Amsterdam: Ultimate Amsterdam Food Tour

Amsterdam: Ultimate Amsterdam Food Tour offers a flavorful way to explore the city’s culture, history, and local cuisine in just under four hours. For around 75 euros per person, you’ll visit three historic neighborhoods, sampling more than 10 traditional Dutch treats along the way. Led by friendly guides—such as Eduardo, based on reviews—you’ll stroll through lively streets, from the charming Spui district to the picturesque Jordaan, tasting age-old specialties and learning about how food and history intertwine.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines culinary delights with storytelling. You get to start your journey at the oldest bakery in Amsterdam, where the aroma of fresh stroopwafels fills the air. Then, you’ll enjoy a cozy stop at a historic “brown café,” a favorite among locals and visitors alike, and finish with a variety of Dutch cheeses and hearty traditional dishes.

One possible consideration is the price relative to the food choices—some reviews mention that the tour might feel a bit pricey for what’s included, especially if you’re craving more savory options. It’s also a walking tour, so a reasonable level of mobility is needed, and those with strict dietary restrictions should communicate in advance.

This tour is perfect for food lovers eager to dive into authentic Dutch flavors and learn about Amsterdam’s neighborhoods. It appeals especially to travelers who appreciate a small group experience and enjoy stories behind the streets and bites.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Eateries: The tour emphasizes family-run businesses with historic roots.
• Taste a Variety of Dutch Classics: From stroopwafels and apple pie to herring, cheese, and Dutch sausage.
• Cultural Insights: Guides share stories about Amsterdam’s neighborhoods and their hidden gems.
• Walking and Exploring: The tour covers three neighborhoods, with moderate walking involved.
• Small Group Size: Max 12 guests ensures a personal, engaging experience.
• Suitability: Best for those who enjoy food, history, and lively city walks.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Amsterdam Food Tour

If you’re like us, the idea of combining a city walk with mouthwatering tastings sounds perfect. This 3.5-hour tour provides a well-balanced mix of history, culture, and cuisine, making it a fantastic way to spend an afternoon in Amsterdam.

Starting Point: The Charm of Spui Square

Your journey begins outside The American Book Store at Spui 12, a lively square in the heart of the city. The guide, such as Eduardo who is mentioned in reviews, will greet you with a friendly smile and a red bag or a Devour Tours sign. We recommend arriving about 15 minutes early so you’re ready to go. The initial stop is at the oldest bakery in Amsterdam, a family-run business that’s been perfecting stroopwafels since 1898. Expect the smell of freshly baked cookies and the sight of hundreds of thin waffles being filled with caramel syrup—a sweet start that sets the tone for the tour.

The Historic Brown Café

Next, you’ll duck into an iconic “brown café” in operation since 1921. These cozy establishments are a staple of Dutch city life, and this one has been popular among creatives, intellectuals, and politicians. Here, you can indulge in a slice of Dutch apple pie paired with a coffee, all served in a warm, inviting ambiance. The guide shares stories about the café’s long history, adding a layer of local color to your tasting experience. As one reviewer noted, “Our guide Eduardo was good but the tour is too pricey for the food choices included,” indicating that some might feel the value hinges on how much you love the food and stories.

Exploring Hidden Gems

From the café, you’ll stroll around the city center, with the guide pointing out hidden courtyards and historical sites. One such gem is a 14th-century courtyard that was a hub for 1960s counterculture—a fascinating peek into Amsterdam’s rebellious past. These stories enrich the walk, making the city’s streets come alive beyond their aesthetic appeal.

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Dutch Street Food: Herring and Kibbeling

A highlight is the stop at a family-run herring stand that’s been serving locals since the 1980s. You’ll sample herring and kibbeling, two classic Dutch street foods. Expect these to be fresh, salty, and satisfying, with the stand’s longevity testament to their authenticity. One reviewer remarks, “It’s a neighborhood staple since the 1980s,” emphasizing the importance of local favorites over tourist trap options.

Piping Hot Fries

No Dutch experience is complete without fries—and you’ll visit a shop that’s been serving hot, crispy fries for over 70 years. You’ll order a cone of fries topped with a homemade sauce, giving you that extra-Dutch flavor kick. The simplicity of this snack is what makes it so beloved, and it’s a perfect quick bite between neighborhoods.

The Jordaan and Cheese Tasting

Crossing canals to the Jordaan, a 17th-century neighborhood, you’ll visit a family-owned delicatessen to sample a variety of Dutch cheeses. These cheeses are renowned for their bold flavors, and tasting them here helps connect the dots between Dutch agricultural heritage and local cuisine. As some reviews highlight, the guide’s storytelling makes the tasting more meaningful, offering context about each cheese’s origin.

Final Stop: Traditional Dutch Fare

The last leg of your tour takes you to a cozy eatery, once the home of a Dutch painter, now serving classic dishes like bitterballen, stamppot, and Dutch sausage. Here, you’ll enjoy these hearty, comforting foods paired with a Dutch beer. One review notes, “The guide shared fascinating stories and the food was delicious,” confirming that the final stop caps off the experience well.

Practicalities and What You Should Know

The tour is designed for those with a moderate walking pace. It covers three neighborhoods with stops at eight different venues, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The group remains small—max 12 guests—which improves the experience by allowing more interaction and personalized attention.

Regarding cost, €75 per person includes over 10 tastings, a knowledgeable guide, and an intimate group setting. Some reviews mention that the tour might seem slightly expensive, especially for the limited savory options—focusing heavily on sweets and snacks. However, the value lies in the quality and authenticity of the eateries visited, many of which are family-run and have been around for decades.

The tour is suitable for vegetarians, pescatarians, and those who prefer non-alcoholic options, though it may not be ideal for strict vegans or those with severe food allergies. Guests with dietary restrictions should inform the guide beforehand. Also, it’s worth noting that the experience isn’t wheelchair friendly due to the walking involved.

Booking and Flexibility

You can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance—making this a flexible choice for your travel plans.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re eager to taste authentic Dutch fare while learning about the city’s history and neighborhoods, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suitable for foodies who love stories behind their snacks and enjoy exploring on foot. Those interested in local traditions and family-run businesses will find this tour particularly rewarding.

Travelers who are willing to walk at a moderate pace and enjoy small-group intimacy will get the most out of it. If you’re after a quick, snack-only experience, you might find it a touch more expensive for the limited savory options, but overall, the quality and storytelling make it a memorable introduction to Amsterdam’s culinary scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the tour can accommodate vegetarians, but it may not include all traditional Dutch meats. You should inform the provider about dietary preferences in advance.

Are there any vegan or gluten-free options?
The tour is not recommended for vegans or those with gluten or dairy restrictions, as these options are limited or unavailable during the stops.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3.5 hours, covering three neighborhoods with multiple tasting stops along the way.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside The American Book Store at Spui 12 and ends back at the same location after about 3.5 hours of walking and tasting.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must, as the tour involves walking through historic neighborhoods. Dress for the weather, as most of the tour is outdoors.

Is transportation involved?
No, the tour is walkable and doesn’t include public transport or other transportation modes.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your trip planning.

To sum it up, the Ultimate Amsterdam Food Tour offers a delightful way to experience the city through its flavors, stories, and streets. It’s especially fitting for those eager to connect with local traditions, enjoy hearty Dutch snacks, and hear engaging tales from friendly guides. While some may find the focus on sweets a bit skewed and the price slightly high, the intimacy, authenticity, and educational aspect make it a worthwhile adventure for most food lovers. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour helps you see Amsterdam’s neighborhoods in a new, delicious light.

You can check availability for your dates here: