Amsterdam Jordaan Food & Drinks Tour with Eating Europe

Experience the Best of Amsterdam’s Jordaan District with a Food & Drinks Tour
Imagine strolling through Amsterdam’s charming Jordaan neighborhood, a former working-class district transformed into a fashionable culinary hub. For around three hours, with a guide who’s passionate about Dutch food, you’ll visit six authentic eateries, sampling everything from award-winning Gouda to traditional herring, all while soaking in the beauty of UNESCO-listed waterways. Priced at about $120 per person, this tour is offered by Eating Europe and is highly booked—usually 45 days or more in advance—showing how popular this experience truly is.

What we love about this tour? First, the intimate setting created by small groups of no more than 12 people means plenty of personalized attention. Second, the thoughtful combination of sit-down tastings—such as apple pie at a 400-year-old café—and walking between hidden gems makes it a relaxing yet uncovering experience. The guides, like the enthusiastic Elena or Gerard, bring local stories to life, making it as much about culture and history as about the food.

That said, a potential consideration is the price, which might seem steep if you’re on a tight budget, but remember that it includes 12 tastings and four drinks, enough for a hearty meal. Also, if you have dietary restrictions, check in advance, as the tour caters mainly to omnivores and might not accommodate severe allergies.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy authentic experiences, appreciate local history, and want to taste a variety of regional specialties in a relaxed, small-group setting. Whether you’re a foodie eager to uncover culinary secrets or a traveler who loves exploring neighborhoods beyond the usual tourist routes, this tour offers a perfect blend of taste and storytelling.

Key Points

• Authentic Dutch Flavors: You’ll sample classic bites like Gouda cheese, bitterballen, and pickled herring.
• Local Insights: Guides share fascinating stories about Amsterdam’s history, neighborhoods, and culinary traditions.
• Cultural Exposure: Visit hidden hotspots and learn about Indonesian and Surinamese influences in Dutch cuisine.
• Leisurely Pace: Multiple sit-down tastings paired with scenic canal walks make it a relaxed, enjoyable experience.
• Small Group Setting: Intimate size ensures personalized attention and an authentic atmosphere.
• Comprehensive Experience: Includes drinks, local anecdotes, and an insider’s guide to Amsterdam’s food scene.

The Details Breakdown: What Makes This Tour Special

Starting Point and First Impressions

Meet your guide in the elegant Jordaan district at Noordermarkt 48. As you gather in this lively area, you’ll immediately feel the neighborhood’s blend of history and modern charm. The tour begins with a visit to The Papeneiland Café, a 400-year-old brown café renowned for its apple pie. Here, you’re invited to indulge in what many describe as Amsterdam’s best apple cake, paired with your choice of coffee, cappuccino, or tea. One reviewer called it “a tradition that’s attracted locals and visitors (including Bill Clinton!) for generations,” highlighting its local importance.

Exploring Dutch Food Classics

Next, you’ll visit Vishandel Centrum, a classic Dutch fishmonger’s shop. Here, savor fresh herring and kibbeling while watching the fishmonger work his magic in front of you—a true taste of the Netherlands’ seafood tradition. The open workspace and traditional preparation provide an authentic, almost nostalgic window into Dutch street food. As one reviewer put it, “the herring was surprisingly tasty,” which can be a revelation for those new to this delicacy.

Following this, a cozy café called Café De Poort introduces you to Dutch Gouda cheese. Sample four different aged varieties, each representing a stage of flavor development. This tasting not only highlights the cheese’s rich, evolving profile but also offers insight into Dutch cheese-making prowess. Many guests appreciate the opportunity to taste multiple cheeses side by side, appreciating the depth of Dutch dairy craftsmanship.

Cultural and Global Influences

A visit to Mama’s Koelkast offers a different kind of culinary storytelling. This catering shop celebrates Surinamese and Indonesian influences, with Mama Jane serving her homemade Surinamese rotirol—a flavorful, home-cooked dish that exemplifies the multicultural layers of Dutch cuisine. One reviewer loved how “it felt like eating at a friend’s home,” which underscores the warmth of this stop.

