Amsterdam Curated: City and Food

Amsterdam may not be renowned for its Asian noodle offerings. While you can find a few Ramen and Pad Thai places, words like Pho, Udon, Soba, Naengmyeon, Mian, and Mee are not commonly heard in this city. However, I recently stumbled upon a fantastic hand-pulled Lanzhou Beef Noodle spot right here in Amsterdam, defying expectations. Having lived in Asia, Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup has always held a special place in my heart among Asian noodle dishes. I adore Bak Chor Mee, Soto Ayam, Bun Bo Hue, Pyongyang Naengmyeon, and Tonkotsu ramen, but there's something about the spicy and savory broth of Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup paired with its satisfyingly chewy noodles. At this establishment, you can indulge in six different noodle thickness options, along with knife-shaved noodles. While Lanzhou offers eight varieties, the thinnest options have been excluded here. Accompanying your noodles, you can choose from side dishes like wood ear mushrooms, potatoes, and cucumbers.

Just like other European cities, Amsterdam also boasts numerous Italian restaurants, but one place truly stands out: Fiaschetteria - Pistoia. Securing a table at this establishment is no easy feat; it's like going into battle, and timing is crucial to avoid losing your reservation. (Be sure to check out the video below for a one-minute video of Fiaschetteria - Pistoia) On a fine evening in May, I had the privilege of attending a farewell dinner for a colleague. Fortunately, I managed to secure a table for five and hurried to the restaurant, determined not to lose my reservation. The charm of Fiaschetteria - Pistoia extends far beyond its ambiance. One thing that immediately caught our attention was the unique wooden wine box filled with an array of wines available by the glass or bottle. We opted for a bottle of Chianti to complement our dining experience. Originally established in 1890 in Pistoia, Tuscany, a region northwest of Florence, the restaurant proudly carries the name of

Although its neighboring country Belgium is more well-known for fries, the Netherlands also has a lot of decent fried potatoes. In Amsterdam, you can easily name places like Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx or Manneken Pis (although both places insinuate Belgian origins), but Fabel Friet is a place where you can see people lining up for their fries just as much. (Be sure to check out the video below for a one-minute video of Fabel Friet) I came to know about Fabel Friet when I passed by it on King's Night. They said it was one of the most famous places for fries in Amsterdam, but the problem was that I couldn't remember the location. However, when I visited Balthazar's Keuken, I finally remembered the place. Just like on King's Night, there was a long line, and I stood in it. A standing sign featuring a QR code allowed me to check the menu, and another sign stated that they only accept cards. Interestingly, unlike other Dutch shops, they accept Amex as well.