This’ll be lengthier than the bulleted list in a phone notes app, but you’ll get a lot of information that I think is important when deciding the question “Where to eat?” (such as…was the food worth the money? Would I go back? What’s the origin story?)

Save this for later, because you’re going to want to have this Milano restaurant listography handy when you plan your own trip ✨

table of contents

food food // defined as anything that contains nutritional value to fuel that hot bod of yours. These are dishes you typically find at sit down & order restaurants, or are cooked at home.

nibbles // defined as anything from a snack, to a packaged treat, to a dessert; anything edible that the responsible adult in you wouldn’t comfortably qualify as meal material but wish could be

bevvies // defined as anything you drink through a straw or sip through those coffee drink lids; anything that semi-quenches thirst

food food

BEBEL

neighborhood: Zona Magenta
address: Via San Vittore, 3, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

A Milano family business since 1983, it has consistently been a thriving restaurant due to its loyal community of patrons. Our friends loved the food here and were distraught that they didn’t have enough room for the tiramisu…so we took on the noble mission to try it for them! The menu at Bebel is a mix of Italian staples, but we specifically ordered the Milanese dishes to get a taste of the local cuisine. Disappointingly, the food wasn’t as standout as we had hoped, but the dining atmosphere was a treat! If you find yourself here, definitely ask for the back patio—you’ll feel teleported to a private villa in the countryside of Italy. 🔗 more info here

what we ordered:

• food food:

  • Risotto alla Milanese con pistilli (Milanese-style Risotto with saffron and pistils)

  • Cotoletta alla Milanese con patate al forno (breaded veal cutlet with baked potatoes)

• nibbles:

  • il pane, la focaccia—restaurant includes flatbread and sourdough as a part of their “coperto” (cover charge)

  • tiramisù

  • biscotti—also included in coperto

CASA BIGA

neighborhood: Isola, Moscova
address: Via Antonio Pollaiuolo, 9, 20159 Milano MI, Italy

A Milano pizzeria where tradition meets innovation, founded by pizzaiolo Simone Nicolosi. When in Italy, we had to get our hands on quality Neapolitan pizza, and a quick search told us Casa Biga was #72 in the Best Pizzerias in Italy 2026 list. It took us a bit to decipher the menu, which is split into three sections for each type of pizza dough they offer: contemporanee (“contemporary”, high hydration Neapolitan-style dough), ruota di carro (“cartwheel”, thin slices with a firmer texture), and the signature “padellini” (a biga dough with 70% multi-grain and bitter cocoa & coffee; the 48 hour fermentation makes it honeycombed with a crunchy exterior). Under each dough type is a list of flavours; you can choose from simple margherita pizzas to Biga-only specials like “Sottobosco” and “Würstel e patate” (which we ordered, detailed below!). Being in it for the Neapolitan, we chose the contemporanee style dough, but upon hindsight I wish we also sampled their signature padellini! 🔗 more info here

what we ordered:

• food food: (all with “contemporanee” style crust)

  • Sottobosco

  • Würstel e patate

DONGIÒ

neighborhood: Porta Romana
address: Via Bernardino Corio, 3, 20135 Milano MI, Italy

Hearing this was a Michelin Bib Gourmand, we immediately snagged a reservation for the night we landed in Milan. Family-run for three generations since 1987, Dongiò is known for their homemade pasta and dishes inspired by the region of Calabria. It’s a mid-priced restaurant with an interior deco that carries a historical air and formality worthy of special occasions.

The food left us disappointed, however. Perhaps we ordered the wrong items, but both pasta dishes felt lacking in flavour and/or just didn’t stand out from comparable dishes we’ve had elsewhere. For a Bib Gourmand, I would’ve expected a meal that wowed versus whelmed. 🔗 more info here

what we ordered:

• food food:

  • linguine con tartare di gambero rosso di sicilia (garlic, basil and shrimp tartare, basil, bergamot)

  • maccheroni all’uso di crotone (pork sausage, tomato sauce, onion, aromatic herbs with bread, spicy chilli pepper)

  • caciocavallo alla piastra farcito con ‘nduja (caciocavallo cheese grilled stuffed with Calabrian spicy pork sausage)

MAGNAMM

neighborhood: Quadronno
address: Piazza Geremia Bonomelli, 5, 20139 Milano MI, Italy

Founded in 2020, Magnamm is owned by Liliana and Gennaro, two Neapolitans-turned-Milanese. Discovering this gem of a restaurant was pure happenstance, born out of desperation to enjoy a tasteful meal before the daily ‘riposo’ where many shops and businesses close for lunch between 2:00 - 5:00 PM. The decor is extremely cosy coastal, almost like you’re dining in the set of a movie. The menu is large, distinctly Neapolitan, and immensely satisfying. If you’re looking for something casual but still sit-in, this is a wonderful option; especially before a spin in Fondazione Prada, which is nearby! 🔗 more info here

what we ordered:

• food food:

  • Vizio Di Mare: frittura di mare con mazzancolle, calamari, alici e baccala (Sea Indulgence: seafood fry with prawns, squid, anchovies, and cod)

  • Panuozzi: mortadella, fiordilatte, bocconcini di bufala, granella di pistacchio , basilico ed olio evo (Panuozzi: mortadella, fiordilatte, buffalo mozzarella bites, crushed pistachios, basil, and extra virgin olive oil)

• bevvies:

  • espresso

MISCUSI

neighborhood: multiple
address: Via G. Leopardi, 13, 20123 Milano MI, Italy (Zona Magenta)

Hopping off the plane into Malpensa before taking the regional train into Milano Cadorna, we immediately found ourselves absolutely starving and face-to-face with a Miscusi storefront. Our friend—a Milanese local—highly recommended Miscusi for great quality, non-touristy pasta at a bangin’ price, which happened to be exactly what we needed for the circumstance we found ourselves in. It turns out, for an international restaurant chain founded in 2016 by a fresh Bocconi graduate, this was some of best pasta we had during our trip! Don’t miss this Milano icon, where they make artisanal, fresh pasta accessible for everyone. p.s., the interior feels sooo homey and cosy! 🔗 more info here

what we ordered:

• food food:

  • carbonara with Pecorino Romano and Pepe

  • parmigiana tricolore (pistachio cream, Stracciatella pugliese, chopped pistachios)

OSTERIA MILANESE OSS BUS

neighborhood: Navigli; translates to: “Milanese Tavern Ox Bone Marrow”
address: Via Magolfa, 1, 20143 Milano MI, Italy

A Lombardian restaurant (the greater region where Milan is located) that could be easily overlooked on the quieter canal of Naviglio Pavese, Osteria Milanese OSS BUS can be a bit hard to decipher at first with its all-too-perfect vintage charm and historic finishing touches. The cause could only be two things: (1) a tourist trap or (2) genuinely authentic. On our last day, we were determined to give Milanese cuisine another chance…our first experience at Bebel was underwhelming, and redemption was sorely needed. I remembered the al fresco dining area catching my eye, so here we returned with guarded hearts, but WOW did OSS BUS deliver. Everything we ordered here was delicious, and they even gave us complimentary limoncello and biscotti to close the meal! p.s., the plateware here was just too cute—an eclectic mix of delicate porcelain tea plates—I was obsessed. 🔗 more info here

what we ordered:

• food food:

  • mondeghili

  • risotto con ossobuco

  • riso al salto

• nibbles:

  • fresh bread with herby olive oil

  • biscotti (meal cap)

• bevvies:

  • Aperol spritz

  • Limoncello shot

PIZZERIA ALLA FONTANA

neighborhood: Isola
address: V. Genova Thaon di Revel, 28, 20159 Milano MI, Italy

Open since 1973, Pizzeria Alla Fontana has built quite a reputation for serving some of the most authentically delicious Milanese soul food—think pizza by the slice (‘pizza al trancio’), riso in crosta, etc. Dining here means embracing the no-frills, unpretentious space and sitting among tables of locals tucking into their mega-sized Milano-style pizza slices that are generously doused in tomato sauce and melting cheese.

As enthusiasts for anything local, we were also here to enjoy our own meals of ‘Trancio Milanese’ (or Milano-style pizza by the slice), and it didn’t take many bites before we were completely won over to the thick, focaccia-like crust that doubly sported crispy bottoms and topping-loaded crowns (not too dissimilar to Detroit-style thick-crusted square pizzas). The cherry on top for us was discovering a popular dish called “riso in crosta” that we saw all of the locals ordering; this crispy risotto pancake (?) had ham stuffed in the middle and was a delight! 🔗 more info here

what we ordered:

• food food: (pizza slice size: “Normal”)

  • Fontana (Gorgonzola, spicy pepperoni, porcini mushrooms)

  • Nuova Generazione (burrata, mortadella, crushed pistachio)

  • Riso in crosta

• bevvies:

  • Ginseng Coffee

  • Amari (bitter)

nibbles

Detailed in separate posts!

For traditional pasticcerias, artisanal bakeries, etc.

For gelato

bevvies

LUCA E ANDREA

neighborhood: Navigli
address: Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 34, 20144 Milano MI, Italy

A “little kitchen” set on the bustling canal of Naviglio Grande, they serve up a thorough selection of traditional Milanese dishes and a great aperitivo menu. After a long day of exploring Lake Como, we wanted to unwind with a couple of drinks and snacks, and Luca e Andrea ended up being the perfect spot—quiet (compared with the other side of Naviglio Grande) with an impressive list of spritz and nibbles still available to order at 10:00 PM. 🔗 more info here

what we ordered:

• nibbles:

  • tarallini

  • olives

  • crisps

• bevvies:

  • negroni

  • Aperol spritz

MAG CAFÈ

neighborhood: Navigli
address: Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 43, 20143 Milano MI, Italy

Our second destination on our quest to explore the night life in Milan (after Officina, keep scrolling for info!), MAG Cafè is not only one of the city’s historic bars, but its craft cocktail menu is one of the fiercest and most creative in the city (the two drinks we had—Tiki It Easy and Cosmitico—were both remarkably refreshing and too easy to finish).

Opened in 2011, the building used to be an Argentine pharmacy in its previous life, but has since been refurbished with antique furniture, hanging bird cages, bicycle parts, vintage photos, and shelves lined with wine and liquor. All of these bits and bobs come together to give the bar a distinctly bohemian feel with a hint of old-world charm that easily teleports you to a different era. On a separate note, as a big fan of print and little zines, I loved that their menu was so detailed and uniquely designed; you can easily spend an hour reading its pages! 🔗 more info here

what we ordered:

• bevvies:

  • Tiki It Easy

  • Cosmitico

OFFICINA MILANO

neighborhood: Navigli/Bocconi
address: Via Giovenale, 7, 20136 Milano MI, Italy

We set aside one evening to explore the night life in Milan, and Officina Milano was part of the lineup to get a taste of where “the hip young locals go”. Once we managed to arrive at the location—the route is a bit off the beaten path, away from the main road, through a gate, and down a small street—we were rewarded with such a well-decorated and spacious venue that blended the refined masculine elements of the American prohibition with Milanese vintage glamour.

Come here to enjoy your cocktails and finger foods while relaxing into patinaed leather sofas and surrounded by antique motorcycles and gramophones. Officina Milano is a corner of Navigli that feels like a time capsule of Milan from the 1950s, truly the perfect place for an elevated night out! 🔗 more info here

what we ordered:

• bevvies:

  • Aperol Spritz

  • El Diablo (Altos Plata Tequila, crème de cassis, lime, Ginger beer)

SYNC BY APEROL

neighborhood: Centro Storico
address: P.za del Duomo, 25, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Just a stone’s throw away from the Duomo is this rooftop terrace and listening bar on the 4th floor of the Galleria (our friend technically recommended Terrazza Aperol on the 2nd floor of the same building, but the queue was very long). Naturally, we were here for the view of the cathedral, but it also doubled as a great respite from the hubbub of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Sync By Aperol was surprisingly not as crowded as you’d expect for a rooftop with such great views of the Duomo, and with the consistent cool breeze flowing through all of the windows, it was a dream. Ironically, neither of us ordered an Aperol-based drink…but can confirm vibes are an easy 10/10. 🔗 more info here

what we ordered:

• bevvies:

  • Mondoro Hugo Spritz

  • Pink Rock

& that’s a wrap!

I hope this Where To Eat Guide from my trip to Milan is a helpful resource for your trip planning ♥️ It’s always interesting to see which highly touted restaurant isn’t as cracked up as people say (Dongiò), and which random find becomes the dining highlight of the trip (Magnamm, Osteria Milanese OSS BUS).

I’d love to know… what’s your method of keeping track of favorite places you’ve visited, eaten, etc.?

**references and sources are all linked at the end of each landmark

keep reading about Milan…

If you enjoyed this article, consider sharing CATHZINE with someone you love or buying me a coffee to fuel more of my boots-on-the-ground research ❤️ thank you for your love!

Italy as a country is known for its high concentration of quality gelaterias (gelato was invented in Florence, after all), and Milan is no exception. Here are four gelato shops that won our hearts from our trip, after dedicated field research that sometimes included eating gelato twice in a day…oops!

GUSTO17

neighborhood: Navigli
address: Via Savona, 17, 20144 Milano MI, Italy

Founded by two friends Vincenzo and Rossella in 2016, Gusto 17 has been recognised by Forbes Italia as some of the best artisanal gelato in Italy. The secret? High attention to detail in selecting quality ingredients and freshly churning each flavor of gelato multiple times a day1. The flavours here are numerous, ranging from traditional to a handful of inventive seasonals you can’t find at every scoop shop (the menu is all in Italian though, so prepare to translate).

The gelato here is silky smooth with the most potent of flavours. The pistachio is easily one of the best I’ve had: salty sweet, nutty and roasted, with bits of chopped pistachio incorporated for texture. One scoop is akin to eating an entire bag of shelled pistachios. Note: the storefront is simply a counter, so prepare to take refuge in a quiet nook somewhere to enjoy your melty treat! 🔗 more info here

what we ordered in visit #1: (in Italian!)

• (her) regular cone with: yogurt greco miele millefiori di giorgio poeta e noci pecan, pesca gialla, pistacchio

• (his) regular cup with: cioccolata fondente 72%, croccatino con amarene brusche di modena, caffe und cardomomo

what we ordered in visit #2:

• (her) regular cone with: mango italiano, basilico di prà, pistacchio salato di sicilia

• (his) regular cone with: pistacchio salato di sicilia, melone az agricole lorenzini, cioccolata fondente 72%

CIACCO

neighborhood: Centro Storico; name translates to “pig”
address: Via Spadari, 13, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

With a long queue around the block, this artisanal gelato shop is clearly a destination! At Ciacco, founder Stefano Guizzetti has a standout selection of both your typical classics (pistachio, hazelnut, etc.) and wildly creative, out-of-the-box “gourmet gelato”.

These “gourmet gelato” concoctions vary, but they’re often complex flavour experiments that strike the chord of savoury umami in ways that dessert doesn’t frequently do. Some examples: Aspro (apple juice, San Giacomo 6-year-aged wine vinegar, sumac, kaffir lime), Ricordo di un Tortello (fresh egg yolks, Parmigiano butter, fried sage), and Rutaceae (bittersweet orange, pink grapefruit, lemon, orange blossom water, Sichuan pepper, rue).

The interior can be described as “soft modern glam” with its matte steel walls, iridescent speckled marble, and geometric cloth lanterns. Ciacco is, all in all, one for the epicureans: from the intricate flavours to the chic interior, you won’t be getting an average gelato experience here!

p.s., it was impossible to snag an indoor seat so we enjoyed our scoops across the street 🔗 more info here

what we ordered: (in Italian)

• (her) regular cone with: pistacchio, yogurt, albicocca

• (his) regular cup with: cocoa mass, fragola, limone

LUCA

neighborhood: Porta Romana
address: Via Galvano Fiamma, 11, 20129 Milano MI, Italy

With a storefront just big enough for 2-3 people to step inside and order, you’ll probably spot this cubbyhole of a gelateria by its queue first (a smaller queue that had the energy of locals versus tourists). Luca is small but mighty: the menu is around a dozen flavours comprised of 1-2 ingredients, all very classic, very true-to-namesake.

Like all artisanal gelato, the product isn’t overly frozen, allowing the flavour to bloom and the texture to be smooth and silky on the tongue. The portions here are more demure than some of the other scoop shops we visited (perhaps a normal size for Europeans?), which keeps you coming back for more. 🔗 more info here

what we ordered: (in Italian)

• (her) regular cone with: pistacchio naturale, melone, yogurt

• (his) regular cup with: selezione fondente, ricotta e fichi, mela

LE COLONNE GELATI E CREPES

neighborhood: Quadronno; name translates to “the gelato & crepe pillars”
address: Corso di Porta Ticinese, 75, 20100 Milano MI, Italy

Open since 1999, this gelateria may not be the oldest in Milan, but it’s sure dressed like it is! We stumbled upon this little shop whilst walking south from Colonne di San Lorenzo down Corso di Porta Ticinese, and just as the vintage-looking storefront caught my eye, our internal gelato o’clock alarms went off.

To this day, I’m still not certain how “artisanal” this gelato is (with no website and no articles written about them, I could only judge by their usage of pozzetti and their menu of traditional flavours), but I’ll say that the texture was indeed smooth and silky, albeit the flavour wasn’t as potent as the other gelaterias we tried in Milan. Great to satisfy a craving if you don’t have time to hunt down a specific spot!

what we ordered: (in Italian)

• (her) regular cone with: pistacchio con veri pistacchio mediterranei, yogurt bianco, nocciola trilobata del piemonte

• (his) regular cup with: ricotta con fichi caramellati, pistacchio con veri pistacchio mediterranei, coconut

Do you, like me, somehow find yourself eating gelato at least once a day when you’re in Italy? There’s something in the air…it just makes you crave it.

I would love to know: what’s your go-to gelato order, or do you like to try something different every time? I surprised myself this time in that I didn’t try new flavours…my Milan go-to was definitely yogurt + pistachio + any fruit flavour that looked interesting.

p.s., I’m always on the hunt for specialty gelaterias, so please drop your favourites below—it can be from any city and country!

keep reading about Milan…

If you enjoyed this article, consider sharing CATHZINE with someone you love or buying me a coffee to fuel more of my boots-on-the-ground research ❤️ thank you for your love!

And upon visiting, I can in fact confirm that this is true. Not only is it a city that has made space for multiple streets to be decked out with retail storefronts and glitzy, multi-floored shopping malls with high end designers, but it’s also the city where some of the world’s best-known luxury brands—Armani, Versace, Ferré, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Missoni—were founded1.

But I’ve never been one for designer fashion. Some would call me middle class or “frugal chic”; I call it being an intentional consumer. Intentional consumption to me looks like spending my money on something from a uniquely local, independently-owned boutique or a sustainably sourced and curated secondhand shop rather than on an over-priced product that would require my entire paycheck just because of a brand name slapped on its side.

Besides, you can grab Prada sunglasses at any city mall, but nothing beats the feeling of stumbling upon the perfect pair of earrings in a new city after an afternoon of window shopping and putzing cute streets. It’s not mass produced nor overdone, but tasteful and curated.

Here’s my list of Milano boutiques and secondhand shops that I visited in my short stay there, and would recommend if you also enjoy shopping local and shopping intentionally. Each store varies in affordability—which is a subjective measure, I know—so I’ll include ballpark prices where I can. Now without further ado, let’s get into it!

shops are organised into the following categories…

secondhand & vintage stores // pre-loved clothing items
curated boutiques // collection of other brands or handmade/designed products by the owner
premium local brands // longstanding names in the city’s shopping scene known for their quality and timeless style—call them “iconic”

**note: these are all my definition of the terms!

secondhand & vintage

These are shops that collect and resale pre-loved clothing items. In my dictionary, “secondhand” implies a more affordable price tag, while “vintage” hints at more expensive clothing and accessories.

AMBROEUS

neighborhood: Isola & Navigli
price range per item: €10 - €70
address: Via Pastrengo, 12, 20159 Milano MI, Italy (Isola)

Founded by a couple of guys with a passion for fashion2, the selection here is mostly hipster, with a handful of pieces that are basic staples. The building is larger than it looks on the inside, with a lower level too. 🔗 more info here

HUMANA VINTAGE DE AMICIS

neighborhood: multiple
price range per item: €10 - €40
address: Via Edmondo de Amicis, 43, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

Part of an international humanitarian organization that has been promoting sustainability in textiles since 1998, Humana Vintage & Secondhand stores make sustainable fashion accessible to everyone. This company also carefully vets donations to ensure a minimum level of quality while also reselling at affordable and fair prices. I was impressed with the wide range of clothing and accessories they had available, and they were all easy to style! Needless to say…I went a little crazy and walked away with 4 skirts, a leather handbag, and a neck scarf all for €110... 🔗 more info here

LO SPECCHIO DI ALICE

neighborhood: Quadronno
price range per item: €20 - €150
address: Corso di Porta Ticinese, 64, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

In Milan since 1971, this vintage store is size-inclusive (XXS to 5XL) and a bit more curated. Lo Specchio di Alice’s racks have a distinct focus on jackets, jeans (esp. Levis), casual tees, and sweatshirts, with decorative prints and other bits and bobs on their middle tables. The shop’s decor and branding give off a futuristic sporty energy, very fitting of the fashion, which leans more streetwear chic. 🔗IG: lo_specchio_di_alice

MADAME PAULINE VINTAGE

neighborhood: Parco Sempione/Brera
price range per item: €100 - €950
address: Foro Buonaparte, 74, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Established in March 2013, the racks at Madame Pauline Vintage are chock-full of brightly coloured, vibrantly patterned clothes from different eras and styles. The interior itself is refined in its dark green walls and chaise lounge chairs—even if you’re waiting on a friend who’s browsing, you’ll be comfortable! Many of the pieces here would be perfect to wear to a special event or for those with bold fashion tastes. 🔗 more info here

SURPLUS

neighborhood: Quadronno & Brera
price range per item: €20 - €150
address: Corso di Porta Ticinese, 93, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

In all of its retro LED signage, Surplus has been operating since 1979 and has a store feel quite similar to Rokit Vintage in London’s Brick Lane. Come here to stock your wardrobe with the hipster energy of the 2000s—think leather booties, bell bottom jeans, solid colored tees ranging the entire spectrum of the rainbow, etc.—which can feel dated or like a fashion statement depending on who you talk to! 🔗 IG: surplusmilano

curated boutiques

These stores are best described as “boutique”, as they are locally owned and only have 1-2 locations. Products sold here are often a mishmash of brands that catch the owner’s eye, or handmade/hand designed pieces by the business owner themself. All in all, you won’t deny that the selection is unique!

