Before we dive into the best Surinamese restaurants in Amsterdam, it’s worth acknowledging the long and complicated history the Netherlands has with Suriname – which ultimately answers the question of why Surinamese food forms such an important part of Dutch cuisine in the first place.
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Best Surinamese restaurants in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, much Surinamese food seems to come from takeaway spots (more on that below) – there aren’t all that many sit-down restaurants where you’d want to linger over dinner with friends. But there are a handful, and it’s a list that’s growing!
Papa Aswa
Papa Aswa is a little slice of tropical paradise, tucked away on Zeeburg. The décor leans into its botanical theme, and even the servers are colourfully clad in batik-patterned sashes worn over one shoulder. The food and cocktails are equally colourful: we shared a range of starters, including pompeloli (sticky-sweet BBQ chicken pops), bakabana (battered, fried plantain with peanut sauce), mi gado-gado (steamed cabbage rolls with the same peanut sauce), and two different types of crispy taco – one with chicken, one with beef, both with bright pickled onions and mayo. All washed down with the spicy sweetness of a Paloma laced with Madame Jeanette chillies.
We could (and possibly should) have stopped there, but we split a couple of mains between four of us as well: stuffed chicken with an alarmingly pink sauce, and a pile of salted fish that would challenge even the staunchest bakkeljauw lover. Neither were as good as the starters (and both arrived at the table disturbingly quickly), but I’d go back to try the fissa: a sharing platter of fish and seafood that looked impressive on other tables. And possibly on someone’s birthday, which results in a fanfare of music, dancing and tiny fireworks!
Warung Spang Makandra
In the heart of De Pijp, Warung Spang Makandra is a long-standing favourite that only seems to get better with time. There are plenty of Javanese options: the beef rendang and ayam pedis (spicy chicken) are both fantastic. But for something super Surinamese, try the roti: they present you with the constituent parts (in my case: chicken on the bone, stewed lamb, a boiled egg, green beans, potatoes) and you eat it with the fluffy, spiced, nutty roti flatbread that comes with it. Spang Makandra is also a great pick if you’re on a budget, as almost all items on the menu are less than €15.
Waterkant
With its iconic “carpark chic” vibe, you can’t miss Waterkant. Better known as one of the biggest beer gardens in Amsterdam, and great for watching the boats go by on the Singelgracht, it’s deluged by crowds every time the sun comes out. Not everything on the menu is Surinamese (bitterballen and nachos make great beer snacks too, as we know) but there is plenty from that corner of the world to choose from. Think saoto, (Surinamese chicken soup), moksi meti (pork belly with all the Surinamese trimmings), roti rolls and plenty more. Plus, the Surinamese beer is flowing.
Best Surinamese takeaway in Amsterdam
As I mentioned, Surinamese food is popular takeaway fare, and it’s often some of the best value to-go food that you’ll find in Amsterdam.
Eethuis Brasa
On the Dapperplein in Amsterdam Oost, Eethuis Brasa offers a short but daily-changing menu of freshly made Surinamese dishes. It’s technically possible to eat inside, but the décor isn’t much to look at and the seating area gets pretty warm right next to the kitchen. Instead, order one of their main meals to go: rice or noodles, some kind of meat and/or vegetables, kicking sambal. I recently got their moksi alesi (marinated, smoked chicken) with steamed, spicy aubergine and rice, plus their spicy beef meatballs with green beans and rice boulanger. I’m glad I ordered the large portions because we had leftovers for lunch the next day.
De Hapjeshoek
Continuing the takeaway theme, De Hapjeshoek – a diner-style eethuis that’s literally inside Waterlooplein metro station – is so packed at lunchtime that you’ll need to queue even if you don’t plan to sit down. It’s more than worth it, though, for food that’s tasty, generous and affordable. One flaky, warm roti stuffed with a curried mix of chicken, potatoes, long beans and sambal will probably feed two people for lunch quite easily. But when the roti rolls are that good (and that good value) why not order the whole one for yourself?
Best Surinamese sandwiches in Amsterdam
When I last worked in a regular office (a very long time ago now!), I had a Surinamese colleague who would occasionally go out to get us all Surinamese sandwiches at lunchtime. It was a treat that I valued every time, and a very welcome break from the ubiquitous Dutch kaasbroodjes (cheese sandwiches).
De Tokoman
Now with three locations in Amsterdam (on Waterlooplein, Zeedijk and Haarlemmerstraat), De Tokoman serves excellent Surinamese sandwiches. The first time I went there, I ordered the broodje pom (a spicy, citrusy mixture of chicken and a root called pomtajer) but I noticed everyone else was ordering the bakkeljauw (salt cod). So the next time, I tried that instead. Nope – still preferred the pom.
Tjin’s Toko
While Tjin’s Toko in De Pijp might be better known as a supermarket for Mexican and Southeast Asian ingredients, at lunchtime they also do a great line in Surinamese sandwiches at very reasonable prices. Plus, Tjin’s offers catering – so that’s your next office lunch sorted…
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