstodointhenetherlands
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗧𝗼 𝗗𝗼 (𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟭, 𝟭𝟮, 𝟭𝟯 & 𝟭𝟰)
Another cozy December weekend is here, and the city is buzzing with winter vibes.
Think festive markets, Light Festival strolls, Christmas concerts, new food hotspots, ice skating, and QT with friends or family.
In this week's Amsterdam Weekend Guide, I've rounded up 40 things to do!
Here's a sneak peek — comment WEEKEND for the full guide or check the link in bio.
𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗠𝗔𝗦 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘
– A magical Christmas concert at Het Concertgebouw (Dec 13)
– Bric & Brac Christmas Market at De Willem (Dec 14)
– The always lovely Museumplein Christmas Market — perfect for snacks & winter vibes
𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 & 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦
– NEW: Yubu Bento — your new inari go-to in the city center
– NEW: Wonton — dumpling heaven just landed in West
– Do the @lefoodwalk during Amsterdam Light Festival: 10.000 steps, art, street food, oysters & cocktails
– More into sit-down dinners? Book an early or late table with @lefoodwalk
𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬 𝗙𝗨𝗡
– Poffertjes Sunday at @hetblauwetheehuis (Dec 14) — always a good idea
– Circus Zanzara is back at Westergas with The Art of Making Art — fun for all ages
And this is just a taste of all 40 tips in this week's guide.
Want the full list with all events and new places to check out?
🖤 Comment WEEKEND and I'll send the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide straight to your DMs, or hit the link in bio.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊 @anne_de_buck
#amsterdam #amsterdamweekendguide #amsterdamtips #amsterdamcity
**Illegible text** 👀
This is the coolest new hotel for a night away! Meet @viaantwerp, Antwerp's newest boutique hotel on the border of Zurenborg and Borgerhout (yep, voted the 2nd coolest neighborhood in the world by Time Out).
I recently stayed at this gem, and it truly has it all: a lively bar with a cozy atmosphere, walls adorned with creative art, beautiful, bright rooms, and it's within walking distance of great hotspots. And I haven't even mentioned @mea.antwerp! The delightful restaurant, helmed by a chef who previously worked at The Palomar in London. If you know, you know!
And now the best news:
I can surprise one of you with a dream night away at VIA Antwerp. 💛
And in my opinion
• Overnight stay for 2 people
• Breakfast included
• Chef's Dinner at MEA
And in Flanders
• Let us know in the comments which friend you would like to stay here with
• Of course, take a look at @viaantwerp & @mea.antwerp to dream away and follow their updates
The winner will be notified personally via DM on December 10th.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and will soon share a mini guide with more great tips for Antwerp! 🖤
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#antwerp #antwerp #zurenborg #antwerpcity #borgerhout
HAPPY ALMOST WEEKEND IN AMSTERDAM
Comment 'weekend' and I'll send you all 32 tips in the new Amsterdam Weekend Guide for December 4, 5, 6 & 7 ✖️✖️✖️
Fresh Korean dishes for a wide audience
It was always Junghun and Sunny's dream to open their own restaurant and make Korean food accessible to Amsterdam locals so they could try it. This is their first restaurant. Before that, Junghun worked for years as a business analyst at Samsung in Amsterdam. Now he's changing course and spends his days in the kitchen creating the most delicious Korean dishes and brewing authentic Korean coffee.
Korean food is hands-down one of my favorite cuisines. A few years ago, I even went to Seoul just to eat at local spots. The new entrepreneurs felt Amsterdam lacked Korean restaurants where the food wasn't too complicated or high-end. That's why Junghun and Kim are starting The Bab Amsterdam, serving simple, fresh Korean dishes. The Bab aims to be a place Amsterdammers can pop into just as easily as they would order a sandwich for lunch.