MIDINETTE

neighborhood: Quadronno
price range per item: €50 - €200
address: Corso di Porta Ticinese, 78, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

This is a cheeky addition to the list…Midinette was technically founded in Florence in 2011 before expanding nationally, but their collections are so beautiful, I had to include it! Each clothing piece is refined, deeply feminine, and extremely timeless. It’s quite formal, with clean silhouettes that remind me of Queen Elizabeth’s outfits from season one of The Crown. All manufacturing is 100% internal and Italian made, with a traceable supply chain. If you enjoy brands like J.Crew and Ann Taylor, you’ll absolutely love Midinette. 🔗 more info here

MIKI THUMB BOUTIQUE

neighborhood: Porta Venezia
price range per item: €50 - €600
address: Via Galvano Fiamma, 40, 20129 Milano MI, Italy

Founded and designed by Michela Pollice, the clothing and accessories here are full of creativity and color, with bright graphics, prints, and patterns. It’s a bit of a cross between Free People and Anthropologie: lively bohemian meets personality-rich. Michela carefully selects all of the materials and oversees the manufacturing, so that each item is crafted in Italy to the highest of standards. This is the the kind of store that makes me want to rifle through every hung item to take a good look, because there is easily something that would catch my eye. 🔗 more info here

SHOP THE STORY

neighborhood: Porta Venezia
price range per item: €500 - €2000+
address: Via Melzo, 10, 20129 Milano MI, Italy

Shop the Story curates unique and contemporary vintage pieces that are anything but ordinary, where each vintage garment is thoroughly researched before making it to the rack. Think dresses, shoes, shirts, bags, etc. from some of the world’s most iconic designers: Miuccia Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Comme des Garçons, Moschino, just to name a few. Each piece comes with a print of the garment on the runway with details on the back. The concept of the store comes from founder Alessia Algani’s passion for slow fashion and a desire to create a “private wardrobe” full of pieces worth investing in. While this is totally not in my price range, I still greatly appreciated the level of effort taken to collect each garment, treating each like a piece of long-lost treasure awaiting its final home. 🔗 more info here

TITÀ BIJOUX LAB

neighborhood: Porta Venezia
price range per item: €30 - €100
address: Via Melzo, 12, 20129 Milano MI, Italy

Founded by sisters Céline and Sophie in 2008, Tità Bijoux is their handmade jewellery shop named after their grandmother, Tità. Everything from the raw materials to the design and packaging are 100% Italian, which also means the entire supply chain is easily traceable and kept as local as possible. The sisters use a mixture of fine gold and silver metals, precious stones, and woven lace in their creations, yielding a design style that is dainty and sophisticated. I loved their selection of charms the most, which can be used to personalise notebooks, existing bracelets/necklaces, etc. 🔗 more info here

WAIT AND SEE

neighborhood: Centro Storico
price range per item: €20 - €600
address: Via Santa Marta, 14, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

When I first walked into this boutique my jaw was probably to the ground with how much I was gawking. The floor plan in itself makes a statement with the till counter in the middle and three “wings” full of racks and displays featuring color-coded clothing, accessories, and quirky bits and bobs. A fashion designer and stylist by trade, founder Uberta Zambeletti wanted this store to show that “luxury” can be affordable through her tastefully curated selection of international brands. I fell in love with so many things here, but limited myself to a beautiful notebook and a cute skirt. The consumer experience here is inspiring, and you’ll leave with their philosophy that ‘La Vita è Bella’ (or “life is beautiful”) imprinted in your memory. 🔗 more info here

premium local brands

I debated including these here—as premium local brands can easily border on luxury/high end territory—but it’s up to you if a well-designed local brand is worth the splurge. All of the stores I’ve included in this list feel more “premium” in both quality and price tag, and are all integral to Milano shopping culture.

FERRETTI 1922

neighborhood: Quadronno & Navigli
price range per item: €70 - €500
address: Viale Gorizia, 2, 20144 Milano MI, Italy

Founded in 1922, Ferretti is a handbag and shoe boutique that caught my eye while we were in transit between two destinations. Sadly I didn’t get a chance to browse myself, but just from my brief glance through the window the products looked to be of impeccable quality (all made in Italy) and have a timeless yet contemporary design. 🔗 more info here

F. PETTINAROLI & FIGLI

neighborhood: Brera
price range per item: €15 - €100+
address: Via Brera, 4, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Founded in 1881 by Francesco Pettinaroli, this historical stationery shop is a multi-generational business that has evolved from being the city’s printing and bookbinding workshop to curating antique prints and personalised paper goods. The interior remains a moment in time with its patinaed wooden displays and paintings of decades past. What caught my eye were the leather bound journals and hardcover notebooks with charming patterns on their covers. I still regret not having purchased one! 🔗 more info here

SAVE THE DUCK

neighborhood: multiple
price range per item: €50 - €200
address: Via Dante, 3, 20123 Milano MI, Italy (Brera)

A Milanese outerwear brand founded in 2012 and instantiated as a B Corp since 2019, Save The Duck is 100% animal-free, proudly advocating for animal welfare through both their brand name and logo (a whistling duck, carefree because it was rescued from being plucked). Instead of using feathers and other animal-derived materials to provide warmth in clothing (i.e., leather, fur), they invented PLUMTECH®, a synthetic padding that has a comparable performance. I was enamored with their selection of smart athleisure clothing, which gave me a chic silhouette while still being very breathable and comfortable. 🔗 more info here

SEALUP

neighborhood: Brera
price range per item: €800 - €1,500
address: Via Brera, 3, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Founded in 1935, Sealup is entirely made in Italy and has remained a family company. The name “Sealup” comes from combining the English word “sea” with the Milanese word “lup”, meaning wolf, alluding to the timeless, high quality outerwear sold. Their peacoats and trench coats are hefty in feel, wrinkle-resistant, and rival Burberry in chic elegance. If you’re looking for a well-constructed winter jacket, raincoat, or wind breaker, I’d highly consider Sealup! 🔗 more info here

While this entire article is crafted around “where to shop”, I’m equally of the mindset that a trip can be just as enjoyable without having purchased any souvenirs. In fact, I quite enjoy mooching through little streets and browsing the local storefronts just to look and see, oftentimes not leaving with anything at all.

Whether you’re here to shop till you drop, or just to leisurely gander at window displays, I hope this guide serves as a great launching pad. Enjoy!

I’d love to know…what types of shops are you drawn to when visiting a new place?

Leave a comment

keep reading about Milan…

If you enjoyed this article, consider sharing CATHZINE with someone you love or buying me a coffee to fuel more of my boots-on-the-ground research ❤️ thank you for your love!

If this sounds up your alley, check out my architecture round up here:

Naturally, my love for bakeries fueled this little listicle. If you, like me, enjoy hitting the town for breakfast instead of indulging in hotel buffets, you’ll love this one! Here are a handful of bakeries—from traditional Italian pasticcerias and panificios to contemporary, French-style viennoiserie—that we tried in Milan, and the ”who”, “why”, “where” of each.

PASTICCERIA CUCCHI

neighborhood: Quadronno; name translates to “Cucchi Pastry Shop”
address: Corso Genova, 1, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

Pasticceria Cucchi is a pastry shop founded in 1936 that has preserved its historic furnishings of dark wood paneling and mirror-lined walls1 while also maintaining a relaxed dining ambiance that doesn’t require you to dress super fancy nor have a special occasion (but you can, indeed, still do both). Cucchi is known for its panettone and cornetti, but they also have a comprehensive menu of brunch- and lunch-type items (p.s., it’s also a great place to get traditional Italian biscuits). I won’t lie that I was quite disappointed when they didn’t serve our orders in the traditional Cucchi design plateware and cups (white porcelain, blue thread edged)—which would’ve amplified the historic atmosphere tenfold—but soaking up the al fresco dining atmosphere assuaged me! 🔗 more info here

what we ordered:

• nibbles: croissant pistacchio, panettone classico, ham & cheese

• bevvies: barley/orzo coffee, cappuccino

MARCHESI 1824

neighborhood: near Parco Sempione (but multiple locations)
address: Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11/a, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

Named after the founding family, Marchesi, this historic pasticceria is one of Milan’s oldest pastry shops (having been in operation since 1824) and is most renowned for its panettone. If you like the aura of Cucchi, multiply that by 10 and you get the Marchesi location on Via Santa Maria alla Porta. This specific location—more than the others—has preserved its timeless atmosphere of coffered ceilings, antique-style furnishings, and heavy wooden pastry cases. Walking into Marchesi is like teleporting back in time, where you’re one of the locals picking up confectioneries for the family or enjoying an espresso before work. The prices are around €1.00 - €2.00s more expensive than Cucchi, but the atmosphere is an experience in itself! 🔗 more info here

what we ordered:

• nibbles:

  • croissant farciti prosciutto crudi San Daniele e mozzarella (stuffed croissant with San Daniele cured ham and mozzarella)

  • veneziana pistacchio (brioche with pistachio cream filling)

  • cornetto all’italiana confetturra Di albicocca (cornetto with apricot jam filling)

  • fetta di panettone al cioccolato, albicocca semi candita, limone e mandorle (slice of chocolate, semi-candied apricot, lemon and almond panettone)

• bevvies:

  • caffè d’orzo (barley coffee)

  • cioccolata calda (hot chocolate)

SIGNOR LIEVITO

neighborhood: Porta Romana; name translates to “Mr. Yeast”
address: Via Maestri Campionesi, 26, 20135 Milano MI, Italy

Traditional Italian bakes are characterized by bready, enriched doughs and rich, sandy biscuits. Signor Lievito is a small-batch sourdough bakery that opened in April 2022 that brings contemporary baking concepts to Milan, employing natural ingredients and the art of slow fermentation. Their interior design is one of my favorite styles: Scandinavian minimalism, complete with birch wood, paper lanterns, and beautiful stoneware that your coffee and pastries are served in. Expect a menu that’s Nordic-inspired, featuring plenty of buns (of the cardamom, poppy seed, and cinnamon variety), as well as traditional rye breads and creative laminated pastries. Come early, as by the time we rolled in at 10:30 AM they had already sold out of half of their pastry selection! 🔗 more info here

what we ordered:

• nibbles:

  • flan—reminded me so much of my fave egg tart from Shanghai

  • ham & cheese pain suisse

  • Vasara (laminated pastry with white chocolate & peppermint infused cream, soft almond financier, bright lemon coulis at the center)

• bevvies: cappuccino

ALAIN LOCATELLI COLAZIONI E GELATO

neighborhood: Zona Solari, west of Navigli
address: Viale Coni Zugna, 9, 20144 Milano MI, Italy

With a nondescript storefront that doesn’t even look like a bakery (“Alain” is handwritten on the window, while “Gelateria Produzione Propria” is lit up in colorful neon above the green awning), Alain Locatelli opened this eponymous, French-style boulangerie in Milan, fueled by a baking passion nurtured from working daily in his family’s pastry shop in Bergamo, Italy2. The bakery itself is a tight space, offering only counter seating and a small bench to sit at out front, but the case is full of prettily laminated pastries—one look and you can just tell he had professional training from France. Alain Locatelli (the bakery) has historically attracted long queues3, but we were lucky and didn’t need to wait. That said, the pastry selection was slim, so I imagine coming early would benefit you if you enjoy choice! 🔗 more info here

what we ordered:

• nibbles: pain suisse, pain au chocolat, kouign amann, blueberry custard danish

• bevvies: oat cappuccino

I’d love to know…What criteria do you look for in a bakery, café, restaurant, etc.?

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No exception was made in Milan, of course! Here are 15 of Milan’s iconic buildings and landmarks that I visited—some intentionally sought out, some spontaneously encountered when walking from point A to point B—all of which are important fabric squares in Milan’s quilt of a cityscape. If you’re also a fellow design and architecture appreciator, you’re in for such a treat!

I’ve listed these structures in the order of the route we took, and have also labeled them with the following icons for your ease of planning:

⬆️ Central/North Milan
⬅️ West/Central Milan
⬇️ South/Southeast Milan

MUSEO DEL NOVECENTO ⬆️

neighborhood: Centro Storico; name translates to “20th Century Museum”
address: Palazzo dell’Arengario, P.za del Duomo, 8, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

We began our architecture tour here, walking north from our stay in Navigli and coming up to the Duomo from the south side. Most people have their eyes set on the Duomo (naturally), but there’s something about the crisp lines and smooth slabs of stone that render this museum building a looker—so don’t zoom past! The Museo del Novecento opened in December 2010, and features Milan’s 20th- and 21st-century art collections, showcasing 300+ works. The building itself was designed by architects Italo Rota and Fabio Fornasari, with designers and archi-lovers fawning over its spiraling indoor ramp that connects the ground level to the terrace and its covered walkway that bridges to the adjacent Palazzo Reale for additional galleries. If I’m ever in Milan again, a visit inside will very much be in order. 🔗 more info here

DUOMO DI MILANO ⬆️

neighborhood: Centro Storico; name translates to “Milan Cathedral”
address: P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy

The one thing everyone recommends when you visit Milan is this: the Duomo. Though it was commissioned in 1386, the construction for the Duomo didn’t actually finish until 1813 (!! talk about a long project, but still doesn’t beat Barcelona’s La Sagrada Família). In the sunlight, you can see how the white Candoglia marble has pinkish rose streaks—something charming and coquettish. If you decide to visit to the rooftop (which I would do next time, in the early morning), you can get a close-up view of the Duomo’s 135 spires and 3,400 statues. 🔗 more info here

GALLERIA VITTORIO EMANUELE II ⬆️

neighborhood: Centro Storico; name translates to “Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery”
address: Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano, Italy

While the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is teeming with tourists (and 40+ high end boutiques that are well out of my budget), I still recommend you give it a spin for its beautiful architecture. Designed by Giuseppe Mengoni, who was a young engineer from Bologna at the time, this is a covered walkway between Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Scala dating back to the 1860s formed in the shape of a Latin cross that intersects at a central octagon. After visiting, I totally see how it’s one of Milan’s most iconic structures: the Venetian-style mosaic floors and intricate, domed glass ceilings are stunning. 🔗 more info here

PALAZZO DI BRERA ⬆️

neighborhood: Brera; name translates to “Brera Palace”
address: Via Brera, 26, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Credits to my husband for this one—he’s a master at finding treasures in a new city that only locals would know, and this is one of them! When I first walked through the entryway and into the main courtyard where the art museum is located, I’m pretty sure my jaw was to the ground: the Palazzo di Brera is a masterpiece of stately columns and stone. Then to find out that I had only seen but a fraction of it! Take note, if you walk deeper in you’ll also find an art academy (Accademia di Belle Arti), astronomical observatory (Osservatorio Astronomico), a botanical garden (Orto Botanico), and one of the largest public libraries in Italy (Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense). Multiple architects worked to transform what used to be a Jesuits college in the 17th century into the cultural center it is today. 🔗 more info here

FONDAZIONE GIANGIACOMO FELTRINELLI ⬆️

neighborhood: Porta Garibaldi; name translates to “Giangiacomo Feltrinelli Foundation”
address: Viale Pasubio, 5, 20154 Milano MI, Italy

To fully experience the Fondazione Feltrinelli’s sheer magnitude, you need to take a visit in person (photos don’t do it justice). Architects Herzog & de Meuron designed the building to have an elongated body that pays homage to traditional Lombardian communal farmhouses. I found that to admire the Fondazione Feltrinelli in full, it was better to zoom out and observe it from a distance. Up close, it can feel like “any old” corporate building from the 21st century. That said, its steel build and reflective glass windows are nonetheless impressive, cutting sharply through the sky. The Milano publishing company, Feltrinelli, is headquartered here, inspiring the the café, bookstore, and the reading room at the top level which is all open to the public for visitation. 🔗 more info here

PORTA GARIBALDI ⬆️

neighborhood: Porta Garibaldi; name translates to “Garibaldi Gate”
address: P.za XXV Aprile, 9, 20154 Milano MI, Italy

The first two days of exploring the city I felt like I kept seeing different grand stone arches inspired by Greek/Roman-style design. Come to find out, there’s a total of 6 ancient city gates peppered throughout Milan, and one of these is the Porta Garibaldi located at the northern entrance of what would’ve been Milan’s ancient fortification. Porta Garibaldi was originally designed by architect Moraglia between 1826-1827, and has served as a military checkpoint up through the late 19th century. I love that these neoclassical arches have survived urban development, acting as a reminder of the city’s history. From a certain angle, it’s beautiful to see how the arch frames the modern streets! 🔗 more info here

BOSCO VERTICALE ⬆️

neighborhood: Porta Nuova; name translates to “Vertical Forest”
address: Via Gaetano de Castillia, 11, 20124 Milano MI, Italy

On paper, the Bosco Verticale didn’t sound too impressive to me, just two residential buildings—one 100m and the other 76m in height—with some greenery growing on its balconies. But in person? Its futuristic grandeur made me eat my words! Over time, the 15,000 plants, 4,500 shrubs, and 800 trees decorating the two complexes have flourished and amassed up to an entire hectare’s worth of foliage. When I started to think about the logistics of keeping that much greenery alive…the water irrigation system, the photovoltaic panels, the structural support required in the balconies…I began to respect the Bosco Verticale as a feat of architecture and engineering even more. It’s only fitting that this is located on the outskirts of BAM (Biblioteca degli Alberi Milano), acting as the cherry on top to an already impressive and expansive greenspace. 🔗 more info here

CASA GALIMBERTI ⬆️

neighborhood: Porta Venezia; name translates to “Galimberti House”
address: Via Marcello Malpighi, 3, 20129 Milano MI, Italy

Constructed between 1902 - 1905, Casa Galimberti is a prime example of the Milanese Art Nouveau style, characterised by wrought iron, concrete floral motifs, and ceramic tile. It has always been a private dwelling property and currently remains so, but boy are the vibrant colors of the stone carvings eye catching! Since this is not open to the public for viewing, you can check this out quickly on your way through the neighborhood. 🔗 more info here

CASA GUAZZONI ⬆️

neighborhood: Porta Venezia; name translates to “Guazzoni House”
address: Via Marcello Malpighi, 12, 20129 Milano MI, Italy

Located on the same street as Casa Galimberti, Casa Guazzoni may be less colorful and flowery, but it’s still exemplary in its own way. Built in the early 20th century, Casa Guazzoni is another well-preserved example of the Milan Art Nouveau architecture style, where cement and wrought iron are creatively used in elegant fresco decorations to adorn balconies, railings, and window frames. 🔗 more info here

CASTELLO SFORZESCO ⬅️

neighborhood: in Parco Sempione; name translates to “Sforza Castle”
address: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

As you approach Castello Sforzesco after wandering the expansive green space that is Parco Sempione, you may start feeling like “castle” is a bit of an understatement. Built in the 1360s, the Castello Sforzesco has since been used as nobles’ residence and soldiers’ barracks and now functions as a museum and cultural institution after a restoration project led by architect Luca Beltrami. The castle is extremely expansive, and almost feels like a fortress with its many walls, courtyards, and towers that have the capacity to feature centuries of history, art, and culture. Our visit entailed admiring the medieval architecture, which is free! 🔗 more info here

BASILICA DI SANTA MARIA DELLE GRAZIE ⬅️

neighborhood: Zona Magenta; name translates to “Church of Saint Mary of the Graces”
address: Via Giuseppe Antonio Sassi, 3, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

It was evening when we happened upon this Dominican convent dating back to the late 15th century, so while it wasn’t open for visitation, we were able to visit the “Cloister of Frogs” behind the convent and enjoy the bronze frog fountain and the well-manicured green space. Later I learned that what really draws in visitors isn’t so much the church itself, but the original painting The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci! I’m a little sad that we weren’t able to see this, but since the tickets are always in high demand I’m sure they were sold out anyway. If you end up snagging one, be sure to admire the Renaissance-style geometric patterns painted by Montorfano and Butinone decorating the interior walls. 🔗 more info here

ROTONDA DELLA BESANA ⬇️

neighborhood: Porta Romana; name translates to “Besana Roundabout”
address: Via Enrico Besana, 12, 20122 Milano MI, Italy

We stumbled on this after morning pastries at Signor Lievito, and oh how much I loved this place! Constructed in the early 18th century, the floral-shaped rotunda has the elegance of a palace while being completely devoid of tourists. In the center of the courtyard is a cross-shaped building that was previously a church dedicated to San Michele but since has been repurposed to hold the Rotonda Bistrò and a children’s museum called Museo dei Bambino Milano (shortened to MUBA). 🔗 more info here

SDA BOCCONI SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT ⬇️

neighborhood: Bocconi
address: Via Roberto Sarfatti, 10, 20136 Milano MI, Italy

I wasn’t sure what to expect when Bocconi University’s campus was recommended to me as an architectural treasure trove…until we ventured into their new urban campus (!!) that was commissioned in 2019 and designed by SANAA. Walking around the curved contoured buildings covered in undulating mesh, you feel both more connected with nature and set apart from it, as if you’ve been teleported to a different realm or into a futuristic city. If I were a prospective university student on a campus tour, this area surely would’ve won me over! p.s., another building you shouldn’t miss: the concrete masterpiece of floating stone and beams on Via Roberto Sarfatti 25 designed by Grafton (I really wish I saw it, but we were on a time crunch!). 🔗 more info here

SCALO D’ARTS ⬇️

neighborhood: Quadronno; name translates to “Urban Art in Scalo Romana”
address: somewhere around Via Giuseppe Ripamonti, 35, 20135 Milano MI, Italy

On the walk to the Fondazione Prada we saw long stretches of concrete walls covered with art (it could’ve been a random happenstance, but they were a bit too intentional not to note down to search later). Turns out, these barricades used to be perimeter walls of the Olympic Village and were designated as a street art project to communicate the Olympic and Paralympic values. The sheer size of the art and the fact that they were on panels of concrete walls reminded me a bit of the Berlin wall. I quite appreciated how the paintings made the uneventful walk to the Fondazione Prada more visually interesting. 🔗 more info here

FONDAZIONE PRADA ⬇️

neighborhood: Quadronno; name translates to “Prada Foundation”
address: L.go Isarco, 2, 20139 Milano MI, Italy

Fondazione Prada landed on my radar just like it probably did anyone else: a picture of its glamorous, 24-carat-gold-leaf-clad, 4-story building, “Haunted House”. However, while the Haunted House was the prettiest to look at in person, I enjoyed the exhibitions in the 9-floored Torre the most (the white concrete building that looks like it could support a space ship). This contemporary art museum was transformed from a 1910 gin distillery by OMA’s Rem Koolhaas, a Dutch architect, and in its entirety includes 10 buildings ranging from original warehouses from the 1900s to modern statement pieces swathed in mirrored chrome. 🔗 more info here

NEXXT ⬇️

neighborhood: Quadronno
address: Via Adamello, 7, 20139 Milano MI, Italy

(Not on my original bingo card) NEXXT took me by surprise in all of its shiny, reflective, glass-paneled glory when I rounded the corner of the Fondazione Prada. When you’re in this area south of the Porta Romana railway, you can just tell vast portions of the neighborhood were a former industrial zone in need of some TLC…seeing buildings like NEXXT gave me a feeling of hope—it’s the first building in Milan’s Symbiosis plan, but I could already tell how it was revitalizing the area as part of the European project Sharing Cities. p.s., the café on the ground floor—Pappare’ Milano Symbiosis—had a fresh and delicious-looking menu! 🔗 more info here

COLONNE DI SAN LORENZO ⬇️

neighborhood: Quadronno; name translates to “Columns of San Lorenzo”
address: Corso di Porta Ticinese, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

On our way to the vibrant shopping street of Corso Di Porta Ticinese we encountered the remains of a marble colonnade from 3rd century AD. The Colonne di San Lorenzo is another beautiful example of how the city has honored its history by preserving these 16 marble Corinthian columns. When you spend time here, you can almost imagine what it would’ve been like to live in ancient Milan—when it was called Mediolanum and was the dynamic capital of the Western Roman Empire. 🔗 more info here

Everyone talks about Milan’s fashion, so colour me surprised when I realised there were this many architectural icons to check out! Are you also the type to scavenger hunt notable buildings and admire design?

