What is now Indonesia was a Dutch colony for more than 300 years. One of the results is tasty: many delicious Indonesian restaurants in the Netherlands. Choose from my picks for the best Indonesian restaurants in Amsterdam, ranging from fine dining to quick take out options.
01
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Blue pepper
Direction
Nassaukade 366, 1054 AB Amsterdam, The NetherlandsGet directions
Telephone
+31 20 489 7039
Web
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Best for a more refined Indonesian dinner
The late Johannes van Dam, a restaurant critic of near divine status in Amsterdam and the Netherlands, called this contemporary version of Indonesian cuisine ” Fantastisch ” and “9+”, and if you know anything about Johannes van Dam, you know that those kinds of accolades don’t come without winning. Choose from one of three tasting menus every night: a classic rijsttafel (what is a rijsttafel ?), Plus a ‘modern’ or ‘contemporary’ option, all with exotic names like ‘The Sultan and I’, ‘Wild Orchid »and» Blue Marilyn «.
02
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Tempo Doeloe
Direction
Utrechtsestraat 75, 1017 VJ Amsterdam, The NetherlandsGet directions
Telephone
+31 20 625 6718
Web
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Tie for best Indonesian food on the Utrechtsestraat
The elegant Utrechtsestraat on Amsterdam’s Eastern Canal Belt is a restaurant lover’s paradise, and that utopia includes two of the city’s favorite Indonesian restaurants. Tempo Doeloe, the name means “Old Times” in Indonesian, is a hidden traditional restaurant whose patrons appreciate its privacy, well-executed classic dishes and attention to detail. This isn’t the place to find modern kitchen innovation, but you won’t be bothered by the ever-present street vendors selling flowers and polaroids.
03
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March Seven
Direction
Utrechtsestraat 73, 1017 VJ Amsterdam, The NetherlandsGet directions
Telephone
+31 20 427 9865
Web
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Tie for best Indonesian food in Utrechtsestraat
If Tempo Doeloe is the hidden Indonesian option on bustling Utrechtsestraat, Tujuh Maret is front and center. Unlike Tempo Doeloe, Tujuh Maret offers takeout and lunch (just look for the bright yellow sign advertising the latter).
04
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Sama Sebo
Direction
Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat 27 , 1071 BL Amsterdam , Paises BajosGet directions
Telephone
+31 20 662 8146
Web
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The best Indonesian food near the great museums of Amsterdam
With a reputation as one of the oldest and best-known Indonesian restaurants in the Netherlands, it’s no wonder that tables at this popular Museum Quarter restaurant are reserved well in advance. Your rijsttafel is the star here.
Continue to 5 of 6 below.
05
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Roses
Direction
Zeedijk 41-HS, 1012 AR Amsterdam, The NetherlandsGet directions
Telephone
+31 20 304 4246
Web
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Indonesian food in Amsterdam’s Chinatown
It’s hard to find a great Indonesian in the medieval center – most of the best options are farther from the core of the city. Still, visitors who have worked up an appetite for downtown could do worse than Bunga Mawar, one of the only Indonesian restaurants in Zeedijk. While the quality was respectable, it is only the “best” Indonesian sitting in Chinatown by virtue of being the only one; The only other option I know of is Toko Joyce ( Nieuwmarkt 38 ), a cheerful takeout outfitted with a couple of tables. When I’m in Chinatown and craving Indonesian food, I generally go for the similar flavor profile of Malaysian food, as there are two prominent Malaysian spots in the area – the casual home-style espresso, Nyonya Malaysian ,. Just don’t expect to find rijsttafel on the menu!
06
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Indonesian restaurants in The Hague
Direction
Kneuterdijk 18A, 2514 EN Den Haag, The NetherlandsGet directions
Telephone
+31 70 346 5319
Web
Visit the website
The Hague is hailed as the Dutch capital of Indonesian food, and its proponents argue that the quality of its Indonesian restaurants surpasses that of Amsterdam. Although I am not sure if I can take sides, I will say that I have had some really impressive Indonesian food in The Hague; Restaurants such as Garoeda ( Kneuterdijk 18a ) and Poentjak ( Kneuterdijk 16 ), which are located next to each other with beautiful views of the square, are local classics, while the Raffles (Javastraat 63) offers a more exclusive experience (complete with prices exclusive).
Indonesian food and culture enthusiasts who are in town in late May or early June should not leave without visiting the Tong Tong Fair, an Indonesian cultural festival where food is a main focus.
Edited by Kristen de Joseph.
