When you visit a country for the first time, you always want to try the national dishes. In Spain, you want to try paella; in Japan, you want to try sushi. Mercat explains why Amsterdam is the best place you need to visit if you are a true traveler. Here are the best things you need to know about Amsterdam.

A Great Place for Cultural Cuisine

It’s not hard to understand why the Dutch have such a unique culture. Like Americans, the Dutch have absorbed many cultures over time. Although you’ll find traditional Dutch food (like the Dutch pancake), many restaurants in Amsterdam offer international cuisine. Rijsttafel is Amsterdam’s most famous and unique international Dutch dish. Rijsttafel, which means “rice table” in Dutch, is a small part of one million Indonesian recipes. This Indonesian feast concept was introduced to the Netherlands by Dutch settlers from Indonesia. They loved the small portions of the delicious and spicy local food.

Traditional rijsttafels consist of 6 to 60 small portions – more is better! – and can be enjoyed for two to three hours. Like the Spanish concept of tapas, each dish is a small sample – may be only one or two per plate – and is kept warm on the table for as long as you want. There are many options, from curried goat to traditional Indonesian ground coconut to yellow saffron. Rijsttafel is an excellent choice for those who like exotic flavors. Rijsttafel is one of the most enjoyable meals you can have. A rijsttafel meal can cost between 12 and 50 euros, depending on where you are. On an excellent rijsttafel, it’s worth paying a little more (maybe 25 euros per person).

A Great Place for Coffee and Tea

Amsterdam is a great place to bike and walk. There are many beautiful roads and charming trails along the rivers. Many people choose to stay in Amsterdam’s modern hotels and then get out in the sun to see the natural and urban landscapes around them. All of this exploration can be exhausting. However, visitors to Amsterdam can find a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and relax. It’s a great way to relax and recharge your batteries for the next adventure.

At the Zonnetje, style, and history come together ideally. The history of this tea store dates back to the 1600s. It has some beautifully preserved antique tools that make for an authentic experience.

There are many old scales, weights, and large teapots used to serve customers in Amsterdam teahouses. Guests staying in the city’s hotels can bring the tea to their room to enjoy if they wish. Espresso Fabriek has two bright and airy rooms in the city. It’s a great place to people-watch and enjoys a coffee. This specialty roastery offers its blends to locals and tourists alike. Many people pull up a chair and watch them or work on their laptops. You can also buy bags of coffee beans to take home. They also sell a wide range of baked goods, including an apple pie if you’re hungry.