There are so many more that I didn’t get to; what else would you add?

**references and sources are all linked at the end of each landmark

keep reading about Milan…

If you enjoyed this article, consider sharing CATHZINE with someone you love or buying me a coffee to fuel more of my boots-on-the-ground research ❤️ thank you for your love!

Whitechapel is often described as chaotic and grungy, with its main tourist attraction being all things Jack the Ripper. But just like how you have to go mining for gold, if you sift past the busy market street stalls, the East London Mosque traffic, and the eclectic storefronts, you’ll find one of Whitechapel’s greatest treasures: Alba Caffè.

Alba Caffè first opened its doors in 2023, before moving into its current location in the Whitechapel Art Gallery in the summer of 2024. Founder Phoebe Hunt is a Cotswolds native who’s always had a place in gastronomy: first as a food writer and supper club host, and now as an owner of one of the area’s few specialty coffee and cafè spaces. Alba Caffè draws inspiration from Phoebe’s time in Italy and her love for the food and drink culture there.

A women-led team, you can sense Alba’s quiet sophistication in every inch of the establishment’s aesthetics: bud vases on tables, Perelló olive cans holding cutlery, sheer half curtains, and handwritten menus. The abundance of natural light flooding the wood-paneled room is gently magnified by strategically placed mirrors and slim LED lightbars that will draw you in like a flower to sunshine.

Alba’s menu is comprised of core concepts whose components change weekly depending on what’s in season (for example, you can always count on a granola bowl being an option, but its fruit compote will vary depending on what’s harvested each week). Alba sources only the highest quality of ingredients for their kitchen: Cacklebean eggs, Estate Dairy milk and yoghurt, free-range chicken, Climpson & Sons coffee, Lalani matcha, and ROA oat milk to name a few. Bakes and focaccia are all made in-house each day, and the majority of items are vegetarian-friendly and/or can be customized to dietary requirements.

The crew at Alba Caffè are some of the most hospitable in the industry; if you visit, be ready for contagious smiles and warm welcomes that’ll make you feel right at home.

a couple of tips

1. Indoor seating mostly, outdoor seating provided via benches outside the storefront

2. Loyalty stamp card available for when you order beverages

3. Accessible—find the ramp through the main gallery entrance

4. Laptop-friendly—free public WiFi and outlets available near windows

5. They host aperitivo nights and special events (supper clubs, etc.) on Thursdays when the Whitechapel Gallery has their “late nights”

menu items

february 2026—visit #1

TURKISH EGGS

The two Cacklebean eggs are fried to perfection, and with the creamy yogurt and the drizzle of paprika butter, make the entire dish quite satiating. The garnish of toasted seeds adds a nuttiness that you don’t realize you need until it hits your palate, and the textural crunch brings a counterbalance to all of the soft foods in the bowl. I love a build-your-own-toast situation, so being able to mix and match how I want to enjoy the eggs and yogurt was my happy place! My only wish is that I had one more slice of their sourdough to mop it alllll up. (rating: 9/10)

PORRIDGE

“Porridge” can sometimes sound whelming on a menu, but the one at Alba Caffè first surprised me with its chic appearance (it’s cliché, but I do quite enjoy the look of a healthy-lifestyle-blogger’s breakfast bowl) before completely winning me over in its composition: the creamy, luscious, & velvety porridge pairs well with the subtly sweet, tangy blood orange compote (changes seasonally) and their house granola, which was toasty, crunchy, and spiced. Alba’s porridge has a seasonal fruit crumble vibe in the most unexpected way possible. Perfect for a cold day, or if you don’t just want “dessert” but also nourishment! (rating: 10/10)

BREKKIE BAP

This is a flavor-packed brekkie sando (that’s also vegetarian) that looks so tantalizing with the way it’s served slightly ajar with the orange-y sunny-side-up egg peeking up at you. She’s a little spicy-sweet from the hot honey and kimchi, a little hearty from the English muffin, a little too perfect to wake up your taste buds after a sleepy morning 😉 This is one of the most affordable main items on Alba’s menu, and between the bangin’ flavor and the price tag, it seriously is a bang-for-your-buck! (rating: 10/10)

MATCHA LATTE

While the matcha itself is more mild in flavor (especially with the full fat Estate Dairy milk), you can’t dispute how pretty this green is, and paired with the beautiful microfoam and art, it’s a stunner! Flavorwise, I prefer my matcha stronger, so would ask for an extra matcha shot next time 😊 (As seen in my article Matcha Maxxing in London) (rating: 6.5/10)

february 2026—visit #2

FRENCH TOAST

This French Toast is tangy sweet, like the sweetest clementine. The candied pistachios provide a great crunch, the mascarpone harmonizes the bunch, and the homemade rhubarb & apple compote pulls all the different pieces together 👯‍♀️ My only wish is that the bread used for the toast itself was thicker and more pillow-y (like if an Asian milk bread were used, or an enriched brioche), which would’ve provided the perfect amount of lushness to enjoy the toppings thoroughly. (rating: 7/10)

GRANOLA

An Alba classic, and boy am I glad this is always on the menu! The Estate Dairy Greek yogurt is topped with a generous scoop of house granola and a dollop of homemade seasonal fruit compote (pictured: rhubarb & apple). The compote is easily the star of the show for me, adding a delightful tangy sweetness that brightens the entire bowl. (rating: 9/10)

RHUBARB AMARETTI

Alba’s amaretti are gluten-free & vegan cookies that are made using almond flour. The texture has a chewiness that reminds me of mochi and the look of it reminds me of a holiday thumbprint cookie that’s in season all year long. I enjoyed this bite-sized treat so much (could easily eat 3 in one sitting), especially when paired with their beetroot cacao latte! (rating: 10/10)

BEETROOT CACAO LATTE

I don’t know about you, but I always feel a bit more healthy when I’m ordering something with the word “beets” in the name, as if simply having beets/beetroot powder in anything means it’s good for me…same applies here, how can you say no to drinking a nutrient-dense superfood that tastes like liquified red velvet chocolate cake? Alba combines beetroot together with cacao which is such a clever flavor pairing! The drink isn’t too sweet, and has a subtly earthy edge from the cacao, giving it a dark chocolate undertone 😍 (rating: 10/10)

RHUBARB SODA

Locally sourced from Dalston, this soda only has 40g of sugar and is bubbly, refreshing, and would pair perfectly for lunch with one of the weekly sandwiches! Being someone who enjoys sparkling/bubbles but doesn’t like the high sugar content of regular soda drinks, this was lovely. (rating: 8/10)

march 2026

This is what aperitivo at Alba looks like!

DRINKS MENU

• Aperol Spritz—Campari, topped with Prosecco and soda water

• Orange Wine—White Lies by New Theory, which is a 3-day skin-contact orange wine. Flavor notes: drinks like a white wine!

• Red Vermouth on Ice—15 mL shot

• White Negroni—Italian organic Gin, White Vermouth

SNACKS MENU

• Crisps—Torres 100% Olive Oil

• Gildas—guindilla peppers, salted anchovies, and Perelló olives layered on skewers

• Perelló Olives

may 2026—visit #1

Highlighting some summer specials!

WHIPPED FETA OLIVE CAPER TOAST

Alba always has a type of toast on the menu, and this one may take the cake for me. It’s a slice of sourdough topped with whipped feta, drizzled with chilli oil, and loaded with olives & capers that’re sautéed in pesto. The garnish of house dukkah adds a needed crunchy texture that balances out the fluffy mound of feta. This is totally perfect if you’re a person who can eat garlic bread for their main meal (me 🙋‍♀️), or for the ones who live for bread + olive oil starters at restaurants (also me 🙋‍♀️). It’s deliciously aromatic and herbaceously savoury! 🤤 (rating: 10/10)

ROMESCO CHICKEN SARNIE

I have some serious preferences when it comes to sandwiches, so while this one had a lot of potential and many things going right, it was just slightly lacking in flavor. I enjoyed the roasted chicken thighs, the nut-free, house made romesco, and the mixed greens and pickled peppers, but I need my flavor and found myself wishing for more sauce, more zhuzh. That said, the focaccia was well done—moist and fluffy, and also made in-house! The sarnie all wrapped up like this in parchment paper always makes me feel like I’m on a field trip 🤭 (rating: 6.5/10)

may 2026—visit #2

STRAWBERRY BASIL HOUSE SODA

I normally don’t order non-espresso/tea drinks, but this one wowed me! I was so impressed with the balanced flavor in this house soda. The strawberry-basil ratio in the syrup is 50-50 and it reminds me of one of those strawberry salads at a barbecue. Truly a bubbly refresher that’s perfect for sunny days and hot temps. (rating: 9/10)

ICED BANANA BREAD LATTE

Think: Alba’s signature banana bread liquified…that’s what this tastes like! The brown sugar roasted bananas compliment the coffee very well, you can still taste the espresso notes while also feeling like you’re tucking into a delicious cappuccino loaf cake 🤭 (rating: 10/10)

BERRY BIRCHER

This bircher is good for the gut while also tasting like a delicious flapjack: the tangy strawberry & elderflower compote brings an edge to the creamy coconut chia oats, and the bites of caramelized walnuts layered within add a great texture and subtle sweetness. Another menu item that shocked me with how good it was—would easily order this again! (rating: 10/10)

Nestled between sheep pens and chicken coops in Stepney Green’s city farm, Stepney’s is an artisanal café serving up farm-to-table seasonal dishes and bakes that highlight the produce grown by the farm itself.

This joint endeavor is led by best friends Natasha Sayliss and Florence Creffield, who have spent over a decade collaborating on creative culinary projects. Natasha still owns and runs Mae + Harvey, while Florence used to be Bonnington Cafe’s chef and baker1. Both have worked in London’s culinary scene since 2015, and both value using well-sourced local produce in deliciously no-fuss dishes. Stepney’s ends up being the perfect amalgamation of their history, experience, and principles as chefs.2

Since they opened their doors in May 2025, there hasn’t been a slow day. Weekdays are pram-filled and toddler-packed, and weekends are bustling with market activity and busy tables full of energetic chatter. Mornings mean the espresso machine is a-buzz and people are enjoying fresh bakes; afternoons have people flocking for soft serve and chips with a side of confit garlic aioli. The evidence is striking: the Stepney Green community has had a yearning for craft food establishments, and Stepney’s is the first to satiate its appetite.

It’s the type of place where the menu changes weekly (if not daily), the ingredients are intentionally sourced from local farmers, and the interior is pleasing to the eye. You’ll find charm in the plum and cream tiled floors, the muted sage tables, the vintage glass grape sconces, the handwritten chalkboard menus, and the rustic paintings on the walls. The vine-strewn gazebo and trellis on the outdoor patio give it a whimsical “dining in the woods” ambiance that is idyllic and almost fairy-tale-like.

Whether you’re here for the farm cats that give official cat cafes a run for their money or for a peaceful respite away from the sounds of the city, Stepney’s is a place you’ll find endearing.

a couple of tips

1. Covered outdoor seating available, limited indoor seating

2. Accessible

3. Not laptop-friendly—no WiFi, no outlets

4. Farmers’ Market held on Saturdays from 10 AM - 4 PM

5. Family-friendly; there’s a children’s area in the farm

   

menu items

september 2025

RICOTTA PANCAKES

The pancakes were fluffy and slightly crispy, but the real winners were the toppings—there was a perfect amount of soft whipped cream and maple syrup, and the stewed jammy fruit brought the most ideal tang to the overall plate. I don’t normally order pancakes since they tend to be quite dessert-y, but this was not overly sweet and so tasteful! (rating: 8/10)

CHICKPEA & PUMPKIN CURRY

It had been a hot minute since I’ve had a vegetarian curry, but it was a brisk autumn day and the sound of a brothy stew was too hard to pass up. This ended up being one of my favorites from Stepney’s and is still something I dream about recreating! The roasted pumpkin wedges stole my heart—deliciously broiled and caramelized to enhance its natural sweetness. The chickpeas brought the substance and protein and the amount of paratha was just enough to mop up all of that luscious sauce. (rating: 10/10)

DARK CHOCOLATE & SESAME COOKIE

I’ve been loving seeing how the sesame flavor profile is frequently making an appearance in bakery menus all over Europe. While in this cookie there was only a faint nod to the sesame in the garnish and a bit of tahini in the cookie dough, I quite enjoyed the dark chocolate stealing 75% of the stage. It’s (as you can see) a flatter cookie, so it does have a bit of a crispy edge and a melty middle, which I’m always in the mood for. (rating: 10/10)

january 2026

MUSHROOM TOAST

When the hostess was telling my friends and me how their mushroom toast was easily the best thing to order that week, I was skeptical. It just seemed too simple! But curiosity won over, and I ended up ordering myself one…and I was genuinely taken aback by how delicious the combo of mushrooms, butter, and sage was. They perfectly sauteed the mushroom so it was tastefully wilted and caramelized, and enough sage was added for its flavor to come through.

I would’ve preferred a heartier variety of sourdough toast (versus the sandwich-bread type), but otherwise this dish did not disappoint. I ended up recreating it in galette form for the same friends for a dinner party! (rating: 9.5/10)

SAUSAGE ROLL

The crust on this is flaky and the filling is flavorful, but it was just overall too dry for my preference…which is disappointing since she sports such a pretty golden-baked colour. I just would’ve preferred a juicier and more tender meat filling! (rating: 6.5/10)

march 2026

COURGETTE + LEMON PASTA WITH GRANA PADANO

My first thought was—the lemon in here is very demure. I would’ve loved to taste more of its zesty tangy personality singing in the first bite. That said, I really enjoyed the way the courgette was grated/sliced into smaller pieces which allowed it to blend in with the Grana Padano. The paccheri pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente and had a great chew. Overall, this dish is beautiful to look at, but I would’ve made a couple of seasoning tweaks. (rating: 7/10)

CIME DI RAPA CHEESE TOASTIE

I was taken aback by how delicious this toastie was! I didn’t know it would contain cime di rapa (also known as broccoli raab) inside, but I really enjoyed the pops of bitter/savouriness among the creamy cheese. The cheese itself was a good amount without being overwhelming, and the bread had a good, toasty crispness. The salad itself could’ve been chopped a smidge more (I found some of the leaves large and unwieldy), but overall this was a great meal! (rating: 9/10)

ORANGE, ALMOND, PISTACHIO CAKE

This was super fun to eat! I didn’t expect to bite into large pieces of pistachio, but it was a refreshing experience in a “pistachio” dessert (a flavor genre I feel notoriously lacks the main character). The cake was a cross between a cornbread and an orange olive oil cake, having a larger crumb that was still moist, and a cake base that had a whole-grain-ness that grounded the sweet aspect. This was delightfully citrus-forward. The frosting may have been a bit too sweet for me though. (rating: 8/10)

july 2026—visit #1

CHAI

Their chai uses a house blend of spices and WOW is she punchy and cozy. I found it the perfect amount of sweetness where it mellows out the spice just a tad while still allowing the chai blend to be the main event. Highly recommend this—it rivals Chai Guys! (rating: 10/10)

MOCHA

The moment they whipped out a container to scoop out the chocolate sauce, I just knew this was going to be good. Love when a syrup/sauce for a drink is made in-house, and this one imparted a muted chocolate to the espresso and milk. Just sweet enough where it almost doesn’t taste like coffee, but not quite sweet enough to be in hot chocolate territory. Another satisfactory drink! (rating: 10/10)

CHIPS WITH GARLIC AIOLI

I have been eyeing this on the menu for way too long…to finally order it has been such a treat! The fries are freshly cut in-house—you can tell since the skins are on—and fried till perfectly crispy with a tender and soft interior. I was very pleased to find that the insides weren’t that stale, starchy texture that can be frequently encountered. The garlic aioli had a strong enough garlic aroma to defend its namesake, but it wasn’t overly pungent so those who don’t enjoy garlic that much would still like this. These fries made me nostalgic for Fabel Friet’s parm truffle mayo friets ❤️ (rating: 10/10)

VANILLA SOFT SERVE

On a normal day, the vanilla soft serve can be ordered plain or with chocolate curls/home made strawberry sauce. Since it’s the summer, they also offer a special Strawberry Shortcake Soft Serve—which includes biscuit crumbles! The soft serve was a bit icy for my liking, but the toppings themselves were tasteful and enhanced the experience. I prefer enjoying soft serve in a cone, but the coup was cute enough to indulge with a spoon. (rating: 6.5/10)

july 2026—visit #2

PEACH + FARM GREEN BEAN SALAD WITH RICOTTA + ALMONDS

If you like a punchy salad full of aromatic flavour nuance and diverse crunchy textures that’ll leave you feeling like you just fed your microbiome, THIS salad is the one! I’m obsessed with the mix of green and ripe peach slices, the fresh-from-the-farm green beans, and the mix of edible greens (the main character being rocket) that you can’t just find in the grocery store. The plate is lightly dressed in emulsified lemon juice and oil, which coats everything just enough to enhance flavor without drowning it. (rating: 10/10)

HOT SMOKED SALMON ON TOAST WITH CREME FRAICHE + HERBS

Upon first reading this on the menu, I thought this would be more of a Lox situation with cold smoked salmon on a cream cheese base. When the server brought it to our table I was pleasantly surprised that it was more of a salmon version of a tuna salad and instead of mayo, creme fraiche is used to bring the creaminess factor. The hunk of sourdough was a sturdy base that brought a grounding “wheat-y” flavour, while the mint leaves used for garnish made the dish feel lighter and more summer-y. A perfect meal for a hot day, where it’s nourishing without heating up the body. (rating: 10/10)

By a stroke of luck, I found myself at Cake Picnic, meeting a bunch of people who work in food, and realising that getting out of your comfort zone is like riding a rollercoaster: there’s nervous anticipation as you inch to the top, but the adrenaline rush afterwards is exhilarating, and you almost want to do it again and again.

Rewind a couple of days; I had received a newsletter from on the best drinks for the summer, happened to read the entire thing and saw that she was raffling off cake picnic tickets (another reason why you should always read till the end!). I entered without thinking twice about the implications of winning (because, I never win), and promptly forgot this even happened.

Mere days before the event I receive a message from her:

“Hi Catherine!
Hello! You’ve won one of the tickets to Cake Picnic this Sunday!!”

The immediate emotion: absolute elation. Pictures of past Cake Picnic events in San Francisco and New York City—with their rows and rows of stunning, cake-decorated tables, cake-slice-filled takeaway boxes, and the hundreds of strangers picnicking together—have consistently made it into my feed every year since the event’s inception in 2024. To no one’s surprise, all of the media had me curious: what would it be like to go to a cake picnic? So, to have the opportunity “fall” into my lap was a dream come true!

But then I read the ticket’s fine print…and realised that there were a lot more hoops to jump through than all of the fun pictures on social media had communicated (or failed to communicate), and I started to feel overwhelmed by anxiety. Here are the list of qualifications:

firstly, the cake had to be…

• 8 inches wide by 3 inches tall, minimum—the fine print promised that there would be people there to measure your cake’s dimensions with a ruler when you checked in, but this didn’t happen to me

• On a disposable cake board—thankfully, if you don’t have time to order this on Amazon, most full-sized grocery stores stock this in the bakery aisle (but also, I spotted a handful of cakes displayed on the base of plastic reusable cake carriers, so this also wasn’t enforced)

then, everything else you had to bring…

• a label for your cake—with the name of your cake and all of the allergens listed

• a cake server—anything that isn’t a knife, I saw some people even brought spatulas! If you forget this, they also sell them at the registration table

• proof you paid for the event—your ticket purchase confirmation, completed waiver confirmation, ID, etc.

I definitely felt that the odds were stacked against me: I didn’t have a lot of time (only 3 days) and I didn’t have a lot of the equipment you typically need to make a cake (no stand mixer/handheld mixer, sifter, piping bag). But I resolved to make it work, because I knew I’d regret it if I let this opportunity go.

what I decided to bake

This year’s theme was “Strawberry Shortcake”, so bakers were highly encouraged to lean into berry-themed cakes. Even though the theme was optional, I knew there would be a high proportion of vanilla sponge + strawberry + whipped cream cakes, and I wanted to add some variety to the spread.

Since I’m a huge chocolate fan, I decided to make Edd Kimber’s Chocolate and Guinness Cake with a twist by brushing the cake with homemade berry jam and adding syrupy strawberries on top to garnish.

The cake itself was a breeze and came out flawlessly, but the frosting! Oh, how it gave me some SOS moments! My powdered sugar was very clumpy coming out of the bag, and I assumed my whisk could emulsify it into the butter…surprise, surprise: it didn’t.

It got to the point where—out of sheer desperation—I whipped out my Nutribullet in hopes it could “whip” the frosting into proper shape. To my relief, it worked extremely well and I was able to incorporate the cream cheese by hand afterwards with no powdered sugar clumps to be seen. I increased the frosting to 1.5x the amount in the original recipe to add height to the cake (remember, I wanted to make sure she met that “3-inches tall” criteria).

Here’s the final result!

**video recap of making the cake can be found on Instagram1

how Cake Picnic went

Once you arrive, the agenda is as follows:

1. Check in at the registration desk—you get your coloured wrist band, any event swag, etc.—you must arrive in the time window or else they won’t let you sign in

   

2. Set up your cake on one of the tables

3. Grab your takeaway box for your cake slices

4. Find a picnic spot until the event starts—or just wander the tables, take in all of the beautiful masterpieces, and note which ones you want to snag a slice from when it’s your group’s turn!

5. Once everyone has set up their cakes, the founder of Cake Picnic, Elisa Sunga, made an opening speech and began calling different groups up (by wristband colour) to grab their cake slices

6. When it’s your turn, you get only 5 minutes to fill up your box—this part surprisingly takes a bit of skill as it’s a bit awkward trying to hold the box in one hand while cutting and lifting slices into it with another. Be prepared to get messy!

