New in Amsterdam, and first in Chinatown the owners claim, is the Eat Mode Asian Fusion Kitchen.

The workers have to restock constantly
to keep the customers satisfied here on the Zeedijk.

I ordered the chicken curry lo mein soup bowl, which was filled to the brim with a rich brown broth, chunks of chicken, potatoes, and chinese veggies. Thanks to such large portions, I was also completely filled to the brim when I finished eating it. My friend ordered the Udon soup with vegetables tempura, and it was also delicious. The crispy fried veggies contrasted well with the savory broth of the soup.

Chinese tea is free with your order. English and other types of tea as well as soft drinks are available. Nothing is expensive at this delightful place, with meals averaging around 6 Euros, topping out around 11 Euros for a prawn dish.

The ambience is nice, the soothing lounge music, quietly chatting diners, contrast with the view of the crowds scurrying by on the Zeedijk. Simple wood block tables and comfortable benches make for an enjoyable, relaxing experience. Please note there is no table service here. You must order at the counter and wait for your number to appear on the display.

Info:
Open daily from 11 am until midnight. The entire menu is available for take-out as well as eat-in.

Address:
Zeedijk 105-107
Amsterdam 1012 AV
Phone: 020 330 0806

Over the last few years Amsterdam has seen a surge of new Asian restaurants, especially since the renovation of Chinatown. Likewise more fusion restaurants seem to be popping up as Dutch taste becomes accustomed to the more unusual, creative fare these kinds of restaurants offer. So it’s no surprise then that another new Asian fusion restaurant has opened on the Zeedijk.

A-Fusion is the descriptive name of this already popular eatery just steps away from the Nieuwmarkt. The intriguing menu and reasonable prices have tourists and locals alike dropping in for lunch and dinner. Their creative fusion of Asian flavors combines elements of Japanese, Chinese and Indonesian/Malaysian cuisines.

The sleek decor with warm woods and blue accents is offset with beautiful live orchids and lilies scattered about the room. The only strange thing is the projection TV on the wall playing Japanese commercials. This silent infotainment might seem dissonant, but it really did fit in with the modern Asian motif, and I’d take it over a football game with my meal anytime.

For appetizers we ordered a Hot and Sour soup (4 Euros), which came with a rich tasty broth and some very hot red chilies. If you don’t like it so hot, let them know or avoid eating those. My Seaweed Wrapped Sesame Chicken rolls were sublime, four for 3.75 Euros.

My main course of udon noodle soup had shitaki mushrooms, bok choy and was topped with chicken satay sticks with an excellent dipping sauce (8.50 Euros). On the menu it was actually a mixed satay, but they gladly substituted my preference. My friend had the Seafood Fried Rice which was served in a whole pineapple. This huge portion contained shrimp, squid and some of that crab-like substance the Japanese love. It was light and delicious but so filling, we couldn’t finish it.

I ordered a Coconut Bubble tea to see if it was like those Tea Shakers I’d had in Barcelona. So I was surprised when I discovered the “bubbles” were actually tapioca pearls. Good thing they served it with both an extra wide straw and a spoon. It was delicious, with good coconut flavor, not too sweet (they asked my preference) yet I had trouble tasting the tea. But that was the only fault I could find with this place on my first visit.

The service was very good, and I noticed the waiters constantly scanning the tables for anyone needing assistance. It almost made me feel like I wasn’t in Holland anymore. The price was right, with our bill coming to around 32 Euros for two with drinks.

A-Fusion is a very pleasurable experience where tasty surprises await adventurous diners.

Info:
Address:
Zeedijk 130
Amsterdam
Phone: 020-330-4068

A mild “splurge”. I had 2 wonderful meals at this restaurant on Damrak.

As I travel often, I make it a point to NEVER eat in any hotel restaurant (too expensive, mediocre-to-lousy food).

This restaurant, De Roode Leeuw, was an exception. The steamed mussels were excellent, soups and bisques superb, and the lamsfilet was fabulous. Check out the photo of marrowfat peas with garnishing (tastes even better than it looks, and MUCH better than it sounds). For the excellent service and cuisine, prices were reasonable (great meal w/wine & drinks/dessert/espresso for approx. 30-40 EU maximum). A great “splurge” dinner in a great location. They also have a BRASSERIE with windowed terrace seating for any claustrophobics.

To see pictures of the restaurant, the food served there (including full menus and photos), and get a lot of useful information, goto https://www.hotelamsterdam.nl and click on the “Restaurants” tab on left. (The nice, older fellow in the picture was my waiter). Drill down to the menus & pictures of great Dutch food and try not to imitate one of Pavlov’s dogs.

I ate in Paris, Italy, DAM, everywhere in Europe, and this place was definitely a highlight. No attitudes and friendly staff if you are cool, and dress is casual. Put on your last reasonably clean shirt, have a splif, stroll over to De Roode Leuw and chow. Bon appetit. Enjoy!

x
daveq
ps (I did not stay at the Hotel.. too expensive and modern for my taste though it looked like a good business hotel).

Info:
De Roode Leuw is in the Hotel Amsterdam: Just a couple blocks up Damrak from the Dam square (N towards Centraal Station) on the West side of Damrak, about 2 blocks east of New Church. Hours/info are posted on the website included in this review.

Address:
Damrak 93-94
Amsterdam 1012 LP

The small restaurant on Reguliersdwarsstraat is warm, inviting and cozy. Large and colorful painted scenes from India adorn the walls, and delightful Indian ragas surround you with the sounds of sitar and tabla, setting the scene for your meal.

On our last visit we ordered the Onion Bahji appetizer, delicious little fritters with herbs and spices, and another appetizer of Chicken Pakora, battered & fried chicken pieces served with a tasty tomato/onion chutney.

Our main courses of salmon curry (the fresh fish of the day) was good, but a special order of Prawns Bhuna was even better. I always love bhuna, as it’s more spicy than most curries, and sometimes I can almost hallucinate from some spice in bhuna (nutmeg perhaps?).

The food was accompanied by a lovely Cote Du Rhone (16 euros), and an order of paratha (fresh bread, like a nan). The entire bill including wine came to 56 euros, not bad for a wonderful filling Indian feast for two.

Info:
Open every day.

Address:
Reguliersdwarsstraat 72
Amsterdam 1017 BN
Phone: 020-624-8713

If you’re craving some fish and chips, look no further than Al’s shop. Featuring a variety of fish including the usual cod (kabeljauw), salmon (recommended!), halibut or whatever is available that day. The fish, cut in huge pieces, is usually done to perfection. The coating is crispy if a little greasy, which only adds to the authenticity. The chips are likewise good.

A fish and chips plate is certainly a filling meal. A selection of pies, including the ubiquitous steak and kidney are available too.

The interior is your typical fast food joint, with stools and tables, often littered with English and Dutch newspapers for your reading pleasure. No swank, just good fish. Enjoy!

Info:
Address:
Nieuwendijk 10
Amsterdam 1012 MK
Phone: 020 427-4192

In business since 1887 and at this location since 1958, Vleminckx Sausmeesters have mastered the art of the “French” fry. Actually these are Belgian frites, those large, mouthwatering, golden brown crispy fries that are served in a paper cone and smothered in rich sauces.

Until you’ve tried these, you haven’t experienced the best. And with an amazing assortment of sauces to choose from (they call themselves sauce masters after all), including curry and sate, ketchup or mayonaisse (the Dutch preference) seem rather tame. But you can get those too.

For around two Euros you can experience this delicacy the way it was intended.

Warning: After eating these, you will forever disappointed by every other fry you come across. That’s the price you pay for perfection!

The only drawback is there’s no tables and chairs, you must eat standing up or find a seat on a nearby stoop.

Info:
Open Mon-Sat. 11am-6pm, Sun. 12pm-5:30pm
Address:
Voetboogstraat 31, just off the Spui
Amsterdam