Heading to Amsterdam? I bet you’ve already made a list of all the Dutch cuisine you can’t wait to try. Chances are herring, gouda and stroopwaffle are all on that list (and for good reason – they’re all delicious!) but you might know less about the abundance of Surinamese food in Amsterdam.
What is Surinamese Food?
To answer this question, we need to take a look at its history. If you’re sitting comfortably, I shall begin.
Bordered by French Guiana to the east, Guyana to the west and Brazil to the south, the South American country of Suriname is a former Dutch colony. After the abolition of slavery in 1863, Dutch plantation owners in Suriname needed a new source of labor, so they encouraged workers from the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia) to start a new life in South America. Today 14% of the Surinamese population are Javanese – Java being the fourth largest island in Indonesia. This is the reason you’ll often see Surinamese cuisine listed alongside Indonesian.
It’s because of this colonial past, that Surinamese food is hard to define. The people are some of the most diverse in the world. Suriname is a melting pot of Indian, African, Javanese and Chinese settlers – and you’ll find all these influences in the country’s cuisine. Here’s a list of our favorite Surinamese restaurants in Amsterdam followed by a handy guide to Surinamese food so that you know what to order when you get there!
Selected Traditional Specialty Spots
We take great pride in showing visitors the diversity of dishes like pom and bakkeljauw that define our culinary landscape. These selections highlight the dedication of chefs who have preserved their family recipes for decades in Amsterdam. We believe these flavors offer a perspective on our city that most tourists completely miss.
Warung Spang Makandra
After a walk through De Pijp’s Albert Cuyp Market head here for lunch. This restaurant has been serving up quality Surinamese / Javanese food since 1978. The restaurant is small but very popular and they don’t take reservations so expect a bit of a wait if you head there on weekends. Look forward to generous portions and reasonable prices!
Address: Gerard Doustraat 39
Opening times: Mon-Sat: 11am-10 pm; Sun: 1pm-10pm.
Tokoman
Tokoman specializes in traditional Surinamese dishes. This is where you need to head if you’re looking for a quick, tasty and fresh lunch or evening meal. They serve delicious sandwiches, as well as rice and noodles with meat or vegetables.
Address: Waterlooplein 327
Opening times: Mon-Sun: 11am – 7pm.
Albina
Named after a town in Suriname, this simple restaurant serves up a mixture of Surinamese and Chinese food. It has friendly staff and is excellent value for money. Try the Tjauw minh (thin noodles with meat and vegetables) and the gado gado (vegetables smothered in peanut sauce).
Address: Albert Cuypstraat 69
Opening times: Tue-Sun: 10:30am-10 pm; Closed Mon.
Our Guides’ Favorite Roti Shops
We consider Surinamese cuisine to be the true heartbeat of modern Amsterdam’s food scene. Our team frequently visits these family-run spots for the most comforting and aromatic roti in the city. These venues represent a beautiful fusion of Indian, African, and Indonesian influences that we love.
Lalla Rookh
According to locals they serve the tastiest Roti dishes in town – and you have the option of meat or vegetarian versions. Don’t miss your chance to try the traditional Surinamese soda called “Fernandes” if you stop by this popular eatery.
Address: Wijttenbachstraat 290
Opening times: Mon-Sun: 12pm-10pm.
Swieti Sranang
A perfect place to grab lunch or dinner to go. The tiny hole-in-the-wall owned by Henk van de Weerd and Juliet Chang specialises in Surinamese-inspired sandwiches, snacks, roti, rice and bami/nasi specialties. You can visit Swieti Sranang on both our Jordaan Food Walk and our Jordaan Food & Canals Tour – you’ve got to try the satay!
Address: Brouwersgracht 125
Opening times: Mon-Fri: 12pm – 9pm; Closed Sat & Sun.
A Handy Guide to Surinamese Foods
Broodje Pom
Pom in a bread roll, “but what’s pom?” I hear you cry. Pom is a traditional Surinamese specialty – chicken, the root of the tayer plant and citrus baked in the oven.
Bakabana
Friend plantain with peanut sauce.
Roti kippenbout
Roti bread with chicken curry.
Bara
Think – spicy, herby doughnut. Dip in sauce or top with your favorite topping.
Moksi Meti
Roast pork and chicken served with rice.
Pindasoep
Spicy peanut soup.
Her Heri
A stew of cassava, sweet potato, plantain and salted cod.
History of Surinamese Food in Amsterdam
The arrival of Surinamese flavors in Amsterdam is deeply tied to our shared colonial history and the independence of Suriname in 1975. We see this influence most vibrantly in neighborhoods like De Pijp and Amsterdam Oost where communities first settled. This migration brought a wealth of spices and tropical ingredients that forever changed our local palate. Understanding this connection is essential to appreciating the diversity of our modern city.
Surinamese Dining Etiquette in Amsterdam
When ordering at a traditional Surinamese eatery, we often specify our spice level by asking for “peper” on the side. It is common to eat roti with your hands, using the flatbread to scoop up the savory curry and potatoes. We find that the informal, bustling atmosphere of these shops is part of their genuine charm. Do not be surprised if seating is limited, as many locals prefer to take their meals to the nearby parks.
Learn More & Try Surinamese Cuisine on our Amsterdam Food Tours
Hopefully that gives you a brief understanding of Surinamese cuisine, and what you can expect to try. You can also read more about how Surinamese cuisine is closely linked to Indonisian cuisine in Amsterdam in this article about the Top 5 Indonesian Restaurants in Amsterdam. And don’t forget, you can try some Surinamese food on both our Jordaan Food Trip and our Jordaan Food & Canals Tour!
The post A Local’s Guide to Surinamese Food in Amsterdam appeared first on Eating Europe.
