Amsterdam Curated: City and Food

While its neighbor Belgium is more renowned for fried potatoes, the Netherlands also boasts a great reputation for excellent potato chips. Although there is a very thin line between Belgian and Dutch fries, some people say Belgians fry potatoes in red meat oil, while Dutch people fry them in plant-based oil. Ironically, the top two most famous fry shops in Amsterdam, Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx and Mannken Pis, clearly showcase their Belgian identity in their names, emphasizing their connection to Flanders or Brussels. Having visited numerous fry places in Amsterdam, I always find myself returning to Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx as my first and last choice. Its texture and taste consistently stand out as the best for me. I also appreciate their non-pretentious style and pricing. Unlike other places, they minimize toppings and focus solely on the fries and sauce. Their fries come with no frills, keeping it simple, which is another reason wh...

While passing by Elangracht or van Woustraat, I always wondered why there were so many people lined up for Fou Fow Ramen. However, after reading some mixed reviews on Google, I hesitated to join the queue with others. However, one day I happened to be in the area just before the store opened, so I decided to wait at the door. There was nobody else around, and they might have thought I was a ramen fanatic. ' The store was decorated with cute images and signs, including Shin-Chan with ramen as you can see above and a frog sign (see below). In 2011, Fou Fow Ramen first appeared as a pop-up shop in Amsterdam's China town, located on the second floor of the Asian superstore Toko Dun Yong. The initial venture paved the way for the establishment's subsequent growth, leading to the opening of their first permanent shop in 2014.  Fou Fow Ramen now operates two locations, including Fou Fow Ramen van Woustraat, the second out...

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 ...