For a sweet break, Pat’s Poffertjes makes fresh, fluffy poffertjes—mini Dutch pancakes generously dusted with powdered sugar. Watching them sizzle on the griddle and then tasting the warm, buttery treats is a highlight for many. One guest said, “they’re so good, I could have eaten a dozen,” which is a testament to their irresistible charm.

A Scenic Walk Through Culinary History

Throughout the tour, you’ll stroll along the Herengracht canal, admiring 17th-century architecture and hearing stories of Amsterdam’s Golden Age. Your guide will point out historic landmarks like De Gangen Willemstraat, once overcrowded and plagued by disease, giving you a sense of how the city’s past shaped its present.

Further along, you’ll pass the Brouwersgracht, once lined with breweries in the 13th century. This spot links directly to Amsterdam’s brewing heritage, a story many find fascinating as it ties into Dutch drinking customs.

Wrapping Up with Dutch Comforts

Your tour concludes at Petit Heemelrijck, a cozy brown café packed with nostalgia. Here, you’ll indulge in crispy bitterballen—a classic Dutch snack—and enjoy a glass of jenever, the traditional juniper-flavored spirit that’s been part of Dutch culture for centuries. One reviewer described the place as “warm and inviting,” perfect for wrapping up your culinary journey.

What It Means for You as a Traveler

This tour is particularly valuable if you’re interested in more than just ticking off sights. It’s a chance to understand the cultural fabric of Amsterdam through its food. The guide’s storytelling, combined with the variety of tastings, turns a simple walk into a memorable, educational experience.

The inclusion of local drinks—beer, wine, and jenever—adds a social element, and many reviews mention how guides like Danielle or Gerard bring humor and local knowledge that make the experience lively.

However, be prepared for a moderate pace—walking between stops and standing for tastings—which means comfortable shoes are a good idea. The tour’s length of roughly three hours makes it manageable, though it’s enough to satisfy a substantial part of your meal.

Value for Money

At nearly $120, the tour might seem pricey, but considering it includes 12 tastings, 4 drinks, and an insider’s guide, many guests feel it is well worth it. The opportunity to sample multiple Dutch specialties in one outing, combined with the storytelling, offers a depth of experience rarely found in casual eating.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is perfect for food lovers seeking authentic regional bites and insights into Dutch culture. It suits those who enjoy small-group adventures and prefer relaxed, sit-down tastings over hurried snack stops. History buffs, too, will appreciate the contextual stories woven into the walk, connecting food to the city’s past.

If you’re looking to explore a vibrant neighborhood beyond the typical tourist spots, and want a comprehensive taste of local and multicultural Dutch cuisine, this tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable experience.

However, if your main priority is gourmet or highly refined cuisine, or if dietary restrictions are a concern, you might want to look for specialized experiences. Otherwise, this tour strikes a delightful balance between culinary discovery, cultural insights, and Amsterdam’s scenic beauty.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
The tour primarily focuses on omnivorous Dutch foods, and guests with severe allergies cannot participate for safety reasons. It’s best to inform the guide beforehand about any specific dietary needs.

How long does the tour last?
The experience takes approximately 3 hours, including walking, tastings, and stories.

What is included in the price?
You get 12 food tastings at six different local establishments and 4 drinks, including local beer, wine, and jenever.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at Noordermarkt 48 and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the tour walkable?
Yes, it involves walking along scenic canals and through historic alleys, making it both relaxed and scenic.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

What makes this tour unique compared to others?
It combines a relaxed, small-group atmosphere with a diverse range of Dutch and multicultural foods, plus fascinating stories about Amsterdam’s neighborhoods.

Is this experience good for families or kids?
Since it involves tasting local foods and walking, it’s suitable for older children, but check with the provider if you have younger children or specific needs.

To sum it up, the Amsterdam Jordaan Food & Drinks Tour with Eating Europe offers a genuine taste of the city’s culinary soul, layered with history and local stories. It’s a wonderful choice for those who want to eat well, learn, and explore in a relaxed, authentic setting. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small family, this experience promises to leave you full—of food and appreciation for Amsterdam’s diverse, flavorful culture.