7. After all groups have gone, the volunteers get a turn and the tables are open for anyone who wants seconds

8. The remaining minutes are spent enjoying your cake slices with other picnickers (while fighting off unwanted visitors, like ants), and you can stay as long as you want to

I was so chuffed that I ran into Benjamina herself, and she was so sweet to invite me to sit with her friends. What I originally expected to be a potentially lonely event (since I didn’t come with anyone) ended up being one that flew by, full of getting to know really cool women who work in food in and around London. I left feeling so covered by God’s love and provision: the Spirit truly knew my heart and interceded in ways I didn’t explicitly ask for, but really needed2.

**video recap of going to Cake Picnic can be found on Instagram3

what I would do differently next time

If you find yourself in a similar situation (first time to a cake picnic, running with a minimally-equipped kitchen, etc.), here’s what I’d recommend:

1. If you have a blender, it can easily take the place of a sifter

2. If you don’t have a blender, break up the clumps of powdered sugar/flour prior to adding to your wet ingredients (I had thought to use a plastic bag and rolling pin too)

3. You don’t need to bake a cake with more than 1 layer

4. Make a recipe that isn’t overly complicated with a high flavor return

For the event itself:

1. Dress casually and comfortably! Nothing is more uncomfortable than wearing clothing that’s not outdoors-friendly

2. Highly recommend some form of picnic blanket—either a regular blanket you don’t mind dirtying, or even a towel (I opted for the latter, it worked wonders)

3. Bring hand sanitizer and water—no matter what you do, your fingers will get sticky and your mouth will get parched from eating all of that cake; and depending on where the event is located it may not be easy to find either

4. The event facilitators were very lax with the majority of the cake picnic qualifications, so I wouldn’t stress too much about getting a professional cake server, using a cake board, etc. The one non-negotiable I’d recommend is: have your label ready and have an easy way to transport your cake!

What would you make if you were going to a cake picnic? Is this an event you’ve been to or are interested in going to? Would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below!

I had visited Amsterdam for a mere half day 8 years ago. Now looking back, I feel like I didn’t fully have my wits about me; I was just following my friend around. This time, I wanted to make sure I could soak in as much of the city and culture as I could, and sure enough…30,000 steps per day, 5 days later — I may not have gotten to see absolutely everything, but here’s what I did get up to in Amsterdam!

table of contents

**as always, please use the built-in table of contents on the left to easily bop around different sections! This post is long and I would encourage you to pick out the bits you’re interested in reading 😊

⭐ = my favorites/top recommendations!

prep work // all the not-so-fun travel logistics that you gotta figure out in advance if you want your trip to be smooth!

destinations by district // in place of an itinerary, I’m providing all of the places I visited (by neighborhood, with a hand drawn map by yours truly) so you can effectively plan out your trip

WESTERN CANAL RING
MEDIEVAL CENTRE & RED LIGHT DISTRICT
SOUTHERN CANAL RING
DE PIJP
JORDAAN & THE WEST
VONDELPARK & THE SOUTH
AMSTERDAM NOORD
OOSTERPARK & EAST OF THE AMSTEL

side quests // activities that are totally worth traveling outside of the city for; locations you need to do and see (with a zoomed out map so you can get your bearings)

all things gastronomy // linking all of my Amsterdam-related articles on food food, nibbles, bevvies, etc.

final reflections // what surprised me, and lasting impressions & takeaways from the trip

prep work

GETTING TO AMSTERDAM (FROM LONDON)

We chose to fly out of the London Luton Airport (LTN), which required us to take multiple legs of transport: London Underground > Thameslink > DART (Direct Air-Rail Transit).

Tips:

• Thameslink—you don’t have to pre-book a train ticket, you can directly use your contactless payment card; a physical Oyster Card won’t work!

• DART—a short railway that takes you from the Thameslink station to the airport; it comes fairly frequently, but also requires you to tap in/out

ACCOMMODATIONS

• Name: Hotel Sphinx

• Address: Weteringschans 82, Amsterdam City Centre, 1017 XR Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Neighborhood: Eastern Canal Ring

• Price: €1,252.14 for 5 nights

This two star hotel is in a stellar location—right next to a metro stop and tram stop, and ~5 minute walk from the De Pijp neighborhood and the Rijksmuseum. As promised by the hotel star system, it has limited amenities (it does have in-room television and WiFi, shampoo and soap included) and room cleaning is upon request. I didn’t expect the walls to be so thin (I could hear almost everything going on outside) and the strong stench wafting out of the toilet pipes no matter how frequently we flushed…but it was all still manageable and didn’t detract from the trip.

TRANSPORT IN AMSTERDAM

Most of the transit in and around the city of Amsterdam doesn’t require a pre-purchased ticket. Just make sure you’re ready with a contactless payment option to tap in and out.

WHAT’S ON MY PHONE

Aside from the usual suspects (Revolut for contactless payment, Google Maps for navigation), we also used the following Amsterdam/Netherland-specific apps during our trip:

• Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)—as first-timers in the city, we found it easier navigating from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) to the city and to/from the neighboring towns of Zaandam and Zaanse Schans by buying tickets and using the QR codes presented on the app.

• I AMsterdam City Card—this is an “easy pass” to explore the city. The website will give you comprehensive details on what’s included, but we chose it specifically for the pre-paid public transit system (though only for buses, trams, and metros that are marked with “GVB”—standing for Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf, the Amsterdam city public transit company), tickets/discounts to a number of museums and attractions, and the free canal cruise.

WHAT’S IN MY BAG

My holy grails have remained the same (and further tried and tested)! Check out my post on Paris and Barcelona for what I make sure to bring:

destinations by district

Resources used in this section: The Rough Guide to Amsterdam1 , Lonely Planet’s Amsterdam Guide2, DK Travel Amsterdam3.

WESTERN CANAL RING

Known for its grand old mansions and charming specialty shops, this entire area is a Unesco World Heritage site. Visitors flock here for the classic canal buildings and views.

Key site: Anne Frank Huis

ANNE FRANK HUIS

Dutch for “Anne Frank’s House,” this museum includes the original annexe that Anne Frank and her family took shelter in to avoid Nazi persecution in 1942. There’s a building next to the Anne Frank Huis that displays various exhibitions that detail her and her family’s story. 🔗more info here

Address: Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands

MEDIEVAL CENTRE & RED LIGHT DISTRICT

Amsterdam’s oldest quarter; the extensive preservation work has rendered it looking much as it did in its Golden Age.

Key sites: Amsterdam Museum, Centraal Station, Damrak Canal Houses, Royal Palace, Oude Kerk, the Red Light District at night

CANAL CRUISE

Riding a rondvaartboot (cruise boat) is one of the things you must do when in Amsterdam! Yes, it sounds a bit trite and maybe overly tourist-y, but actually, many locals even enjoy it and it’s quite educational. All canal tours leave from the city centre, and you don’t have to pre-book tickets.

Tips: We took the Canal Cruise Amsterdam (free with I Amsterdam Card) and it offered a multilingual commentary on different facts and history of the city, with a glass roof to protect from the weather.

CENTRAAL STATION

The hub of all transportation: ranging from local buses and trams to national and inter-continental trains. If you take the ferry from Amsterdam Nord to the Medieval Centre, this is where the ferry will drop you off!

Tips: tickets are affordable and you don’t need to reserve beforehand. You’ll need to download the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) app to view/use your ticket; I share more in the “What’s in My Phone” section above!

CHINATOWN

Nestled right beside the bustling market square of Nieuwmarkt and the Red Light District, Amsterdam’s Chinatown was formally established around the early 1900s. As with most city’s Chinatowns, the population here isn’t strictly Chinese and you’ll be able to find a mix of East and Southeast Asian restaurants and businesses here, from Thailand and Malaysia, to Indonesia, Vietnam, Korea, etc. 🔗more info here

Tips: Truthfully, there’s not a lot here, but the most notable landmark is the Zeedijk Buddhist temple, also known as Fo Guang Shan He Hua.

DE WALLETJES

The local name for the Red Light District, De Walletjes directly translates to “the little walls” (you may also see the moniker “De Wallen”). When evening turns to night, the townhouses lining the canals in this area glow with neon red lights and you’ll see sex workers advertising their businesses in the windows. Historically, prostitution in Amsterdam dates back to the 13th century, as early as the birth of the city itself. Since it was so widespread, the city made it legal in an attempt to contain it. Today, this area is one of the most defining images of Amsterdam and has become more of a tourist attraction.

Address: Oudezijds Achterburgwal 60, 1012 DP Amsterdam, Netherlands (Red Light Secrets Museum, which is at the heart of De Walletjes)

MUSEUM HET REMBRANDTHUIS

The Rembrandt House Museum allows a glimpse into the life of famous Dutch artist Rembrandt, who was an established portraitist. He purchased this red-shuttered house in 1639, and the exterior has been preserved. When you visit, you get to see his studio on the first floor and a gallery displaying his most famous works on the mezzanine.

Address: Jodenbreestraat 4, 1011 NK Amsterdam, Netherlands

OUDE KERK

Dating back to the mid-13th century, the Oude Kerk (or “the Old Church”) was originally a wooden church built in a burial ground (there are 2,500 tombstones found in the church floor). Its current gothic structure was adopted in the 14th century, and through the years it has gradually expanded from a single-aisled church to the grand basilica it is today. 🔗more info here

Tips: if you don’t have time to visit the main church, grabbing coffee at De Koffie Schenjerij is a great way to still experience a bit of it!

Address: Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam, Netherlands

SOUTHERN CANAL RING

A bit quiet during the day, the Southern Canal Ring is more known for its bars, clubs, and restaurants than its sightseeing destinations. At night, the gay hub of Reguliersdwarsstraat comes alive, and you can bop around the different nightlife centres of Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein.

Key sites: Bloemenmarkt, Nieuwe Spiegelstraat, Reguliersdwarsstraat, Reguliersgract, Utrechtsestraat

BLOEMENMARKT

One of Amsterdam’s last floating markets, the Bloemenmarkt—or the flower market—came from a history of nurserymen sailing up the Singel, mooring on the banks, and selling cut flowers and plants directly from their boats. Today, the stalls are permanently floating fixtures that stock a range of floral-inspired products: fresh flowers, planting bulbs, flower-inspired decorations, etc.

Tips: warning—this is extremely touristy and you can find the same range of products in most Amsterdam souvenir shops, but it’s still fun to view and say you’ve been!

Address: Singel 630, 600 Amsterdam, Netherlands

BOUTIQUES

• Spiegel Amsterdam 100% Dutch—a local gift shop that sells everything from decorative objects to jewelry, accessories, and stationery, all of which are designed in The Netherlands! The gifts here feel artisanal, local, and tastefully made.

  Address: Nieuwe Spiegelstraat

• Cardinal Chocolaterie—artisan chocolate makers originally from Tel Aviv, they’ve now moved their shop to Amsterdam and prepare their chocolates on-site using Valrhona brand chocolate. While not bean-to-bar, the confectionaries here are still delightful.

  Address: Utrechtsestraat

• De Winkel van Nijntje—Nijntje, known as “Miffy” to the rest of the world, is a beloved cartoon rabbit created by Dutch artist Dick Bruna in the 1950s. There are now over 100 Miffy books in over 40 distinct languages, and this shop is one of the best places to get Miffy-themed homeware, gifts, stuffies, etc. as well as the books!

  Address: Nieuwe Spiegelstraat

• Kramer Kunst & Antiek—a family-owned business for over 60 years, this shop is an official dealer of De Porceleyne Fles—or Royal Delft—in the city. Here you can find both new and antique Delftware tiles dating back to as early as the 1600s (note: these tiles are pricey)! This antique store is also stocked floor-to-ceiling with an extensive collection of glassware, jewelry, silverware, antique clocks and watches, etc.

  Address: Prinsengracht/Nieuwe Spiegelstraat

REGULIERSDWARSSTRAAT

The heart of Amsterdam’s Gay District since 1963, Reguliersdwarsstraat has maintained its authenticity even as tourism begins to creep in, remaining a street where you can always find lively bars, drag shows, and convivial restaurants to enjoy.

REGULIERSGRACT

Reguliersgract is one of the city’s most famous canals for the 7 stone arched bridges you can see when you’re standing at Herengracht and looking towards Prinsengracht. Not only is this one of the most iconic photo spots, but the houses lining this canal are equally as picturesque and worth admiring.

DE PIJP

Also known as the Latin Quarter, this neighborhood is set on an island that’s connected to the rest of the city by 16 bridges. The name “the pipe” came from its narrow streets that resemble old clay pipes.

In the 1860s, De Pijp was mainly a block of cheap housing for working class residents, but in the modern day it has become a quiet place for families to settle down, with a fair share of fashion boutiques, vintage shops, and new restaurants.

Key sites: Albert Cupymarkt, Heineken Experience

ALBERT CUPYMARKT

Originating in 1905, Albert Cupymarkt is the largest street market in Europe, home to 260 market stalls ranging from fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers to clothing and food vendors. The most notable food stall here is Rudi’s Original Stroopwafel, with a queue that extends out and around both sides of the truck. 🔗 more info here

GERARD DOUSTRAAT

Gerard Doustraat is one street north of Alberty Cupymarkt, and is chock full of cute clothing and jewelry boutiques and local restaurants and cafes. My favorites here are:

• Anna + Nina—founded in 2012 by Anna de Lanoy Meijer and Nina Poot in Amsterdam, Anna + Nina has three locations: the original flagship in Amsterdam, a boutique in London, and a shop in Bijenkorf Utrecht. They stock cute jewelry, clothing, homeware, and paper goods.

• Tally-Ho—a family-owned clothing store for over 50 years, Tally-Ho curates sustainable brands, offering both stylish and ethically responsible clothing. They also have a webshop, so if you’re not able to make it to a physical location, you can still check them out!

• D’HYÈRES—founded by Pierre Laffite to bring a touch of Southern France to Amsterdam, D’Hyères sells high-quality, intricate jewelry pieces that look extremely luxurious but are still relatively affordable. The majority of these pieces would be perfect for a gala or black tie event, or whenever you feel like really dolling up.

HEINEKEN EXPERIENCE

Housed in the first brick brewery used to produce Heineken beer from 1864-1988, the Heineken Experience is a 1.5 hour, self-guided tour where you can learn about the history of the company, general beer-making, and also enjoy a free tasting. The building also has a tasting bar, mini brewery, and a stable of dray horses that you can check out.

Fun fact: The Heineken company was founded by Gerard Adriaan Heineken in 1864, introducing foreign brewers and new methods to Amsterdam’s beer industry.

Address: Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 NV Amsterdam, Netherlands

JORDAAN & THE WEST

Originally a densely populated district for common people (with a rough and gritty reputation), it has since been gentrified into Amsterdam’s chic “it” neighborhood for shopping and cute canal exploration.

Key sites: Amsterdam Tulip Museum, De 9 Straajtes

AMSTERDAM TULIP MUSEUM

A museum dedicated to the Netherlands’ most iconic flower, the Amsterdam Tulip Museum traces the tulip’s journey from its origins in Central Asia and the Ottoman Empire to its arrival in Amsterdam in the late 16th century, where it transformed Dutch society (and fueled the famous Tulipmania of the 1630s). 🔗 more info here

Tips: the gift shop is free to browse, but the museum itself requires a purchased ticket

Address: Prinsengracht 116, 1015 EA Amsterdam, Netherlands

BILDERDIJKSTRAAT

West of Jordaan is Bilderdijkstraat, a street that doesn’t have as many cute stores and artisanal brands, but still has its fair share of local shops and cool restaurants to try. The entire row is buzzing with hipster energy: you get a sense that this is more of a place where locals spend their time versus a destination for tourists. (this is where nNea Pizza is located!)

BOUTIQUES

That caught my eye in and around Jordaan:

• Amsterdam Cheese Museum—you’ll see multiple cheese shops in Amsterdam that look touristy, but this one is different! This is Amsterdam’s only cheese museum, where you can venture downstairs and learn about the history, craft, and tradition of cheese in Dutch culture. The best part? The gift shop offers 20+ varieties of cheese to purchase and to sample, and each of them were delicious.

  Address: Prinsengracht

• Antonia’z—this is a boutique that curates well-made, sustainable products and has a passion for textiles. They have an entire floor-to-ceiling selection of neck scarves, socks, and blankets, a range of bags and shoes, and even homeware, stationery and paper goods. (I found the cute red floral scarf I wore on King’s Day from here!)

  Address: Herenstraat

• BUY1OAK—founded in 2009 in New York by two friends, designed in their Amsterdam atelier, and handmade in Bali. Buy1Oak specializes in contemporary, refined, and dainty silver and gold jewelry.

  Address: Prinsengracht

• ByNouck—founded by Anouck Goudsmit in 2018, ByNouck is a jewelry store where all the pieces are designed and handmade in Haarlem, the Netherlands. The storefront offers a wide range of jewelry: there’s a charm bar where you can choose to design your own, or you can purchase a pre-made piece! They also sell charms individually, too (I got a cute one for my traveler’s notebook!).

  Address: Berenstraat

• DSIGN.Amsterdam—just like the Spiegel 100% Dutch store in the Southern Canal Ring, DSIGN.Amsterdam curates products from well-known Dutch makers (i.e., Secrid wallets, Hester van Eeghen handbags, Miffy stuffies, etc.). The goods here are a little more designer and well-known, while Spiegel 100% Dutch features more from small business owners and local makers.

  Address: Prinsengracht (multiple locations)

• Rabbit House Illustration—opened in 2023, Rabbit House is home to a collection of work from local artists in Amsterdam. They specialize in prints, but there’s also pottery pieces and clothing sold, too!

  Address: Prinsengracht

DE 9 STRAAJTES

Dutch for “The 9 Little Streets”, this is a block of 9 canal alleys (that make up a gridded square) in Jordaan that’re lined with charming boutiques, cozy canal-side cafés, and popular brands. This is easily THE destination for shopping and includes the following streets (I’ve hearted my favorites!): Singel, Huidenstraat, Runstraat ❤️, Wolvenstraat, Hartenstraat, Wijde Heisteeg, Berendijklaan, Reestraat ❤️, Gast-Huismolensteeg.

Boutiques I loved in this area:

• Hester van Eeghen—founded in 1988 by Hester van Eeghen, these high-end leather bags are designed in Amsterdam and handmade in Italy, and have a distinctly sculptural and geometric silhouette that sets it apart from the mainstream. The brand also offers accessories like gloves, belts, and shoes, too!

  Address: Hartenstraat

• UNWIND Jewelry—affordable and durable jewelry that is ethically sourced and 100% waterproof. Founder Lisa Romee launched UNWIND in 2021 in Breda, Netherlands, as a small collection of handmade pieces and the brand has since grown to have its own storefront in 2025.

  Address: Runstraat

ELANDSGRACHT

A street to the right of De 9 Straatjes that also has quite a few modern restaurants and stores that make it perfect for window shopping and putzing. It has everything from patisseries to clothing stores to antique shops!

Address: you can use Banketbakkerij Arnold Cornelis to navigate: Elandsgracht 78, 1016 SR Amsterdam, Netherlands

FOODHALLEN

Founded in 2014, Foodhallen is an indoor food hall offering a range of international cuisines, totaling 21 vendor stalls. They have a location in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, with the Rotterdam location debuting in 2018. The space has high ceilings and has a bit of an industrial warehouse meets greenhouse vibe; if you’re looking for a quick bite, this is a good option. 🔗 more info here

Tips: This place is cool to visit since it’s the city’s only indoor food market, but the food selection is similar to most indoor food halls, so I would still recommend grabbing a meal at a local bruin café or eetcafé for a more traditional experience.

Address: Hannie Dankbaarpassage 16, 1053 RT Amsterdam, Netherlands

VONDELPARK & THE SOUTH

The sprawling south contains Amsterdammers’ favorite green space (Vondelpark) and the city’s most popular museums, earning it the nickname “Museumplein” (or “Museum Quarter”). This large area can be subdivided further into the neighborhoods of Oud Zuid (Old South), and Nieuw Zuid (New South).

Key sites: Rijksmuseum, MOCO Museum, Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark

MOCO MUSEUM

“MOCO” is short for “Modern Contemporary”. This museum is independently owned and privately curated, showcasing artists who expose the irony at work in modern society. The garden surrounding the beautiful 20th-century townhouse also has a display of interactive installations.

Tips: the museum can easily be seen within 1 hour, and tickets don’t have to be booked in advance

Address: Museum Square, Honthorststraat 20, 1071 DE Amsterdam, Netherlands

RIJKSMUSEUM

Amsterdam’s most-visited museum, known for its unrivalled collection of Dutch art since the early 19th century, the Rijksmuseum was established in 1808 when King Louis Napoleon ordered the National Gallery in The Hague to be moved to Amsterdam. Today, the museum displays 8,000 pieces in 80 galleries. The exhibitions you can’t miss: The Night Watch (Rembrandt, 1642) and The Kitchen Maid (Vermeer, 1658).

Tips: there’s a queue to get in, but it moves very quickly. If you get a guided tour you can skip the queue!

Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands

VAN GOGH MUSEUM

Born in Zundert, Netherlands, Vincent van Gogh began painting in 1880, at age 27. This museum later opened in 1973, displaying a collection of 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 850 personal letters, as well as works created by later artists who were influenced by him.

Fun fact: Van Gogh claimed all of his work were “based to some extent on Japanese art”

Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

VONDELPARK

Debuted in 1865, this is Amsterdam’s most-visited public park. Originally a 20 acre natural green space designed by father-and-son landscape architect duo Jan David Zocher and Louis Paul Zocher, it has since expanded to 116 acres and supports around 100 plant species and 127 types of trees.

Tips: it’s lovely watching the different picnickers enjoying the weather. If you’re feeling snacky, Proeflokaal 't Blauwe Theehuis is a gem!

Address: 1071 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands

ZEVENLANDENHUIZEN

Dutch for “Seven Countries Houses”, this is tucked away in a neighborhood near Vondelpark and absolutely free to behold. In 1894, Amsterdam philanthropist Sam van Eeghen commissioned architect Tjeerd Kuipers to design seven houses side-by-side, each implementing a different European architectural style. The result? Now you can admire the design styles of Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, the Netherlands, and England all in one row of townhouses!

Address: Zevenlandenhuizen, Roemer Visscherstraat, 1054 EX Amsterdam

AMSTERDAM NOORD

Formerly a shipbuilding yard in the 1980s, it has since adopted an “ex-industrial”, hipster energy that comes with repurposing shipping containers and warehouses into art exhibits, restaurants, and theaters. That said, compared to the rest of Amsterdam this area is a bit lacking in things to do, so if you find yourself in Noord, biking is a great way to get around quickly while seeing everything. Also know that parts of this area can feel like a food desert, so beware and plan ahead!

