It was already dark when we arrived in Amsterdam. Somehow we found our way to the fantastic apartment we were staying at. We enjoyed the location, walking distance to much of Amsterdam, yet in more of a residential area in the Jordaan. In other words, you wouldn't be smelling the "cash crop" while walking to the corner grocery, if you know what I mean. Our hosts were amazing; they left us beverages and water....and got the Missus hooked on Stroopwafels, even showing Her the correct way to have them with your tea/coffee. We were asked what dining plans we had for our stay. I'd made two reservations for dinner, but not for the eve of our arrival. I mentioned wanting to try Rijsttafel ("Rice Table") the product of Dutch Colonialism in Indonesia. Our host quickly got on the phone and made us reservations at his favorite spot; named Indonesian Kitchen.
It was about a 20 minute walk from the apartment. Which wasn't bad. The Missus thought it was rather cold, but after Tromsø I thought it felt downright balmy. The tiny restaurant is located on the lower level along Herengracht.
It's quite a discreet location, especially at night. We basically found it because of the menu posted along the sidewalk.
The place was indeed packed, but tucked alongside the wall was a small two-top with a reserved sign on it. Our table. Because of the tight confines, I was very discreet with regards to taking photos. The last thing I wanted to do was interrupt anyone's meal.
Of course we went with the Rijstaffel. I was later told that the portions here were on the smaller side, but this was more than enough food for us. I was also told that the chef here used to work at Amsterdam's only Michelin starred Indonesian Restaurant.
I started with a Bintang, which predictably tasted like Heineken.
The meal started off with three appetizers. This might have been our favorite part of the meal, especially the scallops which were perfectly seared, still tender and moist inside. And the whitefish which was almost buttery.
The mango salad was refreshing. The peanuts really added that nice earthiness to the dish, cutting the sweet-acidity.
Next up was a fish soup, which was fine. I expected a bit more spiciness and sour tones.
But for some reason we found this to be rather bland.
Next up was a big bowl of rice and the first foursome of dishes arrived.
The Beef Rendang finally had the chili kick I was looking for; the lamb chops were perfectly cooked, still slightly rare in the middle, but the sweet soy just overwhelmed the dish...much too sweet. The chicken curry was quite bland. The second beef dish was pretty mild as well.
The second foursome arrived a few seconds later.
The item on the bottom left was delicious, a bitter vegetable in a wonderful dressing. The prawns were a bit over-cooked but the spicy sauce was indeed nice and spicy, and it had been seasoned quite well.
The vegetable curry that accompanied the dish was pretty bland; though the flavor of the veggies shown thru.
Service was wonderful, friendly and very pleasant. We'd end up taking most of this with us and had it for lunch the next day.
Indonesian Kitchen
Herengracht 287
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
We were glad to have been able to try out some Indonesian food during our all too short visit to Amsterdam.
Amsterdam itself is quite amusing. We really got a kick out of the signage and some of the sometimes oddball things we saw. The Missus could not stop laughing at the blanket placed over the student depicted in the sculpture of the Dutch Teacher and Politician Theo Thijssen off Brouwersgracht. I guess they wanted to make sure the young lad didn't get cold.
Some of the shops were also quite adorable.
This one is called the Cow "Museum"....which was actually a shop.
We got back to the apartment, the Missus set to work making a cup of tea which was nicely provided and of course those Stroopwafels......
Tomorrow was going to be a busy day.......
Thanks for stopping by!
Stroopwafels look like a fine close to the day. Have you seen them in town?
Posted by: Soo | Monday, 12 February 2018 at 06:01 AM
Mmmmm..... stroopwaffles. They are so good!
Posted by: Kenneth Bonus | Monday, 12 February 2018 at 06:48 AM
Hi Soo - Actually TJ's has them. I think Starbucks has a version but it is so over-priced. It's actually a nice coffee break item.
According to the Missus they are Ken! She's hooked.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 12 February 2018 at 06:54 AM
Man I haven't had Indo food in years. Last time was at the food court at the Hong Kong Plaza in West Covina.
Posted by: Junichi | Monday, 12 February 2018 at 09:42 AM
Man, I haven't been to HK Plaza in West Covina in over a decade Junichi.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 12 February 2018 at 11:22 AM
Copa Vida also carries stroopwaffles.
Posted by: Caninecologne | Monday, 12 February 2018 at 04:38 PM
love stroopwafels!
Posted by: kat | Tuesday, 13 February 2018 at 05:01 AM
Thanks for the info! I'll stop by TJ's or Copa Vida next time I'm near one.
Posted by: Soo | Tuesday, 13 February 2018 at 06:05 AM
Nice CC!
So does the Missus Kat!
Hope you find some Soo!
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 13 February 2018 at 06:50 AM