I’ve hesitated to write this post for a long time now as I have a bit of a thing about recommending Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam. The reason – well, most readers of my blog are visitors to the city and I’m always incredibly keen that people experience something that feels in some way Dutch whilst here. As I used to say – would you search for Spanish food in Tokyo, or French food in Kyoto? Probably not.
But I have to acknowledge that Japanese food is universally loved and as the blog grows there are more and more locals reading it so let me at least justify this post by giving a bit of context.
The Japanese population of the The Netherlands has grown rapidly since the early 1980’s when businesses like Canon first established their European Headquarters here. Based in large part around the South Amsterdam ‘suburb’ of Amstelveen there have been Japanese stores, restaurants and hairdressers for decades now with the Amstelland Hospital now even offering services in Japanese. And with expats comes food. In this case really, really great food. In fact, having recently returned from an amazing trip to Japan I can honesty say the best Japanese food in Amsterdam is actually incredibly high quality and perhaps surprisingly, hugely authentic.
So, the list below gives you some of our faves for those seeking Japanese delights from ramen to omasake – in a city where, after a thousand years, sashimi is suddenly becoming just as popular the ubiquitous herring.
The list is not comprehensive – there are dozens of places that we either haven’t visited or don’t rate as highly – but as with the rest of the blog it is simply a selection of places we can highly recommend.
RAMEN KINGDOM
I can’t help myself by starting with the one that got away in the vague hope that it might one day return. After what at the time felt like the best ramen of my life (shhh, dare I say it even better than most of the ramen we had in Japan!) I became completely obsessed with Ramen Kingdom. And I wasn’t alone. This place served unbelievably good ramen which inspired hour-long queues outside the tiny eatery. And then it disappeared overnight, no warning, no announcement. People are still posting on their Instagram begging them to return. The shop is still there but there’s no sign of life. We can only hope. Ramen Kingdom if you’re reading this come back. Thousands of us are begging you.
omakase
Right, let’s take a step back and start with. Japanese set meals. Omakase has been having a bit of a moment in Amsterdam and there are some outstandingly good places to head for a taste.
Ikkoku
Ikkoku recently blew us away with a stunning set meal at an astonishingly reasonable price. Hidden away behind a curtain at the back of a matcha tea shop on the Ceintuurbaan is a completely pared back, minimalist room with a series of chefs working quietly at the centre. Every Wednesday and Sunday for just €40 you can enjoy a five course menu that includes appetisers, sashimi, wagyu (or extra large tiger prawn) and sushi with the option of adding a la carte dishes to the mix. Truly exceptional food and a great experience. On Thursday’s and Fridays they offer a more extensive set for €88 which includes A5 Wagyu or blue fin tuna but the €40 set definitely doesn’t feel like a compromise. Bookings essential.
fuku ramen
Don’t be fooled by the name, Fuku Ramen isn’t just about ramen at all although they do offer it a la carte for lunch every Sunday. Rather, this is the place to head for another chef’s menu this time over in Oost. For €77 the six course Japanese tasting menu (ok it does include a ramen course) is a total delight. The room is cosy and once again the quality of food was breathtaking, Bizarrely this is run by a Polish husband and wife team but truly you’d never know that this wasn’t Japanese through and through. Again, don’t even think about heading here without a reservation but do make one – you’ll thank me for it afterwards.
ramen
Ok, let’s get down to the basics – soup and noodles. Ramen makes for such an easy meal and done well can be the perfect way to warm up on one of those blowy Amsterdam days when the rain is coming at you sideways. As we all know, there’s ramen and then there’s ramen. A huge difference between something knocked up in minutes and a place where the noodles are home made and the soup has been lovingly nurtured for 24 hours. All the places below are the latter – where broth and noodle making is taken as seriously as it should be.