Key sites: A’DAM Tower, NDSM Werf

A’DAM TOWER

A’DAM Tower is one of two main attractions in Noord—not for its hotel, nightclub, or restaurants, but for A’DAM Lookout, a 360 degree panoramic rooftop that contains the highest swing in Amsterdam (note: you do need tickets for this). 🔗 more info here

Address: Overhoeksplein 1, 1031 KS Amsterdam, Netherlands

NDSM WERF

“NDSM” stands for De Nederlandsche Dok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij, which is the name of the industrial shipyard that has been transformed into a 10-hectares-large area dedicated to art, culture, and entrepreneurship (main building called “NDSM LOODS” with 1,400 solar panels!). The expansive outdoor space is frequently used to host events and festivals; it’s worth looking at what’s coming up in the calendar during your visit. 🔗 more info here

Address: NDSM-Plein 90C, 1033 WB Amsterdam, Netherlands

OOSTERPARK & EAST OF AMSTEL

Oost (meaning “East” in Dutch), is where you go for wide boulevards, multi-story accommodations, and a mix of multicultural shops and restaurants. This district is still mainly an area for local life with not a lot of sights to see, but you can sense the beginnings of gentrification in the new boutiques, artisan bakeries, and hip hotels that are sprouting up.

Key sites: Dappermarkt, De Gooyer, Oosterpark, Artis Royal Zoo, Tropenmuseum

DAPPERMARKT

A public market in Amsterdam that’s open Monday through Saturday, Dappermarkt contains about 200 vendor stalls selling everything from mass produced clothing to fresh produce, flowers, and specialty foods from other countries.

Tips: We found ourselves here for Olafbrood, but it’s extremely close to ARTIS and Oosterpark if you’re interested in making a loop of all that East has to offer.

Address: Dapperplein, 1093 GP Amsterdam, Netherlands

DE GOOYER

De Gooyer is an eight-sided windmill constructed in 1725 as a flour mill. It comes in at 26.6 meters in height, making it the tallest wooden windmill in the Netherlands. It’s also registered as a Dutch National Monument. Today, it operates as a brewery and social hub, with the Brouwerij ‘t IJ right next to it. 🔗 more info here

Address: Funenkade 5, 1018 AL Amsterdam, Netherlands

side quests

If you’re into side quests, here are some extremely doable, totally-worth-traveling-for activities and locations you should try to fit in!

KEUKENHOF

A seasonal park that’s only open from mid-March to early May, Keukenhof first opened in 1950 as an exhibition of spring-flowering bulbs, and since has grown into one of the most notable blooming gardens to visit. Today it showcases over 7 million spring-flowering bulbs (i.e., daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, etc.) and various other flora over a period of eight weeks, beautifully displaying the Dutch floriculture industry. 🔗 more info here

Tips:

1. The bus transport to and from Keukenhof is a separate ticket purchase from the city transit card or I Amsterdam card; you can purchase this day-of

2. When you purchase your ticket you’re forced to select a timeslot. We found that this timeslot wasn’t enforced, so I could imagine you can be flexible with when you head there

3. To reduce your wait to get on the bus, volunteer to stand if you can—we did so both ways and were on the bus within 10-15 minutes. If you can’t, plan to go early, or you might have to wait over an hour to get on the bus (both ways!).

4. Food and drinks are (naturally) quite expensive in the park; we happened to have a large breakfast at Scandinavian Embassy prior, explored the park from 10 AM - 2 PM, then headed back to the city right when we started to get hungry. It felt like the perfect schedule!

Address: Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse, Netherlands

KONINGSDAG

Also known as “King’s Day”, this is a national holiday where the entire country celebrates the monarch’s birthday with block parties, street DJs, jovial festivities, and flea markets (vrijmarkt). Everyone’s wearing something orange (the traditional color of the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau) and anyone can sell items on the street without needing a permit. In Amsterdam, this is one of the largest street festivals in Europe, attracting visitors from all over the world, and is a uniquely Dutch tradition that you can’t pass up. 🔗 more info here

Tips:

1. Many of the restaurants in the city center set up tables in front of their doors and serve a limited menu; if you’re looking to enjoy something sit-down you’ll have to look towards the outskirts of the city

2. A lot of vendors prefer cash-only transactions

3. If you know you’re headed to Amsterdam during King’s Day, bring something orange to be festive!

4. If you don’t wear anything orange, no one will treat you differently :)

5. Wear shoes you don’t care about—the streets get covered in spilled alcohol, food, human pee, etc.

6. Visit the city’s parks to get a taste of a large-scale flea market. We visited Erasmuspark and it was a delight to see everyone from the neighborhood selling secondhand toys and books, homemade bakes, etc.

7. For the best King’s Day atmosphere, stick with the following neighborhoods: Jordaan, De Pijp, and the Medieval Centre (other places don’t have as much party energy and tend to be more sparse)

ZAANDAM

Zaandam emerged as the Netherlands’ industrial center, where hundreds of windmills were constructed along the Zaan River. Today, the area around the Zaandam Station is the most noteworthy—all of the buildings are designed to resemble traditional Zaanse houses in their vibrantly colorful, geometric shapes that make them feel slightly Lego-inspired. 🔗 more info here

Tips:

1. There’s not a lot to see here, so it’s a great idea to stop here on your way to Zaanse Schans

2. Visit early or during off-peak times to get less people

ZAANSE SCHANS

A village a short train ride away from Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans acts as a windmill gallery on the Zaan river, where you can view and explore the authentic windmills at your own pace (sadly, only a few of the 1000 or so windmills have been restored). There’s also a museum and other formally set up demonstrations in and around the area, if you want to make a day out of it.

Tips:

1. We took a bus from Zaandam to Zaanse Schans, but I’d recommend taking the train as it’s a more direct route and easier to board

2. There’s a lot to view here, but we managed to see everything within 2 hours

3. It’s quite a popular area, I would recommend going as early as you can to avoid queues and not have as many crowds

all things gastronomy

final reflections

takeaways

1. Established house boats // there are around 2500 house boats in Amsterdam, and they all look like proper homes. In Copenhagen and London, house boats look more unkept and are seen as a way to avoid the constructs of society. However, in Amsterdam those who own house boats still need to pay taxes, are connected to utilities, and have permanent mooring locations where mailboxes and welcome gates are built.

2. Not as pedestrian-friendly // a lot of the canal streets were narrow and didn’t have large enough sidewalks to accommodate a crowd. Nor did they have walkways on both sides so sometimes you’ll have to walk in the car or bike lane 😅 Furthermore, the main roads are quite wide as they’re built to accommodate tram railways, car lanes, and bike lanes. When you cross you have to be mindful to look for multiple modes of transit!

3. User-friendly public transportation // the trams, buses, and intercity trains all have digital schedules that show when the next train/bus/tram is arriving. The seats and interiors are also very clean and polished. Overall, very intuitive and easy to use without too much hassle! No need for physical, pre-purchased tickets unless you choose to get day passes.

4. Cheese and mustard are an iconic pairing // whether in starters, in pastries, in your borrelhapjes platter, don’t be surprised if your cubes of cheese are served with a side of mustard!

5. Traditional coffee menus // every time I ordered a cappuccino at an artisan coffee house, I noticed they all consistently had limited syrup flavorings and alternative milk options (most only offering oat milk, and on the rare occasion coconut milk). Every drink I had, though, had a perfect espresso-to-milk ratio with the silkiest of microfoams.

6. Pervasive al fresco dining culture // when the work day is over, you’ll see many Amsterdammers sitting on top of their house boats picnicking, chilling on their townhouse front porches with wine glasses, or having an entire foldable table set up on the sidewalk next to a random storefront enjoying a full-on meal and having a jolly time. It’s crazy to me that they don’t mind the gaze of onlooking strangers!

   

lessons learned

The I Amsterdam City Card wasn’t quite worth the money that I had expected, simply because we ended up doing a few day trips out of the city and the card only covers GVB transportation (which is limited to within the city’s boundaries). Amsterdam is also quite walkable, so many days we didn’t even find ourselves needing the GVB transit options, either! But as always, having a city card like this grants a level of freedom to spontaneously pop into a museum or attraction without worrying about ticket purchases.

And this wraps up my 120 hours in the Venice of the North (or…Amsterdam 😝). If you’re planning your trip to this city, let me know if this was helpful! For those who have already been, what else would you recommend?

The London Coffee Festival (LCF) happens mid-spring every year at the Old Truman Brewery in East London. Its inaugural event was held in 2001, where they had 100 exhibitors and over 7,000 attendees.1 25 years later, the 2026 London Coffee Festival gathered 275 artisan coffee and gourmet food brands and 30,000+ coffee enthusiasts, hospitality aficionados, and curious consumers.2 🤯

With those numbers, the London Coffee Festival is easily the largest coffee and artisan food event in the United Kingdom.

Myths & Misconceptions

1. It’s not just about coffee—the “London Coffee Festival” is actually a misnomer, as here you can find everything from prebiotic sodas to matcha, alternative milks to luxury teas, etc.

2. It’s not a conference—while they run interactive workshops, tastings, live demos, and barista competitions, the majority of the showcases are more like a performance you watch versus an educational session where you listen to an expert teach a skill (note: it can be difficult to locate the workshops—they have a custom app but it was finicky)

3. There are few free products—many booths will offer free samples, but rarely will booths be giving out entire products for free.

What To Expect

• All things coffee adjacent—not only can you sample brews, but you can also purchase beans and equipment. You’ll find independent roasters from all over the world, commercial-grade & at-home espresso machines, instant coffee pods & mixes, coffee syrups, etc.

• All things café culture—anything you can think of that you need to run a café, you can probably find a booth here selling it! Think: sustainable packaging, filtered water brands, pastries, reusable cups, coffee-based cocktails, savory snacks, aprons, etc.

• Strong start-up energy—yes, there are a lot of big brands and large-scale distributors with fancy exhibition setups, but there are just as many (if not more) opportunities to learn about local small businesses. Tables I enjoyed chatting with: Haru Matcha, Nuditea

• Some really cool vendor booths—there were a handful of brands that really took their exhibition stalls to the next level, and admiring the thoughtfulness behind their design was one of my favorite parts of the London Coffee Festival. Here are some:

  💥SPECIAL FEATURE ON: THE OATLY NEWS STAND💥

  Here’s why 👇

  • Creatively symbolic—the futuristic conveyor menu features their new products and is completely self-serve (you snag what catches your eye straight off the line). Just a couple of steps away is a retro news stand serving traditional, no-frills espresso drinks, staffed with a barista who’ll pour your flat white the ol’ fashioned way.

  • Effortlessly immersive—the retro news stand is equipped with all of the bells and whistles you’d expect: chaotic bulletin boards, flyers plastered over the walls, a selection of grab-n-go snacks, fresh flowers…there’s even a working security camera displaying footage on a small TV! Everything works together to teleport you to another decade.

  • Undeniably innovative—Oatly has gone out-of-the-box and demonstrated that an exhibition booth can be more than just a table with samples and people talking at you. They’ve created the ultimate consumer experience, letting the set and props do the talking: the Oatly Newspaper had real articles and beverage recipes, the aesthetic postcards could be kept, the key chains on the bulletin board could be taken home—everything was real to the touch, real to the human experience.

Conclusion

From my experience at the London Coffee Festival, it feels perfect for:

1. Business owners who would like to understand the café market better—LCF is a great place to look for new suppliers, seek opportunities for collaboration, and spot emerging trends (check out this piece by Claire Bullen on Five Major Takeaways From the 2026 London Coffee Festival).

2. Coffee/Matcha aficionadas who already have or are interested in having their own at-home setup—LCF makes for the perfect one-stop-shop for you to try many sample brews from local businesses and indie brands in case you want to buy a bag of beans or a canister of tea to take home

As an individual who didn’t fall into either category, the London Coffee Festival was interesting to attend, but it didn’t impact me in the ways I thought it would. I was expecting more 50-50 educational sessions and market stalls, but it was more 20-80 demonstrations and vendors.

All in all, the London Coffee Festival is about so much more than just coffee—the vast breadth of vendors and brands represented is evidence that “coffee culture” has expanded to encompass café culture as a whole: a place to connect over your choice of beverage, with a light bite, in a third space that facilitates conversation.

“Coffee” now loosely means so much more.

However, navigating another culture’s food scene isn’t always a straight forward process. As cosmopolitan areas modernize, a culture’s food scene evolves—it becomes more of a melting pot. When you visit a place, it’s tempting to try all of the viral spots that are reportedly “trending” on social media: the shokupan sandwich spot, the best cinnamon rolls, the dumpling shack, etc.

This guide does just that: it’s an amalgamation of all of the research I did to better understand the Dutch food culture before arriving in Amsterdam. Think of it as part of a starter pack to helping you navigate the Dutch food scene, a “bucket list” of foods that I’d recommend you hit up as a starting point to avoid any sensory overload or decision fatigue.😊

Disclaimer: I’m not a local and I don’t claim to be. I fully welcome those with Dutch heritage, local experts, and aficionados to comment below and add to/share your knowledge! This is just my spark notes of Dutch cuisine, which I’m sure is just the tip of the iceberg.

table of contents

**as a reminder, there’s a built-in navigational panel on the left side of the screen too :)

food food // repetitive word usage to emphasize legit-ness of its qualification as being meal material; defined as anything that contains nutritional value to fuel that hot bod of yours. These are dishes you typically find at sit down & order restaurants, or are cooked at home.

nibbles // defined as anything from a snack, to a packaged treat, to a dessert; anything edible that the responsible adult in you wouldn’t comfortably qualify as meal material but wish could be

bevvies // defined as anything you drink through a straw or sip through those coffee drink lids; anything that semi-quenches thirst

food food

Traditional Dutch cuisine revolves around meat, potatoes, and vegetables. Here are some you’ve got to try that will be offered at most dine-in Dutch restaurants!

broodje

[bro-jeh]1 A filled bread roll that is known as the Dutch sandwich. The varieties are endless—from different breads (mostly commonly a hot dog bun or sandwich bread) to different fillings, you can craft endless options2. When you need a quick, satisfying, and flavorful meal, this is what you order! A couple of traditional broodjes to try:

• broodje maatjes haring—bread roll with pickled herring, pickles, and diced onions

• broodje kroket—bread with a fried croquette

• broodje kaas—bread with a slice of cheese

pictured: broodje maatjes haring & broodje gebakken vis from Rob Wigboldus Vishandel

erwtensoep

[AIR-tin-soup] A stock-based soup made with split peas, with smoked sausage (sliced or diced) added to it. This is traditionally served with a side of rye bread, smoked bacon, and a dollop of mustard. You may also see this on the menu as “snert” which means the soup stock used bones, creating a thicker texture from the gelatin that is released3. This is seasonally a winter dish but is now served all year round (and boy is it hearty and will warm you up!).

pictured: erwtensoep from The Pantry, huisgemaakte snert from De Blauwe Hollander

pannenkoeken

[PAHN-uh-koo-ken] Dutch-style pancakes, which are huge and take up an entire plate. They are thicker, with more bite and less airiness than poffertjes, and are frequently eaten as a sit down meal. The batter is more neutral, and the range of toppings are cooked into the base instead of just placed on top.

fun fact: food historians suggest that the 17th century Dutch may have been the first to make the true modern-day pancake!4

pictured: build-your-own pancakes from The Pancake Bakery

slavinken

[SLA-veen-kin] A main entrée consisting of ground meat (half beef, half pork) wrapped in bacon that is then cooked. The term “slavink” loosely translates to “lettuce finch”, which refers to how the meat roll resembles the shape of a small bird5. Traditionally, this is enjoyed with boiled potatoes and gravy, and a side of vegetables.

pictured: Slavinken from De Blauwe Hollander

stamppot

[stem-pot] This directly translates to “mashed potato dish”, and is a category of main entrée that consists of potatoes mashed with another vegetable. Normally served with a choice of meatball/Dutch sausage/bacon and gravy. The common varieties:

• andijviestamppot—mashed potatoes and endive

• boerenkoolstamppot—mashed potatoes and kale

• hutspot—mashed potatoes, carrots, and onions

• zuurkoolstamppot—mashed potatoes and sauerkraut

fun fact: stamppot dates back to the Middle Ages and became more popular in the 19th and 20th centuries when potatoes and vegetables were increasingly more available.6

pictured: combinatie van hutspot-, boerenkool- & zuurkoolstamppot from The Pantry

pictured: hutspot stamppot from Restaurant Heemelrijck

suddervlees

[sooder-flays] Also known as “hachee”, this is a staple Dutch household dish. The beef is braised in caramelized onion, butter, and red wine until it’s fork-tender and completely falls apart, and is traditionally served with mashed potatoes, apple sauce, and boiled red cabbage. Extremely comforting, and not too dissimilar to German Sauerbraten.7

pictured: suddervlees from Restaurant Heemelrijck (instead of red cabbage, they had root veggies)

vis

[vfiss] (Translates to “fish”) A key part of Dutch cuisine is enjoying its wide selection of smoked, salted, and pickled fish (I’m using “vis” as an umbrella here). You can order these as cold starters in sit-down restaurants or from fishmongers along the canal streets. Common types:

• gerookte paling—smoked eel

• gepekelde makreel—pickled mackerel

• gerookte zalm—smoked salmon

• haring—raw, salt-cured herring. You may see places advertise the “Hollandse Nieuwe” type herring, which indicates the herring has at least 16% fat and is cleaned the right way.

fun fact: the Dutch began to smoke and salt fish in the Middle Ages, and evolved to using vinegar in the 14th century. The brine leans on the sweeter end, pairing nicely with raw onions and gherkins. These can be eaten on their own or paired with bread in the form of “broodje”!8

pictured: vis kwartet from The Pantry

nibbles

appeltaart

[uppel-tart] The Dutch word for “apple pie” and is typically served with whipped cream (“met slagroom”). I have an entire article dedicated to the history of the appeltaart, where to order it in Amsterdam, etc. Check it out here:

borrelhapjes

[burrol-halpiece] Dutch for “snacks for drinks”, this is the umbrella category for bar snacks, which can all be described as crunchy fried finger foods! Oftentimes you’ll see this on menus where you can order individual types in bulk, or a mix-and-match in a sampler platter.

pictured: mixed borrelhapjes sampler plates from Proeflokaal ‘T Blauwe Theehuis and Bar Lempicka

Here are the most common snacks explained:

bitterballen

[bitter-balleh] A round, deep-fried ball of thick roux with meat (beef/chicken). There are vegetarian and vegan varieties that use cheese/mushrooms/etc. This is typically served with mustard, and are named after the herb-flavored, alcoholic drinks (“bitters”) that they used to be served with.9

pictured: bitterballen from Bar Lempicka

frikandelletjes

[free-con-delleh-chiss] Small skinless sausages that are paired with curry sauce. The constitution is a bit of a combination of everything…pork, chicken, beef, with chicken making up the highest proportion.10 Sometimes you’ll see “frikandel” (the sausage in a hotdog length) or “frikandelbroodje” (the sausage served in a bun) on menus, too. (pictured in mixed platter from Proeflokaal ‘T Blauwe Theehuis above)

garnalenkroketjes

[gker-NA-len-gro-ge-jiss] Shrimp croquettes that have a crispy exterior resembling bitterballen and an interior texture of a thick roux with minced shrimp mixed in.

pictured: garnalenkroketjes from Café Marcella

gehaktballetjes

[gker-hackt-balle-jiss] Mini Dutch meatballs made from lean ground beef, onions, spices, and eggs. They’re typically a little more dry in texture, but it depends on the restaurant. Also known as: “gehaktballen” (normal-sized meatballs), and are typically served with mustard or marinara sauce.

pictured: gehaktballetjes from Café Marcella

kaastengels

[KAA-ss-ten-alls] cheese sticks wrapped in a thin flour wrap and deep fried until crispy. The variations I’ve had seemed to use a thin flour wrapper that is similar to what’s used for spring rolls, giving a very satisfying crunchy texture. Also seen as: “kaaskroketten” (or cheese croquettes). Typically served with sweet chilli sauce! (pictured in mixed platters above)

loempias

[LOOM-pias] a type of cylindrical spring roll with Indonesian roots; typically filled with veggies, meat, and served with sweet chilli sauce. (pictured in mixed platters above)

Old Amsterdam

An aged Gouda cheese made from pasteurised cow’s milk, a classic of South Holland with a medium nuttiness and a hard texture.11 It’s typical to see this cubed and paired with mustard!

pictured: Old Amsterdam met mosterd from Café Marcella

vlammetjes

[FLA-ma-chiss] These are flat, spring-roll-looking finger foods that are filled with a spicy ground beef mixture. The exterior is crispy-crunchy (depending on the wrapper’s constitution), contrasting nicely with the rich and juicy interior. These are served with sweet chilli sauce, but are so flavorful you probably don’t need it!

friets

[freets] You’d be surprised that fries have a huge presence in Dutch street food. Dutch friets take after their Belgian-Flemish cousins of being twice-cut and double fried, with the main difference that they use plant oil for frying (over beef tallow); typically smothered in sauces that range from classic mayonnaise and ketchup to gourmet concoctions of parmesan and truffle. Stalls that sell friets are known as “friethuys” (singular) or “friethuizen” (plural).12

pictured: (counter clockwise) parmezaan truffelfriets from Fabel Friet, Café Marcella, Bar Lempicka

kaas

[KAA-ss] Directly meaning “cheese”, kaas plays a significant role in the Dutch culinary landscape. You’ll see it offered during all meals of the day, in between bread as a cheese sandwich, as a bar snack, in a museum where you can sample loads of different cheeses…here are the four major Dutch cheeses you should know:

• Edam—slightly sweet and mild in flavor

• Gouda—richer in flavor, can be more nutty when more aged. There are various types, but a well-known version is Old Amsterdam

• Leiden/Leyden—mild with a spiced flavor from cumin

• Kassla—this is a soft cheese with a sharp bite

fun fact: cheesemaking began in the Middle Ages, first emerging in Haarlem (1266), Leiden (1303), then Oudewater (1326) and Alkmaar (1365). The longer-lasting Dutch cheeses were the first to become internationally known, hence why Edam and Gouda are more recognizable names!13

kibbeling

[kib-eh-ling] A popular street food of battered and fried, bite-sized cod chunks sold at a haringhandel. When eaten fresh, this is undeniably heavenly and honestly, better than fish and chip shops in Britain…the ratio of batter to fish is perfection! The batter is also slightly seasoned with cayenne, ground mustard, and paprika to give a subtle kick and smokiness. While these fish bites are flavorful on their own, I still recommend ordering them with tartar sauce for a well-rounded flavor profile.

fun fact: in the 18th and 19th centuries, fishmongers were left with cod cheek (kabeljauwwang) at the end of a market day. However, instead of treating these as scraps, they began frying the cod leftovers and selling it as street food—and that was how the kibbeling was born!14

pictured: kibbeling from Frens Haringhandel

poffertjes

[paul-fre-chiz] Frequently seen as the '“mini” version of pannenkoeken…but really there is quite a bit of difference between the two! Poffertjes require a special cast iron pan with round moulds (that look similar to an escargot pan), and the batter uses a mixture of buckwheat flour and wheat flour. When cooked, they have a soft, airy, light, and almost mochi-like chewiness15. These are easily enjoyed on-the-go as a snack!

