1. Discover Authentic Indonesian Cuisine
Indonesia’s culinary heritage is beautifully represented in Amsterdam. Here, you can enjoy a range of Indonesian restaurants that celebrate traditional flavors and modern twists.
2. Top Restaurants to Visit
3. Cultural Experience with Indonesian Food
Find the Best Authentic Indonesian Cuisine and Rijsttafels in Amsterdam
What is Indonesia today was a Dutch colony for more than 300 years. One of the results of that is a tasty one: plenty of delicious Indonesian restaurants throughout the Netherlands. Choose from my picks of the Best Indonesian Restaurants in Amsterdam, which range from fine dining to fast to-go options.
Blue Pepper
Address: Nassaukade 366, 1054 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31 20 489 7039
Best for Finer Indonesian Dining
The late Johannes van Dam, a restaurant critic of near-Godlike status in Amsterdam and the Netherlands, called this contemporary take on Indonesian cuisine “Fantastisch” and “9+” — and if you know anything about Johannes van Dam, you know those kinds of accolades don’t come unearned. Pick from one of three tasting menus every evening: a classic rijsttafel, plus a “modern” or “contemporary” option, all with exotic names like “The Sultan and I,” “Wild Orchid,” and “Blue Marilyn.”
Tempo Doeloe
Address: Utrechtsestraat 75, 1017 VJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31 20 625 6718
Tie for Best Indonesian Food on the Utrechtsestraat
The posh Utrechtsestraat in the Eastern Canal Belt of Amsterdam is a restaurant-lover’s paradise, and this utopia includes two of the city’s favorite Indonesian eateries. Tempo Doeloe — the name means “Old Times” in Indonesian — is a tucked-away traditional restaurant whose patrons appreciate its privacy, well-executed classic dishes and attention to detail. This isn’t the place to find modern innovation on the cuisine, but you won’t be bothered by the ever-present wandering vendors peddling Polaroids and flowers.
Tujuh Maret
Address: Utrechtsestraat 73, 1017 VJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31 20 427 9865
Tie for Best Indonesian Food on the Utrechtsestraat
If Tempo Doeloe is the tucked-away Indonesian option on the otherwise bustling Utrechtsestraat, Tujuh Maret is the front-and-center one. Unlike Tempo Doeloe, Tujuh Maret offers takeaway and lunch (just look for the glowing yellow sign advertising the latter).
Sama Sebo
Address: Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat 27, 1071 BL Amsterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31 20 662 8146
Best Indonesian Food near Amsterdam’s Big Museums
With claims to fame as one of the Netherlands’ oldest and most well-known Indonesian restaurants, it’s no wonder the tables at this popular Museum Quarter restaurant are usually full. Their rijsttafel is the star here.
Bunga Mawar
Address: Zeedijk 41-HS, 1012 AR Amsterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31 20 304 4246
Indonesian Food in Amsterdam Chinatown
Great Indonesian in the medieval center is hard to find – most of the best choices are farther removed from the city core. Still, visitors who’ve worked up an appetite roving around the center could do worse than Bunga Mawar, one of the only Indonesian eateries on the Zeedijk. While the quality is respectable, it’s only the “best” sit-down Indonesian in Chinatown by virtue of being the only one; the only other option is Toko Joyce (Nieuwmarkt 38), a cheerful take-out outfitted with a couple of tables. When I’m in Chinatown and hankering for Indonesian food, I usually opt for Malaysian food, as there are two stand-out Malaysian spots in the area: the homey Nyonya Malaysian Express and the exquisite Wau Malaysian Restaurant. Just don’t expect to find rijsttafel on the menu!
Indonesian Restaurants in The Hague
The Hague is hailed as the Dutch capital of Indonesian food, and its proponents argue that the quality of its Indonesian restaurants outstrips that of Amsterdam’s. While I can’t take a side, I can confidently say I’ve had impressive Indonesian food in The Hague; restaurants like Garoeda (Kneuterdijk 18a) and Poentjak (Kneuterdijk 16), which sit side by side with lovely views onto the square, are local classics, while Raffles (Javastraat 63) offers a more upscale experience (complete with upscale prices).
Indonesian food and culture enthusiasts who are in town in late May or early June shouldn’t leave without checking out the Tong Tong Fair, an Indonesian cultural festival where food is a major focus.
