Amsterdam Curated: City and Food

I have been to Bussia Panificio a few times, but I haven't explored the Joordan area in a long time, so I almost forgot about it. However, last Sunday, the weather was amazing, and as we were walking down the street towards the Pulitzer, the unmistakable orange interior of Bussia caught our attention, right before the Pulitzer Hotel. For more details, please find my YouTube below.   The striking orange interior still shone beautifully in the morning sunlight. We initially considered sitting outside, but since the sun hadn't yet warmed the ground and it was still chilly, we opted to stay indoors after checking the temperature. Additionally, I've noticed that whenever I sit outdoors in the Joordan area, the sidewalk feels too narrow as well. Bussia's distinctive interior remained unchanged. Managed by the Burro group, the establishment is divided into two sections: the Panificio area, meaning bakery in Italian, and the traditional restaurant area. ...

This is a funny story, but I hadn't used a key for several decades. One of the big culture shocks after arriving in Amsterdam was encountering keys for doors and gates. In Asia, we typically use a number pad or fingerprint recognition to enter houses. When my family visited, everybody was confused, and on the last day, a big event occurred. The door was locked with the key inside. I called a locksmith, but he was fully booked, so I had to stay at my friend's place and went to breakfast with him. We first attempted to go to a Moroccan breakfast place, which I had randomly received a recommendation for from a Moroccan Uber driver. However, it was closed for the day. So, we swiftly opted for another place with very favorable Google reviews.  As you can discern from the menu, the prices for the all-day breakfast were not typical of Amsterdam, although the pictures on the Google reviews appeared quite enticing. Sweet French Toast 10.5€ We ordered Sweet French Toast and t...

  When discussing the bakery scene in Amsterdam, Bakhuys Amsterdam is always among the top recommendations. Conveniently situated right in front of Waterlooplein metro station, it is consistently bustling with people. Given its convenient location, I have dropped by a couple of times, though I hadn't considered writing about it until one day when I decided to do just that. In this post, I've combined my experiences from multiple visits. For a more detailed perspective, please check out my YouTube video linked above. Regardless of what Amsterdammers may think, when compared to its neighboring German, Belgian, or French cities, the bakery scene in Amsterdam is not particularly impressive. While the city is expanding and more interesting places are emerging, many of them fail to deliver truly satisfying bakeries or pastries, especially when considering their prices. While I wouldn't claim that Bakhuys Amsterdam boasts the best pastries in Europe or even in Amsterdam, what appe...

The W Hotel opened its doors in Amsterdam in October 2015. While the trendy and chic brand identity was once unique when the W chain was first launched under Starwood and now with Marriott, it has somewhat faded with competition. However, W hotels continue to maintain their value, and the W Amsterdam is no exception. Situated on the 6th floor of the W Amsterdam, the W Hotel's rooftop lounge remains one of the most sought-after destinations in the city. Adorned with black, grey, and gold interior decor, it exudes trendiness and sophistication. Its expansive glass walls offer breathtaking views of Amsterdam, allowing guests to gaze directly upon the historic Magna Plaza, once the city's main post office. For a more detailed view, please check out the YouTube video above. If you're lucky, which is quite rare in Amsterdam except during the summer months, you can grab a seat outside the window and bask in the sun. However, as you're likely...

Every Saturday, there is an organic market in Joordan. Just a block away, you'll find a café called 't Papeneiland. I used to pass by this café every week, but it was always crowded. Later, I discovered that it's a famous café known for its apple pie and rich history, so I always looked for an opportunity to visit. One day, I noticed that there were quite a few available seats inside, so I asked for a table. They told me I could sit anywhere, so I chose a table right in front of the entrance. The café's walls are adorned with quaint paintings, creating a unique atmosphere. This charming café has been around since 1642. What makes it truly remarkable is its connection to a hidden Catholic church from the early 17th century. Legend has it that Prinsengracht 7 served as the secret church, and there is still a glimpse of its entrance within the café, although the tunnel now functions as a storage area. The café's interior has preserved the essenc...