fun fact: small buckwheat pancakes were first made and shared in French monasteries, then the recipe traveled to the Netherlands in the 18th century16

pictured: half & half poffertjes from Pat’s Poffertjes

stroopwafels

[strop-wah-fel] A compound Dutch word that translates to “syrup-waffle”, this treat is comprised of ooey gooey caramel slathered between two thin golden wafers. The wafer dough is a stiff mixture of flour, eggs, brown sugar, butter, milk, and yeast, and when pressed tightly in a hot waffle iron, yields a crispy toasty biscuit. It’s traditionally served on top of a cup of tea or coffee so that the steam slightly melts the caramel inside.17

fun fact: the stroopwafel was born in 1810 at a bakery in Gouda, Netherlands, as a way to reduce the odd bits of leftover biscuit dough. Because of its affordable ingredients, the cookie was nicknamed armenkoek, or “poor people’s cookie”. It wasn’t until the second half of the 19th century where the recipe was refined into its own thing and evolved into an icon of Dutch culture.18

pictured: chocolate stroopwafel from Rudi’s Original Stroopwafel

tompouce cake

[Tom-poose] A staple pastry traditionally enjoyed on special occasions, the Tompouce cake is a cousin of the French mille-feuille and the American Napoleon pastry. Its distinguishing characteristics are its layer of icing on top and its creamy custard filling (versus Napoleon pastries that use whipped cream and mille-feuille which uses pastry cream) between layers of flattened puff pastry.

fun fact: this cake was named after the French general Tom Pouce, who was known for his stout height.19

pictured: tompouce cake from Banketbakkerij Arnold Cornelis on King’s Day

wentelteefje

[ventil-tay-vyeh] The Dutch version of French toast, “wentel” means to turn/dip/roll (like when you coat a slice of bread) and “teefje” means a soft and sweet baked good (like that of French toast). Unlike American French toast—which is typically soft and eggy—wentelteefje has a stiff exterior shell that is crispy and coated in cinnamon sugar and a drier interior that has a substantial bite. This was traditionally served for breakfast, but has migrated to an after-meal dessert item.20

pictured: wentelteefje from Restaurant Heemelrijck

vlaflip

[fla-flip] A staple sweet treat in the Netherlands since the mid-20th century, vlaflip is a multi-layered dessert comprised of vla (a Dutch-style custard pudding), yogurt, and fruit syrup. Its flavors tastefully balance sweet and tangy, creamy, and refreshing, making it the perfect finale to a meal.

pictured: vlaflip from De Blauwe Hollander

bevvies

The Dutch drinking culture can be observed through borrel—a term meaning “drink” (specifically, a glass of spirits), but also encompasses the social activity of gathering for drinks, conversation, and fun. It’s informal and an activity for any occasion.

bier

[beer] The Dutch word for “beer”. While the Dutch don’t drink as much per capita as the Czech or Germans, beer is still well-loved and enjoyed on many occasions. A couple of notable local brands that you should keep an eye out for: Heineken, Amstel, Grolsch, Oranjeboom, Dommelsch, Bavaria

• seasonals: witbier (cloudy wheat beer typically enjoyed in the summer with a slice of lemon), bokbier (a dark, sweet beer that debuts in the autumn)

• craft beer & microbreweries: Brouwerij ‘t IJ, Brouwerij de Prael, Brouwerij Troost

pictured: vrijwit witbier by Brouwerij ‘T IJ ordered at Café Marcella

kopstoot

[cop-stoat] A drink order that literally translates into “head butt” in English. This is the traditional way of enjoying jenever, where 45ml oude jenever is served in a small, tulip-shaped glass and is paired with 1/2 pint of bier.21 It is recommended to alternate sips between each to best enjoy the cocktail.

pictured: kopstootje from Restaurant Heemelrijck

jenever

[ye-NAY-ver] A quintessential Dutch spirit often referred to as “Holland gin” made from juniper berries and enjoyed chilled. This is frequently paired beer in a kopstoot, but can also be ordered on its own or in other cocktails. Types you should know about:

• oude—old jenever, distilled the original way. Jenever must contain between 15%-50% malt spirit and no more than 20 grams of sugar per liter to be qualified as “oude”.

• jonge—new jenever is less smooth and sweet than oude jenever, resembling something closer to vodka and dry gin. Jonge jenever contains no more than 15% malt wine and no more than 10 grams of sugar per liter.22

If you’re headed to the Netherlands soon, I hope this helps you choose some Dutch specialties to try. Let me know if you’re reading this as someone new or acquainted with Dutch cuisine, and how you enjoyed this menu resource in the comments below 💕

If you liked this, you may also enjoy…

For other Amsterdam-related posts, check out the below:

This is part of a larger series recapping my trip to Amsterdam, find the other related posts here:

All things appeltaart. This is where I compare all of the Dutch-style apple pies I tried on the trip!

For detailed explanations of each Dutch food item you see in this post!

In this edition, I delve into the places we dined at, share what we ordered through detailed infographics, and elaborate on the experience we had of each establishment. Here begins my Dutch restaurant listography ✨

table of contents

food food // defined as anything that contains nutritional value to fuel that hot bod of yours. These are dishes you typically find at sit down & order restaurants, or are cooked at home.

nibbles // defined as anything from a snack, to a packaged treat, to a dessert; anything edible that the responsible adult in you wouldn’t comfortably qualify as meal material but wish could be

bevvies // defined as anything you drink through a straw or sip through those coffee drink lids; anything that semi-quenches thirst

glossary // explanation of the culinary scene, terms you’ll encounter, etc.; a lay of the land, if you will, to set the stage

food food

BAR LEMPICKA

A Dutch café inspired by the Polish art-deco artist Tamara de Lempicka—the “star of the Interbellum”—you can see her influence in their ceiling-high mosaic artwork. There’s a global air in Bar Lempicka: from the Mediterranean menu to the signage and down to the dining room’s furnishings. We stumbled here for a sit-in dinner on King’s Day, and while the menu was on the pricier end, the food met the mark! 🔗 more info here

address: Sarphatistraat 23, 1018 EV Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Oosterpark & East Amstel)

what we ordered:

• food food: 16-piece Amstel garnituur (platter of: bitterballen, veggie mini loempia’s, tempura garnalen, kaastengals), 10-piece hot wings, trufflefriet

• bevvies: aperol spritz, Beefeater London Dry

BAR MAEVE

A Dutch café that oozes a modern and hip energy where you get the sense that this is where the local young adults probably hang out. The extensive cocktail selection, libations list, and food menu of flavorful favorites from all over the world make it a great place for aperitivo hour! We found it perfect for grabbing drinks after dinner. 🔗 more info here

address: Eerste van der Helststraat 50, 1072 NV Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: De Pijp)

what we ordered: rose vermouth willem on ice, espresso martini

CAFÉ MARCELLA

A cornerstone of Amstelveld since the late 1800s, this bruin café has been renovated into a boldly modern, yet still warm and inviting, café and bar. The earth-toned terrazzo making up the counter; the warm, neon yellow light outlining the ceiling; and the patinaed mirrors hanging on the walls all succeed in preserving the history of hospitality etched into the fabric of the 39-square-meter space1. We had the best time grabbing dinner and drinks here—they have many Dutch classics, executed with elegance at a very reasonable price point. 🔗 more info here

address: Amstelveld 21, 1017 JD Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Southern Canal Ring)

what we ordered:

• food food: gehaktballetjes, Old Amsterdam, garnalenkroketjes, parmezaan truffelfriet

• bevvies: Vrijwit 0.5%, espresso martini

CAFÉ ‘T PAPENEILAND

Originally built in 1642, the interior of this bruin café hasn’t changed much even after its renovation in 1956: a clear sign of its historic value to the neighborhood. This well-frequented and well-loved kroeg even attracted Bill Clinton, whose visit in 2011 popularized Papeneiland’s appeltaart (met slagroom). This bruin café warrants your visit—if not for its traditional Dutch decor and antique façade—then definitely to enjoy a slice of their homemade apple pie (and other classic Dutch light bites). 🔗 more info here

address: Prinsengracht 2, 1015 DV Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Jordaan & The West)

what we ordered:

• nibbles: appeltaart met slagroom

• bevvies: cappuccino, jenever van Wees 5 years

CAFÉ SOLEIL

An eetcafé where Dutch snacks meet Spanish tapas. With most main courses coming fresh off the grill! The interior ambiance felt more formal, which contrasts starkly with their spacious terrace out front where you can commune around picnic tables. We wandered here on our way from NDSM to the Buiksloterweg (shuttle ferry that takes you from Noord to Medieval Centre/Nieuwe Zijde). 🔗 more info here

address: Papaverhoek 31, 1032 JZ Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Noord)

what we ordered: calamari, gehaktballen, kaaskroketten

DE BLAUWE HOLLANDER

Known for its authentic Dutch menu, De Blauwe Hollander has been a key part of Amsterdam since 1979. The name directly translates to “The Blue Dutchman,” representing the blue uniforms of the Dutch marines who served in Indonesia and Suriname. Amongst the traditional Dutch restaurants we dined at, the prices here felt a tad more expensive than the others, but it’s still a great option if you want to experience Dutch household dishes and if you can’t snag a reservation at another restaurant. 🔗 more info here

address: Leidsekruisstraat 28, 1017 RJ Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Southern Canal Ring)

what we ordered: slavinken, huisgemaakte snert, vlaflip

FRENS HARINGHANDEL

Frens Haringhandel is a family-run business started by Chris Frens in 1972. Inspired by his family’s longtime experience in the herring industry, Chris wanted to provide the freshest herring in Amsterdam—winning “the best herring in the Netherlands” in 1996. Haringhandels are very classically Dutch establishments—I spotted a handful located on dwarsstraats (the streets connecting two canals) all over central Amsterdam. This one caught my eye for their freshly battered and fried kibbeling! 🔗 more info here

address: Singel 470, 1017 BB Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Southern Canal Ring)

what we ordered: kibbeling (with tartar sauce!)

KOFFIEHUIS DE HOEK

Koffiehuis de Hoek has been a family affair since 1987, run by Harry and Laura before handing it off to their daughters Ruby and Iris. It’s a classic Amsterdam koffiehuis (coffee house/shop) with hearty Dutch breakfast and lunch options, as well as delightful homemade appeltaart. If you visit, you’ll fall in love with extremely quaint interior—there’s a “money wall” where customers from all over the world have contributed paper bills since 1987! 🔗 more info here

address: Prinsengracht 341, 1016 HK Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Jordaan & The West)

what we ordered:

• nibbles: appeltaart mit slagroom

• bevvies: flat white, warme chocolademelk slagroom

NNEA PIZZA

Co-founded in 2019 by Vincenzo Onnembo and Limau Chen, nNea Pizza is a well-accoladed pizzeria nationally and globally: 50 Top Pizza voted nNea Pizza #1 in The Netherlands, #7 in Europe, and #47 in the world in 2025. “nNea” stands for “new Neapolis”, reflecting the brand’s mission to blend traditional Neapolitan pizza with modern culinary innovation. We were recommended this restaurant by our favorite Neapolitan pizzeria in Charlotte, North Carolina—Pizzeria DiCicco—and it was fabulous. 🔗 more info here

address: Bilderdijkstraat 92, 1053 KX Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Jordaan & The West)

what we ordered:

• food food: frittatina di pasta e patate, a fuoco lento, carciofi e mortazza

• bevvies: Blanche lager (KBirr), Like a Mojito

PROEFLOKAAL ’T BLAUWE THEEHUIS

Historically a teahouse (“‘T Blauwe Theehuis” directly translates into “The Blue Teahouse”), Brouwerij ‘t IJ, a local brewery known for its organic craft beers, chose Blauwe Theehuis as their second proeflokaal (or “tasting room”). The unique flying saucer shape was designed in 1937, reflecting the Nieuwe Bouwen style, and the café’s industrial finish starkly contrasts with the lush greenery of the park around it. The surrounding terrace is large enough to fit up to 700 guests, ranking as one of Europe’s largest outdoor dining spaces! Recommended by one of our friends as a must-visit, this was where we grabbed lunch right after landing; the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, the perfect venue for a summer day. 🔗 more info here

address: Vondelpark 5, 1071 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Vondelpark & The South)

what we ordered: mixed snack plate, spicy chicken pita, smokey rib eye toast

RESTAURANT HEEMELRIJCK

Having been both a sandwich shop and Dutch-French bistro in its past life, founder Nars reopened the building in 2023 as Restaurant Heemelrijck—keeping the establishment with the same family of restauranteurs for three generations. Restaurant Heemelrijck serves a menu of traditional Dutch cuisine, its name Dutch for “Heavenly Realm” or “Heavenly Kingdom”, harkening to the delicious food and convivial ambiance you’ll experience when you dine there. 🔗 more info here

address: Van Woustraat 23, 1074 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: De Pijp)

what we ordered:

• food food: hutspot stamppot, Opa Narco’s suddervlees

• nibbles: prijswinnend wentelteefje met stroopwafelijs & crumble

• bevvies: kopstootje, fluitje ijwit

ROB WIGBOLDUS VISHANDEL

An unassuming seafood stand in the center of Amsterdam, what Rob Wigboldus Vishandel lacks in interior aesthetic it makes up for in preserving a piece of Dutch culinary tradition. Come here for the authentic Dutch herring on broodje, but I’d recommend passing on the fried fish—they reheat it in the microwave so the breading is soggy and not at all crisp. p.s., they’re cash only!

address: Zoutsteeg 6, 1012 LX Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Medieval Centre & Red Light District)

what we ordered: broodje maatjes haring, broodje gebakken vis (heek fij)

THE PANCAKE BAKERY

Founded in 1973 by Bastiaan Schaafsma, The Pancake Bakery is located in the former Dutch East India Company warehouse, its cozy dining space set just below ground level. The menu uses a 40-year-old house recipe, creating the perfect base for a wide variety of sweet and savory toppings. We visited The Pancake Bakery on King’s Day, so while they weren’t offering a dine-in option, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the behind-the-scenes of the pancakes getting made from their makeshift food stall. 🔗 more info here

address: Prinsengracht 191, 1015 DS Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Medieval Centre & Red Light District)

what we ordered: chorizo + pineapple, cheese + onion + bacon/speck

THE PANTRY

Run by a family of Amsterdammers, The Pantry opened their doors in 2000. The menu strictly serves fresh, homemade Dutch cuisine using traditional recipes, and the interior is intimate and cozy. We dined here for lunch, and while they offer multiple set menus, we ordered a la carte and thoroughly enjoyed our selection. 🔗 more info here

address: Leidsekruisstraat 21, 1017 RE Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Southern Canal Ring)

what we ordered:

• food food: vis kwartet; erwtensoep; combinatie van hutspot-, boerenkool-, & zuurkool-stamppot

• nibbles: appeltaart met slagroom

STACH

Founded by Stach Schaberg in 2011, STACH started as a delicatessen and since has evolved into an artisan koffiehuis and food shop focused on organic and locally sourced products. Since 2019, it has fully embraced its identity as an iconic Amsterdam chain (40+ locations) with plans to expand outside the country. We didn’t have a chance to visit an actual storefront in the city because, I’ll admit…I was skeptical. But when I saw their menu in the airport, I couldn’t compute how they were offering such quality sandwiches at such affordable prices (by airport standards). I am now a convert! 🔗 more info here

location: in the airport—Evert van de Beekstraat 202, 1118 CP Schiphol, Netherlands

what we ordered: the lemon chicken on multigrain bread, the meatball truffle mayo parm on white

WINKEL 43

A café located in a building that still features Amsterdam’s traditional architectural style, everyone knows Winkel 43 for their appeltaart—praised as “the best of Amsterdam”. Since opening their doors in 1983, Winkel 43 still remains a go-to destination for classic Dutch snacks and meals—of the casual, informal variety—all day long. We didn’t get a chance to try the rest of their menu (we visited on King’s Day), but their appeltaart was a banger! 🔗 more info here

address: Noordermarkt 43, 1015 NA Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Jordaan & The West)

what we ordered: appeltart met slagroom

nibbles

BREAKFAST

BAKKERIJ WOLF

Founded by Paula Fles and Stephan de Haas in the summer of 2021, their first location was a combined kitchen and bakery with a large wood-fired oven2. Now, they have a multiple bakery locations peppered throughout Amsterdam—a “pack of wolves” if you will! 😎 This was high on my list to visit for their highly praised lamination3 and quality ingredient sourcing (they use Wildfarmed flour, a UK-based, regenerative farming brand). 🔗 more info here

address: Utrechtsestraat 79a, 1017 VJ Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Southern Canal Ring)

what we ordered: cheese croissant, croissant cinnamon bun, sausage mustard parm danish

BAKKERIJ LOUF

Bakkerij Louf opened its first location in 2022, and since has built a space for themselves in multiple neighborhoods across Amsterdam. One of the co-founders, Fien, proudly shares that the breads are rooted in traditional sourdough methods: employing low-intervention and long fermentation techniques, and use a high-hydration recipe that incorporates various organic French grains and Dutch spelt and rye4. 🔗 more info here

address: Nicolaas Berchemstraat 4, 1073 VR Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: De Pijp)

what we ordered:

• nibbles: ham & cheese pain suisse, omelette danish, apple danish, hazelnut pain au chocolat

• bevvies: cappuccino (with cow’s milk)

BUNBUN

Proudly the smallest bakery in the Netherlands since their opening date in August 2024, BunBun is an artisan bakehouse specializing in buns made with laminated pastry dough. Co-founders Wouter Teunissen and Toon Verplancke keep their operation compact by focusing on one dough and one technique, relying on a variety of sweet and savory fillings to appeal to a wider audience. 🔗 more info here

address: Prinsengracht 16, 1015 DV Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Jordaan & The West)

what we ordered: bacon cheese roll, classic cinnamon roll

FORT NEGEN

Opened in 2021, Fort Negen is widely known for leading the sourdough bread culture in Amsterdam. Head baker and founder Maarten has a deep experience with the entire lifecycle of bread: from growing the grain, to milling the harvest, to the fermentation and baking of the final loaf. It’s no surprise that their loaves are phenomenal, but they also sell innovative pastries and have a sandwich bar next door! 🔗 more info here

address: Jan Evertsenstraat 31, 1057 BM Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Jordaan & The West)

what we ordered: koningsdag oranje tompouce cruffin, chocolade amandel croissant, croissant, melanzane à la parmigiani kaascroissant

OLAFBROOD

Catering chef and pâtissier5 Lex Olaf Bouw founded Olafbrood in June 2024, after his love for sourdough baking outgrew his home kitchen and needed a formal space to bake at a larger scale. Now, you can find Olafbrood right in the middle of the hubbub of Dapperstraat’s market, donned with beautiful blue accents and earthy decor elements. They also make for a great excuse to venture to Oost! 🔗 IG: olafbrood

address: Dapperstraat 42, 1093 BW Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Oosterpark & East of the Amstel)

what we ordered:

• nibbles: cheese + mustard pain suisse, chocolate pain suisse, butter croissant, almond croissant

• bevvies: cappuccino

SCANDINAVIAN EMBASSY

An Amsterdam koffiehuis dedicated to Scandinavian specialty coffee, founder Nicolás Castagno opened Scandinavian Embassy in October of 2013 with the sole purpose of introducing the best small-batch roasters from Denmark, Sweden, and Norway to the city of Amsterdam. Since 2022, they’ve expanded to add a bakery component, so now you can also order pastries, baked goods, and light breakfast items with your well-brewed cup of coffee! ✨ We fueled up here before our half-day at Keukenhof ✨ 🔗 more info here

address: Sarphatipark 34, 1072 PB Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: De Pijp)

what we ordered:

• nibbles: almond cake, oat bar with rhubarb & strawberry jam, cardamom bun, rye bread + jam + espresso butter + cheese (Jong belegen)

• bevvies: cappuccino

SNACK

FABEL FRIET

You’ll find many friet shacks in the city of Amsterdam, but not all of them are like Fabel Friet! Co-founded by Floris Feilzer and Abel Klatser in 2019, the two friends had the goal of bringing fantastic fries to the neighborhood6. Fabel Friet cuts their fries fresh, using specially developed Agria potatoes grown in Dutch soil. The process they follow is so intentional: they pre-fry at a low temperature (essentially boiling the fry), cool it to 5°C, then finish frying it in 100% vegetable oil till golden, perfectly crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside. Out of all of the truffle mayo friets I had in the trip, this one takes the cake for the best quality at the best price💥🔗 more info here

address: Damrak 58, 1012 LL Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Medieval Centre & Red Light District)—they have multiple locations, but I’d recommend this one! There’s a shorter queue and plenty of outdoor benches to sit and enjoy your friets.

what we ordered: Friet, parmezaan & truffelmayo

DE KOFFIE SCHENJERIJ

De Koffie Schenjerij is the latest occupant in Amsterdam’s oldest building: De Oude Kerk (“The Old Church”). De Oude Kerk was established around 1306 and operated as a sacristy since 15177. In 2013, co-founders Job and Anne8 transformed the space into a Dutch-style koffiehuis in collaboration with “de Stichting Oude Kerk” (the Old Church Foundation), furnishing the space with the type of vintage coziness that highlights the sacristy’s historical charm rather than hides it. This is an absolute gem in the Red Light District, highly recommend you stop by for an afternoon pick-me-up! 🔗 more info here

address: Oudekerksplein 27, 1012 GX Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Medieval Centre & Red Light District)

what we ordered:

• nibbles: Dutch apple pie + whipped cream

• bevvies: quince pear lemonade, cappuccino

DESSERT

BANKETBAKKERIJ ARNOLD CORNELIS

A well-known Amsterdam confectionery that opened its first store in 1902, this is the perfect place to swing by and try classically Dutch cakes and pastries. They’re most famous for their “yoga cake” (that’s made with a secret house recipe), but we passed by on King’s Day to snag a festively orange tompouce cake. 🔗 more info here

address: Elandsgracht 78, 1016 SR Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Jordaan & The West)

what we ordered: tompouce cake

MASSIMO GELATO

Founded by Massimo Bertonasco in 2017, Massimo Gelato was a way for Bertonasco to bring the gelato he learned to make with his grandmother to the city of Amsterdam. The flavors are pure and the ingredients are well-sourced, with great care taken to store the gelato in the traditional pozzetti canisters before serving. There’s rarely a time at this authentic Italian gelateria where there’s not a queue, but they are so worth the wait! 🔗 more info here

address: Van Ostadestraat 147 H, 1072 SW Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: De Pijp)

what we ordered: pistachio gelato + dark chocolate sorbet, dark chocolate sorbet + ricotta & fig; tiramisu, hazelnut, dark chocolate

