A Guide to Breakfast in Amsterdam

If there’s one thing Amsterdamers love, it’s breakfast. Whether you have a few hours to spend or just need to grab a quick bite, Amsterdam has plenty of tasty breakfast spots. Here’s a guide to the best places in the city to get your morning fix.

Breakfast At The Pantry

A fan-favorite amongst locals, The Pantry offers an extensive menu of breakfast items ranging from smoothie bowls to egg dishes and pancakes. Located near the vibrant De Pijp neighborhood, The Pantry is the perfect place for a leisurely brunch. The cozy atmosphere and warm colors of the restaurant set a relaxing ambiance that invites guests to linger for a while after their meal. There’s also a variety of juice and coffee options to choose from, as well as healthy options like vegan dishes and salads. According to most visitors, however, the standout item on The Pantry’s menu is the banana bread with chai lemon curd.

My take: The Pantry offers an inviting atmosphere and unique breakfast options that make it an ideal spot for brunch. I definitely recommend it, especially if you’re a fan of banana bread.

Eggslut at Brood & Boter

For a slightly more indulgent breakfast option, Brood & Boter is the place to go. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the café specializes in egg dishes that are prepared with a combination of traditional Dutch and American-style ingredients. While their most famous dish is the classic Eggs Benedict, Brood & Boter also serves up flavorful dishes like French toast with bacon and eggs on avocado with kale. For those who prefer sweet to savory, the café offers several types of tasty pancakes.

My take: Brood & Boter has gained a loyal following for its delicious egg dishes, but the star of the show here is definitely the pancakes. I’m a big fan of the French toast with bacon, but you really can’t go wrong here!

Gary’s Pancake Café

As its name suggests, Gary’s Pancake Café is the place to go for an extensive selection of pancakes. Located near Leidseplein, the café is popular amongst both tourists and locals alike. In addition to the classic American-style pancakes, Gary’s offers a variety of Dutch-style pancakes topped with different meats and cheeses. For a truly decadent breakfast experience, try one of their stack pancakes filled with chocolate or fruit.

My take: Gary’s Pancake Café has some of the best pancakes in Amsterdam, and their Dutch-style pancakes are especially tasty. If pancakes are your thing, this place should definitely be on your list!

Burrito Madre

For a savory breakfast start to your day, Burrito Madre offers a Mexican-inspired spread at their cozy eatery in Jordaan district. The menu includes classic and more unique items like burritos topped with chorizo and scrambled eggs, as well as egg dishes like huevos rancheros and breakfast tacos. If you’re looking for health-conscious options, Burrito Madre also has items like oatmeal bowls and acai bowls available.

My take: Burrito Madre is a great spot for those looking for something a bit different from your traditional breakfast fare. The huevos rancheros and breakfast tacos are especially tasty!

De Bakkerij

Located near Rembrandtplein, De Bakkerij is an old-school bakery that has been around since the 1890s. Here, you can get your hands on freshly-baked breads, pastries, and other baked goods straight from the oven. De Bakkerij also serves hot breakfast items like croissants, egg dishes, and Dutch specialties like oliebollen or poffertjes. The café also offers various types of coffee and specialty drinks like hot chocolate or cappuccinos to help get you through your morning.

My take: De Bakkerij is a great spot for lovers of all things baked goods. Their pastries are especially delicious, but their egg dishes are also really good if you’re looking for something a bit more filling!

An Insider’s Guide to Amsterdam

As a local, I am excited to share my knowledge and experience of Amsterdam with you. This vibrant city is known for its canals, museums, and delicious cuisine, but Amsterdam has so much more to offer than just the common tourist spots. I will take you off the beaten path and show you some hidden gems that are sure to make your visit unforgettable.

Local Attractions – More Than Just Museums and Canals

While the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are certainly worth a visit, Amsterdam has many other attractions that tourists don’t often visit. One such spot is the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, located in the heart of Amsterdam. Here you’ll find a unique collection of plants from all over the world, and you can also visit a butterfly House. Another great place to visit is the Tropenmuseum, which highlights the stories and artifacts from cultures around the world, including Indonesia, Suriname, and the Caribbean.

Dining Spots – Explore Local Cuisine

Dutch cuisine is often overlooked, but the country has many delicious dishes to offer. For breakfast, try Dutch pancakes, known as pannekoeken, at Pannenkoekenrestaurant Upstairs. The pancakes are served with fresh fruits, whipped cream, and powdered sugar. For lunch or dinner, check out Cafe Katoen for some classic Dutch dishes like pea soup, stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables), and herring. And if you want to sample some unique foods, visit Foodhallen, a former tram depot turned into a food market where you can try dishes from all over the world in one location.

Cultural Experiences – Beyond Tulips and Clogs

Amsterdam has a rich cultural scene that goes beyond the typical Dutch stereotypes of tulips, windmills, and clogs. Every year in August, the city hosts Grachtenfestival, a classical music festival featuring concerts along the canals. If you’re a fan of street art, head to NDSM Wharf, a former shipyard turned into an edgy art district, where you can find an impressive collection of street art. Another cultural highlight is the De Pijp neighborhood, where you can find Amsterdam’s bustling outdoor markets and lively nightlife.

Local History – Stories that Bring Amsterdam to Life

Amsterdam has a fascinating and tumultuous history, and there are many stories that can bring the city to life. One such story involves the Anne Frank House, where a young Jewish girl and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II until they were discovered and sent to concentration camps. The museum is a must-visit, but it’s worth mentioning that tickets must be booked in advance. Another interesting historical spot is the Museum Willet-Holthuysen, a beautifully preserved 17th-century canal house that provides a glimpse into the lives of Amsterdam’s wealthy inhabitants.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions – Unforgettable Experiences

For a truly authentic Dutch experience, rent a bike and explore the city like a local. The city is full of bike paths, and it’s a great way to see Amsterdam’s hidden corners. If you’re feeling adventurous, visit the Netherlands’ first indoor skydiving center, located on the outskirts of Amsterdam. Float in their wind tunnel and get the sensation of skydiving without the plane ride. If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, visit Artis, the Amsterdam Zoo, which also has a stunning botanical garden.

Amsterdam has a lot to offer, and I hope that this insider’s guide has given you a glimpse of the many hidden gems that you won’t find in the guidebook. Cheers to an unforgettable visit!