Ramen Fujitora
Currently garnering lots of attention from the likes of Het Parool newspaper, this newly opened ramen restaurant is the real deal. Chef Yamada honed his skill back in Tokyo before heading to Europe, bringing his craft to a new audience. Working ‘crazy long hours’ his home made noodles and deep stocks bring authentic Japanese flavours to the Albert Cuyp market. Alongside better known broths like shoyu and shio they offer niboshi ramen (based on a sardine broth) which we hadn’t seen anywhere outside Japan prior to this. Grab some gyozas on the side along with a glass of their homemade matcha lemonade.
HINATA RAMen
Hinata Ramen has been around in the Jordaan for longer than many which is testament to its longstanding popularity. Alongside their homemade broth and noodles (which they proudly declare to be both MSG and egg free) they also offer curry rice, donburi and a host of Japanese sides. So whether you’re after Shoyu or Miso ramen; spicy or vegan, this is a great bet. My only criticism would be that the pork chashu was a bit dry but perhaps it was an off day.
FOU FOW
Fou Fow Ramen was one of the first noodle restaurants in Amsterdam and there are now three locations in the city – two ramen restaurants and one udon. This no reservations spot is ever popular and it’s easy to see why. Once again all the crowd pleasers are here – Shio (my favourite at Fou Fow), Tonkotsu, Miso, Vegetarian and even Tan Tan Men and Tori Lemon Ginger ramen. There are sides aplenty for those looking for something more and the noodles are imported directly from Japan.
Other Japanese options
DE JAPANNER
De Japanner started in the Pijp, bringing the buzz of Japanese Izakayas to the city. As they explain:
Izakays are small pubs where workers relax with beer, sake and finger food after a long working day before commuting home. Come for relaxation and conviviality while enjoying a drink and a bite.
But this doesn’t entirely do it justice. When it first opened, the original branch in the Albert Cuyp market was immediately buzzing with hip locals enjoying great food and drinks in a tiny space every night until late. So popular was it, that they expanded, and you can now enjoy the Japanner vibe over in the Bilderdijkstraat in the West and their most recent opening in the business area of Zuidas. Foodwise all the Japanese faves are here from sashami to tataki; gyoza to agedashi dofu; katsu to teriyaki – and of course sushi. My favourite is still the original branch which is small and intimate and still the most buzzy but the food is reliable wherever you go.
TANUKI
I don’t expect anyone reading this to end up going to Tanuki but it would be remiss of me not to include it on the list. Based near the shopping centre in Amstelveen south of Amsterdam, this restaurant is in an area that has the largest population of Japanese people in the country. Everything about it is fantastic. Remove your shoes to sit at one of my favourite tatami mat sunken tables or sit at the standard ones if you prefer. The food here is outstanding with a huge menu of top quality Japanese favourites. Due to its enduring popularity, Tanuki has opened a second branch at the Gelderderlandplein shopping centre. Whilst the food is just as good the place isn’t nearly as special as this original outpost.
Yuzu Dining Bar
If you’re happy to forgo fish and want to ‘stick to sticks’, yakitori by way of the Yuzu Dining Bar is what you’re looking for. Chicken parts cooked on skewers have made this hotspot a popular place to dine. Read our full review for the lowdown.
Other options
There are so many other places to check out Japanese food in Amsterdam. its impossible to list them all but the following might be worth a look:
The Okura hotel is known for high end Japanese dining so if you’ve got the budget for a Michelin star meal its worth checking out.
Fancy Japanese table barbecue yakiniku? Wagyu Kanata is based in a most unlikely location but people go crazy for the highest quality wagyu beef they offer. Another spot that isn’t for those on a tight budget (importing beef from Japan is not a cheap business!). They’ve recently opened a new branch in town.
For vegan ramen head to Men Impossible or from the same owners try Ramen Impossible. Think its impossible to make great tasting vegan ramen? These guys are here to prove you wrong.
So that’s it. I have a feeling I might keep adding to this list as time goes on. So if you’re done with Dutch dining and really do want great Japanese food in Amsterdam, give tourist hotspots like Momo a wide berth and try some of these lovelies – there’s every chance you’ll see us there.
