De Buurman Farouk Amsterdam // Your Little Black Book

‘Hello neighbour!’ (‘buurman’ in Dutch) is the usual greeting when you enter De Buurman on Van Hallstraat. Within just a few years, the place evolved from a simple snack bar into a culinary hotspot. It was high time for a second venue, according to owner Farouk. And that arrived in the form of De Buurman Farouk Amsterdam. Also located in Amsterdam West, but with a different concept.

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Atmosphere and interior at De Buurman Farouk Amsterdam

‘A place to catch your breath,’ says owner Farouk El Sayed, who has successfully run his uncle’s snack bar on Van Hallstraat since 2019. Under his management, the snack bar quickly became a community hub for locals, snack lovers, and partygoers who frequent the spot at all hours of the day (and night).

The concept at De Buurman Farouk Amsterdam is slightly different. Farouk’s great love for fried food (and that fantastic Egyptian falafel) takes a back seat to his passion for sourdough and quality coffee. Because one doesn’t exclude the other, he believes. Now located on the ground floor of the Caritas apartment complex, De Buurman Farouk benefits from plenty of natural light thanks to large windows. The interior is simple with a slight industrial touch: a sleek concrete floor, iron chairs, and wooden tables all face the street.

De Buurman Farouk certainly lives up to its name, becoming a true neighbourhood spot within just a few months. One of the neighbours in the building bakes focaccias several times a week, while another helps prepare cakes.

De Buurman Farouk, @frk_de_buurman_farouk

Menu and dishes at De Buurman Farouk

Farouk learned the ins and outs of sourdough from one of the owners of Bakkerij Louf. He had to create his own recipe, as every baker does – and it remains the chef’s secret. A barista course and baking countless banana bread (another hobby) also preceded the opening of De Buurman Farouk on Postjesweg.

The menu features Farouk’s homemade sourdough bread, his own banana bread, and delicious cinnamon rolls with caramelised pecans. There are also generously topped focaccias prepared with bread from one of the neighbours. And let’s not forget the lentil soup – because a visit to Farouk’s wouldn’t be complete without it.

De Buurman Farouk, @frk_de_buurman_farouk

De Buurman Farouk is perfect for a quick coffee, tasty lunch, or remote-working

At De Buurman Farouk, there’s no need to feel guilty about bringing your laptop. The website actively promotes it as an excellent spot for remote working. And rightly so – the coffee is always fresh (and strong; give it a try), and the lunch is finger-licking good. The sweet treats are also worth a mention.

Not in the mood to work? Then Farouk is the ideal place for a coffee or lunch date with a friend, or to relax solo with a book at one of the round tables by the window.

Tip: these (new) restaurants are also worth visiting in West

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