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The menu of The Bab Amsterdam
Naturally, we've discussed The Bab's menu in detail. They'll be working on an all-day menu featuring simple variations of complex Korean dishes. You can choose between spicy and soy flavors, allowing you to tailor the dishes to everyone's taste. For the Dolsot-Bibimbab dishes, there's the option of a mixed vegetable or a single variety served with rice in a hot stone pot.
For dessert, we can order "Hotteok" later. Korean pancakes with caramelized brown sugar, nuts, and cinnamon, among other things.
For vegans, there aren't necessarily any special dishes on the menu, but the 'Bibimbab' and 'Gimbab' (rice roll) can also be made as vegan versions upon request.
In addition to the regular menu, a number of specials are added to the rotating menu every quarter. What will become the classics? Junghun and Sunny agree on that: the 'Dolsot-Bibimbab'! Bibimbab is one of the most popular dishes throughout Korea, and they expect it to be the same at The Bab. Junghun's personal favorite on the menu right now is the 80s-style pork cutlet. His favorite dish from his childhood (and still is!) and a must-try. He expects Korean customers to come to The Bab specifically for it!
You'll also soon be able to enjoy specialty coffee and traditional Korean tea at The Bab Amsterdam, as well as a variety of soft drinks, Korean beers, and other traditional beverages. One example is Makgeolli, a slightly sparkling rice wine you won't find on every menu. It's slightly sweet and white in color.
Do you like rice? This is The Bab Amsterdam.
Did you know that BAB means rice or meal in Korean? Rice is an important part of Korean cuisine and food traditions. Junghun explains to me that in Korea, people often ask Did you have BAB? instead of "How are you?" A tradition where it's assumed you're doing well if you answer "Yes." After all, if you're not feeling well, you wouldn't feel like eating. At The Bab, rice is also the most important ingredient in the dishes, and so it was quickly decided that this would be the name of the dish. new Korean restaurant would become.
YourLBB's latest lists
The interior of The Bab Amsterdam
The Bab's location used to be home to the Roost coffee shop. And to be honest, its interior always looked nice. In fact, the wood-and-black-steel interior always reminded me a bit of the coffee shops we visited in Seoul. So it's no surprise that they won't be changing much at The Bab. It's becoming greener with more plants (we like!), but the open kitchen will remain. This way, you can watch Chef Junghun at work and have more direct contact with guests. When the weather's nice, there will also be benches and tables for enjoying your bibimbab outside.
Expected opening date of The Bab
Of course, you'll read all about it here as soon as The Bab officially opens its doors. I cycle past it every day and will keep a close eye on it for you. Until then, you can follow them on Instagram.
TIP: You can also order Korean dishes as catering at The Bab if you're having a business lunch and want to serve something other than a sandwich!
View this post on Instagram
Looking for a nice hotel in Amsterdam?
» The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel on the canal.
» Sir Adam: with the coolest view of Amsterdam.
» Pillows Anna van den Vondel: staying near the Vondelpark.
» Hotel Mercier: new hotel hotspot in the Jordaan.
» Hotel V: with two locations, in the at the center en East.
» Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canal on the border of Nine Streets and Jordaan.
» Hotel Dwars: small-scale and around the corner from the Utrechtsestraat.
» INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city centre.
» Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building near the Westergasterrein.
» The Volkshotel: affordable and with an awesome rooftop.
» The Student Hotel: budget proof in hip East.
» QO Amsterdam: eco design hotel with cool sky bar.
» Morgan & Mees: boutique hotel in Amsterdam West.
» Generator Hostel: the nicest poshtel in town.
fun things to do in amsterdam:
PSSSST... you can find more (travel) tips in my books!
- Feed Your Wanderlust – Travel Guide for a bohemian lifestyle
- staycation – 22 guides and shortlists for a holiday close to home
- Wanderlust – Urban Travel Style Guide
- The Amsterdam City Guide (Dutch) & The Amsterdam City Guide (English)
Great as a gift for yourself or someone who loves to travel as much as you do!
WITH LOVE,
ANNE
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