MIUZ GELATO

Muiz Gelato is an artisanal gelateria co-founded by Carlo and Sinem Petroni in 2022. Carlo grew up in Torino, Italy, with a culture where consuming gelato was essential to the daily routine. At Miuz, not only are they open all year round, but they aim to elevate this traditional Italian cold treat by using modern techniques paired with seasonally sourced ingredients. They can have quite the queue during peak hours, so plan accordingly! 🔗 more info here

address: Ferdinand Bolstraat 4, 1072 LJ Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: De Pijp)

what we ordered: hazelnut, pistachio, tiramisu, 72% dark chocolate

PAT’S POFFERTJES

Founded by Patrick and his two sons in 1991, Pat’s Poffertjes has remained a family endeavor for over 30 years and counting. Like Dutch-style friets, there are many shops selling poffertjes, but none have the same regal and sophisticated air. The interior has a classy and old-fashioned diner feel, and the servers are dressed to the nines in their elegant uniforms. All of the poffertjes are prepared fresh to order, and it’s so fun to watch the process! 🔗 more info here

address: Nieuwendijk 32, 1012 ML Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Medieval Centre & Red Light District)—multiple locations, but this one has such cute outdoor seating in a quiet alley!

what we ordered: half & half: classic powdered sugar & butter, pistachio

RUDI’S ORIGINAL STROOPWAFEL

The story of Rudi’s Stroopwafel began in 1978, when Ruud, whom was originally working for a Swiss watch company, decided he wanted to bring the real and original freshly-baked Gouda-style stroopwafel to his hometown of Amsterdam. Ruud then got to work: obtaining a tried-and-true secret stroopwafel recipe from tenured Gouda waffle maker Nico, and further refining it over the years at his own stall at the Albert Cuyp market. Now, known for “the tastiest stroopwafel” in the Netherlands, Rudi’s Original Stroopwafel remains a family affair and sports one of the longest food queues you’ll see in Amsterdam. 🔗 more info here

address: Albert Cuyp Straat, t/o 182, 1073 BK Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: De Pijp)

what we ordered: chocolate stroopwafel (because chocolate lovers just can’t say no to a schmear of chocolate, but you also get half that’s plain so you’re really not missing out!)

bevvies

ALBERT HEIJN

The largest food retailer in the Netherlands, this supermarket chain grew from a small, family-owned grocery store in 1887 to being the first publicly owned supermarket in Rotterdam in 1955. This will also be the main grocery store you see in Amsterdam, a great place to pick up snacks, toiletries, water, etc.! But the reason why I’m including it here is they have a pour-your-own freshly squeezed orange juice station that I was absolutely in love with. 🔗more info here

what we ordered: bottled water, freshly squeezed orange juice

SCREAMING BEANS

Screaming Beans is a local-to-Amsterdam micro-roastery dedicated to the art of coffee roasting, promoting the craft of “slow coffee” (i.e., V60, Aeropress, French Press, etc.), and cultivating a design-forward atmosphere. Its first location opened in 2010, by baristas Charlotte Bubeck and Dick van den Heuvel, before bringing Perre van den Brink on board as creative director. Their location on Utrechtsestraat is filled with natural light and decorated with a beautiful mural from Dutch tattoo artist Willemijn Kuipers, and you can buy bags of their 100% organic specialty coffee on-site or online. 🔗 IG: screamingbeans

address: Utrechtsestraat 75, 1017 VJ Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Southern Canal Ring)

what we ordered: cappuccino, hot chocolate

WHITE LABEL COFFEE

An Amsterdam-based specialty coffee roastery co-founded by Francesca Grassotti and Elmer Ommkens, White Label Coffee opened its first shop in March 2014 with their name symbolizing their commitment to mutual support and knowledge sharing. With their collective backgrounds in physics and forensic psychology, the co-founding duo brings a distinctive, analytical spirit to the world of artisan coffee: promoting the “Omni-Roast” philosophy, where the focus is roasting each bean variety in a way to maximize its unique flavor profile (versus being boxed into the traditional labels of “filter”, “espresso”, etc.)9. White Label Coffee’s location on Jan Evertsenstraat will take your breath away with its unconventional, multi-level interior. And, it’s totally laptop-friendly! 🔗more info here

address: Jan Evertsenstraat 136, 1056 EK Amsterdam, Netherlands (district: Jordaan & The West)

what we ordered: cappuccino, flat white

monikers you should know

eetcafés, bruincafés, koffiehuizen, oh my!

Here’s a breakdown of a few of the different types of eateries you’ll find people using to describe food establishments (caveat: these are not hard and fast categories):

bakkerij—Dutch for “bakery”, these focus more on bread, laminated pastries, and baked goods like cookies/bars/etc. For cake slices, entremets, etc. look for “patisseries”!

brouwerij—Dutch for “brewery”, these typically have a plethora of seats, serve local beers on tap, and provide a light menu of snacks and handhelds.

bruin café—translates to “brown café” (due to the nicotine stains that accumulated over the centuries); these are the city’s traditional drinking establishments with a light menu of snacks and desserts. Many of these still sport their original decor from decades past and are a treasure trove of Dutch aesthetics: delft tiles, iron fireplaces, old frames, worn wood.

café—also known as a “kroeg”. The Dutch’s version of the Brit’s modern day pub: there’s a comprehensive libations list, an equally as thorough food menu, and outdoor seating easily adjusted for all seasons. You can always count on a café to have a little more than just snacks—it can range from easy handhelds like sandwiches to fork-and-knife entrees.

coffeeshop—in the Dutch vernacular, this is a marijuana-smoking cafe focused on selling cannabis and hash, sometimes coffee, but never alcohol.

eetcafé—eatery serving affordable meals with a pub-like atmosphere

koffiehuis—the Dutch espresso bar. This shares the same definition as the English term “coffee shop”, a lively place to grab a cup, a baked good, and chat with friends. Many of the coffee shops have very traditional menus: think 6 oz cappuccinos, little-to-no syrup options, and only oat milk as the non-dairy substitute option.

& that’s a wrap!

I hope this Where To Eat Guide from my trip to Amsterdam is a helpful resource for your trip planning ♥️ let me know what else you’d add to this list in the comments below, and please share your recommendations for my next visit!

more articles on Amsterdam…

That's what food does: it makes an imprint in your memory that never quite goes away. It’s a snapshot of joy that will always be with you, and there’s something special about watching someone’s face light up when they talk about what that is for them—the best pizza, a life changing gelato, an unbelievable cup of cha—that completely shifted paradigms.

So I invited Amber Parlow—the creator behind The People’s Passport, a collective of travel guides written by locals and other places Amber has personally found noteworthy—to share her top 10 favorite bakeries (and what to order at each) that have made an imprint on her from all of her travels.

Without further ado, keep reading to hear from Amber ❤️

We can all agree that when we travel, meals become memories. Certain places stay with us well beyond the trip, and become the first place we head to when we touch down again. I’ve been extremely fortunate to travel to some beautiful places, and also particularly fortunate to enjoy some extraordinary baked goods. When I found Catherine’s page on Substack, I started reminiscing on my favorite pastries around the world. Here’s every bakery I would book a flight for…

1. MAISON NICO

LOCATION: San Francisco, California
MUST ORDER: Chestnut Croissant + Pain au Chocolat

When I lived in SF, I waited year-round for this seasonal chestnut croissant. I would regularly DM them or walk into the bakery to see when it would be coming back. Freshly postpartum, I once legitimately cried because they were out of stock one day (and my lovely husband picked me up a box the next day). Perfectly flakey, with a subtle sweetness, this is my first stop whenever I’m back in the Bay Area.

2. BISCOTTIFICIO ARTIGIANO INNOCENTI

LOCATION: Rome, Italy
MUST ORDER: Literally Anything

I stumbled upon this place on my last trip to Rome and it turns out it’s actually wildly popular (mostly amongst locals). Just like ordering a bagel in NYC, I felt pressured to order quickly in light of a line out the door, and I had no regrets. Every single cookie was truly divine. I almost never go to the same place twice when traveling, but this place is an every day kind of affair.

3. SVEDJAN BAGERI

LOCATION: Stockholm, Sweden
MUST ORDER: Snail Croissant

I recently became a stay-at-home mom when we moved to Stockholm, so I joke that my full-time job now is to try every pastry in the city with my son. This one is my #1. Buttery, sweet, chewy, and flaky, all at the same time. Everything here is exceptional, but the circular croissant is something I dream about.

4. L’APPARTEMENT 4F

LOCATION: New York City, New York
MUST ORDER: Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookie

My neighborhood go-to when we lived in Brooklyn. The brown butter cookie at Poppy’s nearby is a close second, and Levain was a very regular staple of our household, but this one wins points for uniqueness. I’m biased towards tahini anything, but this cookie consistently shows up on any list of best cookies in New York.

5. ARISCAULT

LOCATION: San Francisco, California
MUST ORDER: Pain au Chocolat

With a line always down the block, the rest of San Francisco agrees with me on this one. Most people go for the almond croissant, but I think the pain au chocolat is the real star–the chocolate is perfectly melted yet firm in between the most buttery layers of croissant you’ve ever eaten. We have two local guides to San Francisco (mine and Megha’s), and this spot made both of our lists.

6. LILLEBRORS BAGERI

LOCATION: Stockholm, Sweden
MUST ORDER: Kanelbulle

Ask a Stockholm native, and I’d bet that 9/10 locals would mention Lillebrors Bageri as having their favorite kanelbulle in the city. And as I mentioned previously, I’m a semi-professional kanelbulle sampler these days, and I must agree. Not too sweet, and delightfully chewy, this is the place I would take you to if you were visiting here in town.

7. MAMICHE

LOCATION: Paris, France
MUST ORDER: Butter Croissant

So far, my favorite classic butter croissant in Paris. Last trip, I went to Maison d’Isabelle, which consistently wins best croissant in the city, but I personally like Mamiche better. I prefer a pretty crispy exterior, a buttery and soft interior, and as many layers as possible, so perhaps it’s personal preference?

8. KARAKÖY GÜLLÜOǦLU

LOCATION: Istanbul, Turkey
MUST ORDER: Baklava

Not a pastry, but simply not able to be left off this list. I’ve really never met a baklava I didn’t love, but this is the one I’m clearing out space in my suitcase for. My first ever People’s Passport local’s guide was for Istanbul, so this one is particularly close to my heart.

9. LOQUAT

LOCATION: San Francisco, California
MUST ORDER: Chocolate Babka

I would drive my little red vespa clear across town to get this most weekends when we lived in SF. The babka is in a cute little muffin shape, and is the perfect balance of rich chocolate, subtle sweetness with salt, and dense layers. I’m only burying it this deep in the list in the hopes that it still stays a little under the radar for the locals.

10. PLEASE & THANK YOU

LOCATION: Louisville, Kentucky
MUST ORDER: Chocolate Chip Cookie

I would be remiss not to mention my favorite pastry in my hometown of Louisville. If you’re ever in Louisville for the Kentucky Derby, you must swing by Please & Thank You. They recently won best cookie in the USA by USA Today, and I’m so proud of our little hometown hero!

Have you been to any of the places mentioned by Amber above? Are there any places that caught your eye? I know I for one am intrigued by #2: Biscottificio Artigiano Innocenti in Rome especially…a place that inspires multiple visits on a holiday trip is always worth bookmarking!

About the Authors

Amber is the founder of The People’s Passport, a newsletter and travel publication centered around experiencing new places from the lens of a local. She collaborates with experts from around the world to write intentionally curated itineraries and recommendation guides full of hidden gems and under-the-radar destinations.

the people's passport

travel guides written by locals + other pretty places I go and find noteworthy. an american living in stockholm.

By amber parlow

Catherine writes CATHZINE, a food and travel publication aimed at empowering thoughtful and intentional consumption. Articles range from reviews to travel guides, to “where to find the best” deep dives and good-old-fashioned journalism—everything is written with love, in truth.

CATHZINE

cultivating a community around food, third places, and the Lord's goodness with honest reviews, travel guides, and intentionality

By Catherine

That leaves the appeltaart (Dutch for “apple tart”, the term is synonymous with “apple pie”)—a staple item on Dutch café, koffiehuis, patisserie, and restaurant menus. Appeltaarts of the traditional, rustic variety with a swoosh of slagroom (Dutch for “whipped cream”) must be intentionally sought out, and won’t have the same in-your-face marketing that the aforementioned Dutch sweet treats have.

History

Such a humble and rustic fruit pie has evolved to have quite a complex history. The first version of apple pie had British origins—dating as old as 1390—and often didn’t include a crust nor sugar due to the high price of ingredients. The “pie” was essentially a collection of stewed apples solely sweetened by dried currants and sultanas.1

It wasn’t until the 15th century, when the Dutch introduced the concept of using pastry dough to enrobe the apples, that the “lattice-style” apple pie became prevalent to the rest of Europe.2

Fast forward to the 20th century, where American news and advertising companies positioned apple pie as a distinctly American phenomenon. Phrases like “as American as apple pie” and “fighting for mom and apple pie” (used by soldiers during WWII), turned the dessert into a symbol of patriotism, nationalism, and the comfort of home. Even though apple pie is more often seen as an American icon these days, it has deep cultural roots in Europe too, and that was on full display in Amsterdam…if you know where to go. And finding out which Dutch apple pie you should try is what you’re here for, isn’t it? 😉

My Definition of a Top Tier Dutch Apple Pie

Having always been a fan of apple pie, the Dutch variety caught my eye for its towering stature and cross sections that flaunted endless piles of apples. Naturally, I had to try as many as I could during my trip to Amsterdam!

If the American apple pie, with its tender, delicate crust, syrupy sweet apples, and petite frame were a damsel simply existing to cure a sweet tooth, then the Dutch apple pie is more akin to a Herculean body builder: its rustic, sturdy crust doing serious heavy lifting to hold in the massive hunks of not-too-sweet apples. The burly physique of an appeltaart—especially when paired with a cappuccino—is hefty enough to fuel your afternoon adventures.

Here’s what I consider a Top Tier Appeltaart:

1. The Crust: a golden baked, biscuit-like, cookie crust that isn’t flakey. There’s no lamination of butter and flour, but that’s the draw—you want the crisp initial bite that gives in to a soft and chewy texture. This type of crust isn’t overly moist (shouldn’t be soggy) nor dry (shouldn’t be crumbly/sandy), but strikes the perfect balance.

2. The Filling: the KEY here!! One look and you should see more apples than anything else. I don’t want any pockets of cake batter, I just want apples (and sultanas are welcome, always). In fact, I expect such a generous filling of apples that it’s double the height of any American apple pie. The apples themselves should be fork-tender and seasoned with enough cinnamon and sugar to enhance the overall flavor of the fruit without overtaking it.

3. The Slagroom: there must be whipped cream included on the side, and there must be a large, fluffy volume of it. I’ve never needed to eat my apple pies with anything before (probably because it’s typically already sweet enough without a topping), but after having my first appeltaart with slagroom I just couldn’t go back! The cream adds the perfect amount of creamy richness, and its subtle sweetness doesn’t overpower the main event (the appeltaart).

The Dutch Apple Pies We Ordered

CAFÉ ‘T PAPENEILAND

price: €4.75 (with whipped cream)

The appeltaart from Café ‘t Papeneiland has almost a perfect biscuit crust—like one of those cookies with crispy edges but soft and chewy middles. The filling is made up of fork-tender apple slices with a few sultanas, tucked and hidden in between the gaps and crevices—no batter to be seen (and exactly the way I like it!). The generous mound of whipped cream seemed excessive at first, but once you start digging into the pie, it actually was the perfect amount. And do you see all of those apples? I swear there’s an entire bushel hiding inside those pastry folds. (rating: 10/10)

DE KOFFIE SCHENJERIJ

price: €6.90 (with whipped cream)

De Koffie Schenjerij’s appeltaart doesn’t contain any sultanas and isn’t as densely packed with apple slices (with cake batter filling the air pockets). The apples in here are stewed till al dente: to cut through the slices with a fork will require a smidge more force than the apple pie from Café ‘t Papeneiland. The crust has a crispy top but is softer and lacking crunch on bottom—its bite more like a chewy cookie. Overall, the experience is akin to a hybrid between an American apple pie with a biscuit crust and a German apple cake! (rating: 8/10)

THE PANTRY

price: €7.95 (with whipped cream)

Upon first glance, The Pantry’s appeltaart is significantly stouter than what you would traditionally think of when picturing a Dutch apple pie and the Netherlands toothpick flag was a little gimmicky. However, the pie was served warm, and that magnified the crust’s textures in the best way: the exterior was hot and crispy before giving in to a fluffy, cake-like interior. The filling, disappointingly, was on the sweeter end, didn’t have too many apples, lacked sultanas, and was laced with a thick, tar-like cake batter that filled the pie’s crevices. For the premium price, it’s not something I’d order again. (rating: 4/10)

WINKEL 43

price: €6.30 total (whipped cream is an extra €1.00)

The appeltaart at Winkel 43 is one of the most queued-for items in Amsterdam (Rudi’s Stroopwafels takes the cake—or pie 😝—though). Its crispy crust had a surprising tenacity that I really enjoyed: holding up like a biscuit yet still yielding a chewy cookie bite when eaten. Winkel 43 chooses to use large chunks of apples with a light amount of sultanas and no extraneous batter. Flavor-wise, it has a prominent cinnamon vibe with a mildly sweet flavor that works well with the slagroom. My only wish was to have the apples stewed for longer—these didn’t want to give in easily to the pressures of a fork, which can making enjoying the cake a more unwieldy experience. (rating: 9.5/10)

KOFFIEHUIS DE HOEK

price: €6.50 total (whipped cream is an extra €0.60)

Koffiehuis De Hoek’s appeltaart has winter’s first snowfall gracing its features. The dusting of cinnamon and powdered sugar make the apple pie look like an indulgent treat, but in reality it’s not overly sweet. The balanced apple-cinnamon flavor, the decent amount of sultanas (you’re guaranteed to encounter one in every other bite), and the piles of softened apples inside make this a great afternoon refuel option. The crust is solid but not overly crunchy, and has the delightful texture of a crispy-edged, chewy-middled American cookie while holding up sturdily like an English biscuit. The cubed nature of the apples makes eating the pie a little more messy, though, as the pie completely disintegrates under the pressures of a fork, crumbling everywhere. (rating: 9/10)

To Sum It Up…

Now that I’ve consumed probably an entire orchard’s worth of apples, here are the recommendations I’d give you if you’re looking for your perfect Dutch apple pie!

BEST DUTCH APPLE PIE TO TRY SUPERLATIVES EDITION

• Best Bang-for-Your-Buck: Café ‘t Papeneiland—coming in at the lowest price point while still offering a traditional Dutch apple pie experience (with a lot of apples); plus, Bill Clinton had this pie so…bonus points for checking it off the bucket list!

• Sultana-Free: De Koffie Schenjerij—this appeltaart is for those who think dried fruit detracts from their apple pie experience. Don’t worry, there are versions that are a safe zone: this one has not a sultana in sight!

• For Sultana Lovers: Koffiehuis De Hoek—the appeltaart whose sultanas were the most visible, you’ll get a good amount of plump sultanas in every other bite

• Best Hearty Pie: Winkel 43—from the lightly stewed apple chunks that still retain quite the bite to the sturdy biscuit crust, Winkel 43’s appeltaart embraces the description of “Herculean body-builder” in its utmost

This was probably the dessert tasting I’ve undertaken with the highest nutritional properties to date 😆 Let me know if there’s a place you love for their Dutch apple pie in the comments! Is there one that caught your eye from the list above?

For more on Amsterdam, check out…

If you walk just a bit away from the hustle and bustle of central London—away from the transit frenzy of King’s Cross and the luxury brands on Oxford Street—you’ll find yourself in the quietness of Fitzrovia. In this neighborhood, there’s a dusty, steel blue storefront that has imbued the air in a rich, toasty buttery perfume: the moment you turn the corner onto Warren Street, your nose will be welcomed by the gentle, wafting aroma of fresh croissants and bread.

Miel Bakery is a charming French pastry shop operated by Shaheen Peerbhai. Once you cross the threshold, you’re met with a glass counter covering the full length of the bakery: beautifully baked chausson aux pommes, fresh-from-the-oven pain au chocolat, caramelized canelés, savory quiches—the list goes on! But don’t worry, the menu is consistent with just a few rotating daily specials, so if you’re feeling indecisive, just plan to come back multiple times 😉

While the majority of the menu sticks to traditional French viennoiserie and boulangerie, there are little interior design choices that give Miel Bakery its own personality. The metal plates are functionally industrial, the Moroccan-style floor tiles give a nod to head baker Shaheen’s Indian heritage, and the pops of baby pink in the lamps bring an air of femininity. And, a recent renovation converted the back room into a space for Shaheen to teach classes—something that she’s always wanted to use the space for1.

The history of Miel Bakery is tightly intertwined with founder Shaheen Peerbhai’s story. Her passion for baking took on many forms over the years: convincing her family to get an oven at 17, baking for colleagues at her first IT job after graduating, sharing recipes on her personal blog Purple Foodie, freelancing as a food writer…all of which culminated in receiving a full ride to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and London and the Centre de Formation d’Alain Ducasse in Argenteuil to study pastry professionally.

After completing her studies, she worked at Michelin-starred restaurants, published a cookbook, taught baking masterclasses, worked as a consulting editor for BBC’s Indian publication2, and finally decided to open her own brick-and-mortar, where Shaheen could continue to nurture the creativity, experimentation, and act of sharing that always drew her back to baking.

Fast forward and Miel Bakery still humbly exists as a single-location, independently-run establishment in a quiet neighborhood.

