Visitors to Amsterdam are often surprised by the Surinamese presence in the city. After all, the South American country has a population of roughly 600,000, and its cuisine remains a mystery to most international travelers.
Dozens of Surinamese restaurants dot the city map, thanks to the large Surinamese population that call the Netherlands home. His cuisine, which is difficult to find in the rest of the world, has become a real attraction in Amsterdam, and a delight for countless visitors.
Surinamese cuisine is a complex combination of multiple cultures because almost the entire population of Suriname originated in other countries. The cultures typically represented in Surinamese cuisine include African, East Indian, Indonesian, Chinese, Dutch, Jewish, and Portuguese.
While all the recommendations below (except for Kam Yin) are in Amsterdam East, combine them with trips to the Albert Cuyp Market or the Tropenmuseum for a full-day itinerary, along with a full stomach.
01
of 04
Warung Spang Makandra
Direction
Gerard Doustraat 39 , 1072 VK Amsterdam , Paises BajosGet directions
Telephone
+31 20 670 5081
Web
Visit the website
This Javanese-Surinamese institution has stood outside the bustle of the nearby Albert Cuypstraat for more than 30 years. Their typically Surinamese broodjes (sandwiches) reflect a broad culinary spectrum, from pomol criollo (a meat-speckled tuber casserole) to tempeh (fermented soy cakes) from Java (Indonesia). Their main courses served with rice, roti, or noodles, and near-bottomless soups are some of the best values in town for dinner.
02
of 04
Roopram Roti
Direction
Van Woustraat 37, 1074 AB Amsterdam, The NetherlandsGet directions
Telephone
+31 20 471 0400
Web
Visit the website
Roopram Roti, a Surinamese company that is well established in the capital, Paramaribo, first appeared on the Dutch shores via its Rotterdam location, and soon opened a branch in Amsterdam. With a reputation for being the best roti in town, a smooth, yeast-free flatbread similar to flour tortillas, customers don’t seem to mind the queues or the offbeat location. The dishes served are superlatively authentic and offer the best quality food, instead you will feel like you traveled to Suriname.
03
of 04
Kam Yin
Direction
Warmoesstraat 6, 1012 JD Amsterdam, The NetherlandsGet directions
Telephone
+31 20 625 3115
Web
Visit the website
This Chinese-Surinamese hybrid is hailed as the best of his breed; even The New York Times has praised Kam Yin’s extensive menu and excellent dishes. From Indian roti to Chinese chop suey, diners can enjoy all of this and more, all at very low prices. Located in the center of Warmoesstraat and open relatively late, it is an ideal place to eat before (or after) arriving in town.
04
of 04
Marlon eatery
Direction
Eerste van der Helststraat 55hs , 1073 AD Amsterdam , Países BajosGet directions
Telephone
+31 20 671 1526
Web
Visit the website
If Amsterdam ever voted for the best saoto ajam (and maybe they should), Eethuis Marlon would certainly be on top. The traditional Javanese chicken soup brings together numerous diners of Surinamese and Indonesian descent, as well as knowledgeable locals.
This corner restaurant sits between Albert Cuypstraat and Sarphatipark and has a beautiful street-side terrace as well as indoor tables where diners can sip their soup, no matter the weather.
Suriname restaurants outside of Amsterdam
While there are plenty of delicious Surinamese food in Amsterdam, it is The Hague that gains national recognition for its Surinamese food. It’s worth the hour-long drive from Amsterdam to explore all that this lesser-known city has to offer.
One of the best Surinamese restaurants in the city is New Meyva, a small cafeteria-style restaurant located a short walk from the Grote Markt (Great Market) in the historic center.
Don’t miss out on a tour of the other city attractions while in town, from world-class museums and cultural attractions to seasonal events and the excellent non-Surinamese restaurants.