Miel may not have as “loud” of a presence online (compared with other bakeries in London who have struck the virality chord), but I’d argue its quiet confidence is resounding. If you’re ever in the area, join the queue of loyal customers and order Miel’s tradition-honoring pastries (that use intentionally-sourced ingredients from all over France and the Britain!3). Everything about the experience is as sweet as honey—their namesake.

a couple of tips

1. Indoor seating available

2. Outdoor seating provided via two quaint tables and a bench outside

3. Not laptop friendly—no WiFi, few-to-no outlets

4. Not Accessible—there are 2-3 stairs up to the storefront without a ramp

menu items

april 2026

PISTACHIO & CHOCOLATE SWIRL

This is Miel Bakery’s most recommended pastry by the internet, civilians, journalists, etc. When you first bite into the swirl of golden, toasty layers, the exterior is crunchy and the interior is tender and moist—all up to lamination standards. But! When it came to the pistachio & chocolate piece…I was a little disappointed. The pistachio paste seemed to be piped on top versus incorporated, and the amount of chocolate sprinkled between layers was wanting. From all of the hype, I was expecting copious amounts of both practically oozing out and barely contained. That said, when you do get bites of the pistachio paste and chocolate bits, you really can taste the quality of the swirl as a whole. The chocolate is dark with its bitterness offset just right, and the pistachio is so potent you won’t doubt that it was freshly ground. Order this if you want a not-too-sweet pistachio-chocolate combination, but know that their other pastries are just as delicious, if not more so! (rating: 8/10)

HAM & CHEESE CROISSANT

Miel Bakery’s ham & cheese croissant is decadently delicious, but not too heavy—just satisfying. One bite, and you’ll immediately notice there’s something different…and it’s the béchamel! The béchamel adds the needed creaminess, sauciness, and moisture that is usually lacking in a ham & cheese croissant (which can get dry or overly bready). From start to finish, a fulfilling savory pastry: there was enough cheese and enough ham where I could taste the umami and saltiness from both, and the croissant was also deliciously crispy, tender, moist, and buttery. (rating: 10/10)

APPLE & FENNEL SAUSAGE ROLL

The pastry shell is made of a tender buttery puff pastry: flakey, toasty, and everything delicious and wonderful that can be associated with butter and flour. The apple isn’t prominent (you don’t think “wow I taste apple”) but you notice it in the natural sweetness the sausage imparts on the tongue. The sausage itself, although flavorful, was a little tough and just shy of being dry. I prefer my sausage rolls on the juicier, tender end of the spectrum, so while I wouldn’t reorder this sausage roll, it still made for a good breakfast. (rating: 7.5/10)

HAZELNUT PAIN AU CHOCOLAT

It’s very impressive just how much chocolate flavor was imbued into the chocolate stripes on the exterior shell—you don’t have to squint to taste the dark cocoa. Even though there wasn’t a large volume of filling, the pastry was still impressively and prominently nutty enough that I’d say the pastry is true-to-namesake (and the honeycomb cross section is a sight to behold). While this is on the breadier end of pastries, I was surprised I didn’t mind too much…the ratio of chocolate-hazelnut filling to pastry felt intentional, a way to innovate on the original, classic pain au chocolat while still honoring tradition. (rating: 9/10)

After a series of very successful pop-ups at Platform Cafe in Loughborough Junction in 2021, Toad Bakery’s popularity has skyrocketed since its doors first opened in 2022. Even with its forced rebrand from “Frog” to its current moniker “Toad” due to Michelin-starred restaurant Frog by Adam Handling asking for a rename to minimize customer confusion1, Toad Bakery has grown an impressively loyal community that goes beyond its immediate Southeast London neighborhood.

This crowd-funded joint venture runs a counter-only operation that contrasts bold colors with soft femme design choices. It’s not hard to miss the statement green wall and the vibrant red, yellow, and blue chairs strewn around the outdoor tables. Yet, when you zoom in you’ll notice that there are delicate and gentle details that give an aura of “garden soiree”…the counters are adorned with whimsically extravagant floral arrangements from Sid's Flowers and the pastries are displayed on eclectic plates arranged at varying heights.

At the helm of Toad Bakery are co-founders Rebecca Spaven and Oliver Costello. Both share backgrounds of having worked full time as bakers in London’s highly reputable pastry scene: Rebecca at Fortitude Bakehouse, Oliver at Ottolenghi2. The collective wealth of hospitality experience, flavor creativity, and baking finesse between the two is palpable in a single glance of the pastry rack and a bite of a baked good. All of which is further endorsed by the accolades they’ve received through the years: finalist for the National Bakery Awards 2025, featured in Britain’s Best Bakeries printed by Hoxton Mini Press, and included in The Good Food Guide’s Britain’s 50 Best Bakeries for 2026.

Toad Bakery is well-loved by Londoners—whether for their signature, playful amphibian logo, delicious bakes that innovate on traditional British treats (their reinvented Jaffa Cake and Hob Nobs are must-tries), or the care they put into connecting with local suppliers to source seasonal ingredients3. Bread heads from down the street to all over the big city and the world have traveled to this humble storefront, joining the queues that snake around the corner.

a couple of tips

1. Counter-only establishment—the storefront is only big enough to fit 2 people or 1 person with a pram

2. Accessible

3. Outdoor seating provided via tables in front

4. No public restrooms

menu items

march 2026

YUZU ORANGE JAFFA CAKE

I didn’t have the iconic McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes from the grocery store until after this version from Toad Bakery, but once I did I couldn’t believe how similar this petite cake tasted in comparison! I can always get down to a chocolate x orange flavor profile. This was better than I could’ve imagined…there was a fresh, yuzu orange jelly cap on top that really drove home the citrus campaign, with the bottom orange and almond cake having a dense and moist texture that can be difficult to find in gluten-free desserts. The dark chocolate ganache on top had an intensely deep cocoa flavor that balanced out the sweetness of the little cake. It was still quite sweet (would go great with tea/coffee), but also so delicious I couldn’t help but eat the whole thing. (rating: 10/10)

APPLE CUSTARD DANISH

This Danish tastes like you’re enjoying a British grandmother’s fresh apple crumble with a large helping of warm custard. There’s a vanilla essence that I didn’t expect to come through as potently as it did, but wow was it strong and prominent (all other vanilla creams and custards, take notes!). The apples on top are the perfect level of softened where they’re easy to bite through (yes, even with the skin on) but not completely falling apart, and I loved the generous amount that was so aesthetically laid on top. I will say that this is one of the sweeter pastries I’ve had from UK bakeries—it firmly lands in the “dessert” camp of sweet treats, which isn’t typically my preference—but for what it is, it’s well executed. (rating: 8/10)

BARON BIGOD CHEESE AND COPPA HAM CROISSANT

The looks of this entire pastry is very impressive…the pool of oozing cheese, the golden brown shell, the tall dome and pretty layers—it’d be hard to turn down such a looker! However, because it was so pretty, I was expecting a lot more ham and cheese inside the croissant than I felt like I received. It was quite bready, with the composition almost 80-90% croissant (though, well risen and proofed!) and 10% ham with most of the cheese seeming to have leaked out (though, still unbelievably tasty to bite into—all broiled and chewy). (rating: 6.5/10)

WILD GARLIC & PURPLE SPROUTING BROCCOLI BARREL

ZOMG. With each progressive bite of this one, the flavor profile grew more and more nostalgic until I finally pegged it: this pastry has the exact flavor profile of broccoli cheddar soup! Naturally, that made this unbelievably tasty. Visually, the broccoli peeking out of the pain suisse is just so adorable, and the filling-to-croissant ratio is perfect. The only note…I would’ve liked just a smidge more wild garlic flavor in the filling—it embodied “cheesy” more than anything else. (rating: 9/10)

HOT CROSS BUN

Review and pictures included in my article Where to Find the Best Hot Cross Buns in London!

No one knew it back then, but in spring 2020 a micro bakery was quietly born in northwest London. Known for their baby pink storefront, seasonal cruffins and croissant bows, and shelves of globally-recognized bread loaves, Sourdough Sophia was destined to become a core part of London’s bakery scene.

It started with a neighbor asking for a single loaf of sourdough during lockdown, which snowballed into many neighbors queueing for many loaves (hence their namesake). Husband and wife duo Sophia Handschuh and Jesse Sutton-Jones rapidly found their living room transforming into a storefront, their guest room becoming storage for 25kg bags of flour, and their kitchen shifting into a micro-industrial production facility1. Before she knew it, co-founder Sophia—who came from a German2 family of professional bakers and had been baking since she was 5 years old—found her lifelong passion for the craft materialize into a community-driven, multi-site bakery endeavor.

Even with its many locations, Sourdough Sophia has preserved the intimate feel that comes with independently-owned, smaller operations. When you walk into their Essex Road location, you’re met with a quaint breakfast nook decorated with upholstered pillows in various shades of blush, rose, and peach, textures of corduroy, velvet, and linen, and floating bistro tables accessorized with fresh flowers arranged in petite bud vases. The back wall is taken up by a glass-paned window into the kitchen—where you can see a flurry of bakers weaving between stations of diplomat cream being whipped, dough being laminated, and cruffins being assembled.

While Sourdough Sophia has experienced growth at a breakneck pace, they don’t show any signs of stopping—Sophia and Jesse have plans to permeate more of the city’s boroughs with their kitchen expansion into Bermondsey3 completed spring 2026.

Whether you’re in town for the day or a local to the city, Sourdough Sophia is a COVID-born artisan bakery that has earned itself a proper place on the “Best London Bakeries” list of many publications—TimeOut, Condé Nast Traveller to name a few—and for good reason. Even with their ever-expanding repertoire of locations, they’re still a trusted boulangerie and viennoiserie you can grab a great loaf of sourdough or a laminated pastry from.

a couple of tips

1. The locations on Essex Road and Highgate offer indoor and outdoor dining space

2. Accessible

3. Loyalty app available to download onto Android/Apple to earn rewards with every purchase

menu items

april 2026

HAZELNUT CHOCOLATE CAKE

If the format of a cupcake were reinvented, it would look like this: a petite two-layered handheld with a schmear of something in the middle. The chocolate cake here resembles the density of a brownie, with the deep chocolate cocoa flavor profile of one, too. Sometimes with a hazelnut-chocolate flavor profile, the hazelnut can easily get lost, but not in this cake! The hazelnut praline cream combined with the chopped roasted hazelnuts added for garnish really bring out the nuttiness, making the flavor profile pretty evenly 50/50 chocolatey-hazelnut. My one gripe is that I would’ve preferred a moister cake—this one was a bit on the stiffer and drier end, but the mascarpone cream on top assuaged that feeling a bit! (rating: 7/10)

TIRAMISU CRUFFIN

Upon first bite, I was shocked at how delicately crispy and fresh the cruffin’s exterior remained even though it was filled with cream (not at all stale and tough, like most cruffins can be)! The flakiness is a tasteful contrast to the chocolate espresso diplomat cream in the middle, and the thicker and richer espresso crémeux piped on top. The best surprise? Finding an espresso-soaked ladyfinger quietly tucked away at the crown of the cruffin, bringing the tiramisu experience full circle. While I could’ve thrived off of a stronger coffee flavor, this cruffin as-is reminded me of the cappuccino cakes my mom would order from the Asian bakery for her birthday—creamy milky flavor with that signature edgy kick instant espresso imparts. A very nostalgic flavor profile for me. (rating: 8/10)

PISTACHIO BOW

Easily my favorite pastry of the bunch! Not only is this beautiful (and quintessentially Sourdough Sophia), but it presents a great textural juxtaposition and is flavorfully true-to-namesake. The cross-laminated exterior retains 100% of its crunchy crispiness even though it is so generously filled with luscious cream, and the pistachio flavor goes above and beyond your wildest expectations. Think: the best Italian pistachio gelato, but in diplomat cream form! The team purely relies on roasted, ground pistachios to flavor the cream and garnish the bow, so when you feel like you’re getting sloppy kissed in the lips by this pastry’s pistachio personality, know that it’s the real deal you’re tasting—nothing artificial. (rating: 11/10)

june 2026

BANANA BREAD

Have you ever seen a banana bread that looked like this?! Sourdough Sophia has given its banana bread a luxurious spa treatment with a total of four house made garnishes: burnt orange glaze, salted caramel drizzle, banana crumble, and a banana jam. The salted caramel enhances the caramelized, toasty notes from the jam, the burnt orange glaze accentuates the sweetness of the base while moisturizing the otherwise drier loaf cake (though with the jam, you won’t even notice), the crumble adds a nice texture that’ll make you nostalgic, and that banana jam—WOW. It has the power to turn anything into banana bread if you smeared it on! Needless to say, this is a banana-forward banana bread, and I love a true-to-namesake flavor experience. (rating: 9/10)

PASSIONFRUIT BOW

The quintessential Sourdough Sophia pastry takes a beach holiday—fully packed with a bright tropical energy that evokes sunbathing and blended iced coladas. The passionfruit flavour is medium in intensity (I always love flavour maxxing, but honestly this was a good level), with the croissant bow still delicately crunchy crisp (consistent with the Pistachio Bow from spring’s menu). This pastry may look heavy, but it’s actually quite refreshing and perfect for a hot day—not unlike a great iced lemonade. (rating: 9/10)

HONEY CAKE

Upon first glance, doesn’t this petite treat have all of the sophistication found in a Michelin-star restaurant’s dessert menu? The polenta brings a grainy texture that is satisfying to bite into, and the honey really comes through—making a dense and moist cake that reminds me of a fudgy cornbread or a decadent olive oil cake. The cream cheese frosting isn’t tangy, but more milky and lightens up the otherwise stodgy mouthful. The tuile, while not adding any flavor, is aesthetically so pleasing and easily is the main reason why this doesn’t look like an average cupcake! (rating: 7.5/10)

ASPARAGUS DANISH

AMAZING. I could eat this for my main dish, easily! While “asparagus” may sound a little daunting in a pastry, this Danish doesn’t taste anything like it and instead has Big Garlic Bread Energy. The Sourdough Sophia pastry chefs do a great job of layering the flavors here—between the creamed spinach and wild garlic pesto, it’s so savoury and aromatic that you’ll feel like you’re enjoying a generous spread of delicious herby garlic butter on toast. I was also pleased to find out that the asparagus is perfectly blanched so that it retains crispness without any fibrous chew (making it very clean to bite into). The laminated pastry is flaky and buttery, and surprisingly not soggy even with all of the creamy goodness it’s carrying. You may pay a premium price for her, but she won’t disappoint you! (rating: 11/10)

Millions of individuals sing praises of Arôme Bakery’s Honey Butter Toast (if you are blissfully unaware of its virality, scroll down for my pics and review—yes, of course I had to try it too!). But, it was everything else I tried from the pastry case that convinced me that Arôme Bakery is indeed worth traveling and queueing for.

Co-founded by French pâtissier Alix André and Singaporean restaurateur Ellen Chew1, Arôme Bakery blew up from a successful three-month pop-up event in central London to having a brick-and-mortar in 2020, and in 2022 gained a second location. The pastries in this artisanal bakery pay homage to East and Southeast Asian palates—mostly Katong (Singapore) and Tokyo (Japan), but a little bit of everywhere in between. This is not your typical Chinatown bakery serving Hong Kong-style buns and Swiss rolls!

While they’re known for creations that blend French-Asian flavors, Arôme Bakery also does a spectacular job at honoring the quintessential French viennoiserie. For those who enjoy predictability, you can still grab classic items like an egg tart, an almond croissant, or a filled brioche bun. For taste buds who are more up for spontaneity, buckle up for an expert’s innovative spin on Asian flavors: Arôme’s menu doesn’t have the token miso-something cookie or a blasé matcha Basque cheesecake (that barely tastes like matcha): their bakes are novel yet equally grounded in flavor identity. Where else can you find seaweed jam? Only in their pain suisse paired with a tomato confit that highlights its unique umami like no other!

If you’re a sucker for croissants and all of their relatives (like yours truly), you’ll be delighted to know that all of Arôme’s pastries flaunt rich, flakey, laminated dough as their runway outfits: each dough-butter-layer meticulously rolled, proofed, and baked to a French standard.

So yes, while the Honey Butter Toast is indeed one of the most well-executed of its breed—a snappy crust that shatters into plush, cotton candy milk bread (you can’t find this exact experience anywhere else in London)—it’s getting to know Arôme’s version of East-meets-West pastry items that should be your driving force for swinging by.

a couple of tips

1. Both locations offer dine-in options, but you can also opt for takeaway for a quicker/shorter queue

2. Accessible

3. Outdoor seating provided via benches outside the storefront

menu items

february 2026

NORI AND TOMATO PAIN SUISSE

This was the first time I had a “seaweed jam” and I was absolutely in love with the umami it imparted and how well the tomato confit gave it an alley-oop. But also, I can’t fathom how one goes about making seaweed jam? If they start selling this in a jar, I’d totally consider adding it to my pantry! This entire pain suisse was just delicious. My only wish is that the pile of parmesan on top was a little more securely fastened! (rating: 9/10)

HONEY BUTTER TOAST

This is sooooo crispy. Rock solid to the touch, you’ll think you might crack your jaw and break your tooth when you bite into it, but fear not! The snappy crust succumbs quickly, giving way into a spongy, soft, airy house-made Shokupan. While the initial crunch factor is insane, it’s a bit overhyped as a whole for me—after the first couple of bites, the flavor and experience becomes a little monotonous and I found myself wishing for another layer of flavor or texture to diversify the experience. (rating: 7/10)

SAUSAGE AND CHEESE CROISSANT

A fun, savory pastry in both flavor notes and textures. The laminated dough hugging the chicken hot dog is perfectly proofed—evidenced by its stunning honeycomb structure. The exterior is crispy and flaky from a good bake, but the crunch factor is enhanced even moreso by the Japanese BBQ sauce slathered on top that turns the garnished sesame seeds into a sort of savory-sweet brittle experience. It was difficult to find the cheddar in it all, but the Japanese BBQ sauce was delicious enough that I didn’t mind the cheese playing hide and seek. While this had great texture and flavor as a whole, a more balanced ratio of filling to croissant would take this pastry to the next level—I felt like the hot dog was swimming in swaths of croissant dough. (rating: 8/10)

BLACK SESAME MOCHI COOKIE

This is exactly like an inverted black sesame tang yuan (glutinous rice dumpling filled with oozy black sesame) to a tee!! The black sesame flavor is so true and potent, and paired with the mochi, it was an uber nostalgic eating experience that I totally didn’t expect (it even sort of oozed). The sesame brittle shell on top was a yin to the yang of the chewy mochi—the contrasting textures making this cookie delightfully multifaceted. The only thing I’d change is the cookie’s composition...this one was quite dry and too crumbly for my preference, and as a whole I think the cookie would’ve benefited from being more of a chewy-fudgy cookie than a sandy one. (rating: 8/10)

Here’s a guide to the different hot cross buns—superlatives edition—to summarize my boots-on-the-ground research 👇

MOST TRADITIONAL

For those who like it the old-fashioned way, for the purists—these are the hot cross buns I’d recommend if you enjoy a bun that is as close to “by the book” as possible.

Key characteristics:

• The bun is moist with a bready (well-developed gluten) structure

• The crust is shiny and sticky from glaze, with a prominent cross that is crunchy

• The flavor is firstly mixed spices, with a subtle amount of citrus and negligible amounts of tea

Awarded to: Populations Bakery, Fink’s

MOST INNOVATIVE

For those who don’t mind a little creativity, a little pizazz! These hot cross buns are for the openminded folk who don’t mind deviation for the sake of a tasty treat.

Key characteristic: Something about the bun is a little unexpected, a little different. The most apt way to describe it can only be non-traditional.

Awarded to: 26 Grains, Pophams Bakery, Ottolenghi

MOST BANG-FOR-YOUR-BUCK

For the budget-, value-, and resource-conscious, these hot cross buns will be worth your money, the time spent in transit, and the energy expended in waking up early enough to ensure you arrive before they sell out.

Key characteristic: The value-to-price ratio is high. Your heart will sing as you bite into a delectable bun that you didn’t just spend half your paycheck for!

Awarded to: Pavilion Bakery, Ottolenghi, Toad Bakery

BEST WITH SPREAD

For those who prefer their buns with a slather of something something—let it be butter, jam, peanut butter, marmite (no judgment here), etc.—these are buns that would soak up that delicious spread like winter skin with moisturizer.

Key characteristic: The hot cross bun, when enjoyed on its own, has a dry mouthfeel, and in your heart of hearts you know—with a little assistance from your favorite spread, this bun would be divine.

Awarded to: 26 Grains, Gail’s, e5 Bakehouse, Pavilion Bakery

BEST AS A SANDWICH

For those who like their hot cross buns to play a key role in a bap! Why stop at toasting your bun and eating it with a spread? Let’s turn it into a meal—add your favorite brekkie combo of bacon/eggs/sausage/cheese and this would be the perfect savory-sweet handheld anyone ever did bite into. (purists—hold your tongue)

Key characteristic: The bun has a texture that is quite bready with a chew that signifies a strong and well-developed gluten structure. These buns will hold up under a runny yolk, greasy rasher, melty cheese, saucy dollop situation…always.

Awarded to: Sourdough Sophia, Fortitude Bakehouse, Raab’s the Bakers, Jolene

MISS INDEPENDENT

For those who don’t want to worry about spreads and toasting and dirtying additional dishes, and just want to enjoy a hot cross bun as-is, look no further. These are hot cross buns that are the MVP of their breed. Miss Independent is one who “doesn’t need no man” (or spread, or toasting, or bap fillers) because she is just that confident on her own.

Key characteristics: This bun is stellar in flavor and texture, and even if you wanted to enhance it, additions would only minimally improve an already delicious experience.

Awarded to: Toad Bakery, Miel Bakery, Pomme Bakery

BEST DINNER ROLL

For those who like the concept of a hot cross bun in name, but not in practice. These are the HXBs that look the part, but while they don’t taste the part, they are decent as a baked bread roll to be eaten as a side to your scrumptious dinner.

Key characteristic: The bun itself is sorely lacking in any spiced/citrus flavor that would be the base level requirements to qualify it as a hot cross bun. But, it’s still great bread!

Awarded to: Rinkoffs Bakery, Jolene, Dusty Knuckle Bakery

MOST CITRUS-Y

For those who prefer a hot cross bun that exudes enough citrus to make you wonder if you’re accidentally eating an orange: these buns give special prominence to the zest, the juice, the peel, the everything (?!) of an orange that the bakers have woven into the bun’s well-proofed dough folds.

Key characteristic: Citrus notes—refreshing and tangy sweet—will hit the tongue first, and be the main note held throughout your hot cross bun symphony.

Awarded to: St. John Bakery, Kossoffs, Toklas Bakery

MISS TUTTI FRUITY

For those whose tastebuds do a happy dance when their teeth sink into a bite of plump raisins or sultanas, and love when a subtly tangy and muted molasses sweetness pervades the mouth. Let’s be honest—the dried fruit is the best part, no?

Key characteristic: Sultanas/raisins/currants/orange peel visually invade the sliced cross section of the bun with dots of browns, yellows, and oranges. There’s no need to squint, no need to hunt—you’ll easily find them peering back at you. The dried fruit incorporated into the hot cross bun are doing all of the flavor heavy lifting: bites without them tend to be a little underwhelming, but the bites with them make the bun exponentially more interesting.

Awarded to: Toklas Bakery, Raab’s the Bakers, Fink’s, 26 Grains

MISS SUGAR, SPICE, & EVERYTHING NICE

For those whose favorite season is autumn for the squash pies, pumpkin spice lattes, and apple cider; or winter for the gingerbread and mulled wine. You’ve learned that your favorite hot cross buns are those that almost resemble an autumnal candle in their sweet and warming spiced aroma—and even then, you could have more cinnamon, more spice, more everything nice.

Key characteristic: These buns have invited your entire sweet-treat spice cabinet to their party: cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, mace, cardamom, etc. are dancing the night away. When your tastebuds show up, they are enveloped with open and welcoming arms—with these hot cross buns, the words “bland”, “plain”, and “sorely lacking” will run far away!

Awarded to: Eric’s, Miel Bakery, Pomme Bakery

Which hot cross bun mood describes you best? Any superlatives that you would add, and which bakery’s buns would you include?