Andy Montoya
Amsterdam is a haven for cheese lovers, with its rich history of cheese-making traditions and a variety of local cheeses to try. The Netherlands is known for its dairy cows and fertile farmland, which produces the perfect fertilizer for the nutritious, moist grass that the famous Friesian cows feed on. This unique combination is the secret behind Dutch cheese's famous creaminess and strong flavour. The Dutch will find an excuse to eat cheese at any time of day, so it's no surprise that there are plenty of places to get your cheese fix in Amsterdam.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Markets | Noordermarkt, Lindenmarkt, Alkmaar, Edam, Hoorn, Gouda, Woerden |
| Cheese Shops | Kaaskamer, De Kaaskamer, Tromp, Old Amsterdam, Kaasbar, Henri Willig’s Cheese Farms |
| Cheese Types | Gouda, Maasdammer, Emmentaler, Delft Blauw, Edam, Limburger, Beemster, Leidse kaas, Nagelkaas, Geitenkaas |
| Cheese Gifts | Cheese and wine tasting, Cheese accessories, Cheese gifts |
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What You'll Learn
Local markets, including Noordermarkt and Lindenmarkt
Local markets are a great way to get acquainted with Amsterdam's food culture, and cheese is no exception. There are a few markets in the city that are particularly good for cheese lovers.
Noordermarkt
The Noordermarkt is an organic market located on a historical square in front of the Noorderchurch in the Jordaan neighbourhood. It is home to about 70 market stalls, including six cheese stands. The market is open on Saturdays and is a great place to find organic products like vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy products, as well as crafts and durable products. After shopping for cheese, visitors can enjoy an apple pie with a cappuccino or fresh mint tea at one of the nearby coffeehouses.
Lindenmarkt
The Lindenmarkt is a vibrant and charming street market located in the Lindengracht in the charming Jordaan neighbourhood, known for its picturesque canals and historic buildings. It takes place every Saturday from late morning to early afternoon and features a wide range of stalls selling everything from fresh produce and flowers to vintage clothing, antiques, and handmade crafts. Visitors can also sample a variety of international cuisines, including Dutch specialties, and enjoy snacks and treats as they explore the market. The Lindenmarkt is a great place to connect with the local community and learn more about Amsterdam.
In addition to Noordermarkt and Lindenmarkt, cheese lovers can also visit the Ten Katemarkt or Dappermarkt, which offer a balance between price and quality, or explore the five traditional cheese markets in the nearby towns of Alkmaar, Edam, Hoorn, Gouda, and Woerden.
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Specialist shops, including Kaaskamer and Tromp
Amsterdam is a city with a rich cheese culture, and there are many specialist shops where you can sample and purchase a wide variety of cheeses. Two of the most well-known and beloved cheese shops in Amsterdam are Kaaskamer and Tromp.
Kaaskamer
De Kaaskamer is a charming cheese shop located in the heart of Amsterdam, in the Nine Streets (Negen Straatjes) shopping district. The shop is known for its vast selection of Dutch and international cheeses, including famous varieties such as Gouda, farmhouse, matured, and organic, spicy sheep's milk cheese with sea lavender. The shelves are stacked high with hefty cheese wheels, and the pungent aroma of cheese fills the air. In addition to cheese, Kaaskamer also offers a range of deli items such as wine, charcuterie, home-roasted nuts, and cheese baguettes to go. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, always ready to help customers assemble the perfect cheese board or choose the right cheese for their taste. Kaaskamer is open seven days a week, with varying hours, providing locals and tourists alike with easy access to their favourite cheeses.
Tromp
Tromp, also known as Kaashuis Tromp, is another renowned cheese shop in Amsterdam, with multiple locations across the city and the Noord-Holland region. Tromp offers a wide variety of Dutch and foreign cheeses, including local specialties such as Gouda, Maasdammer, Emmentaler, and Delft Blauw. The staff are knowledgeable and passionate about cheese, always ready to offer recommendations and provide tastings to customers. Tromp also sells freshly baked bread and sandwiches, making it a one-stop shop for a delicious Dutch lunch. The shop has received excellent reviews for its selection, service, and value for money. With its central location and convenient hours, Tromp is easily accessible to those seeking a cheese shopping experience in Amsterdam.
Both Kaaskamer and Tromp offer a delightful journey into the world of cheese, showcasing the best of Dutch cheese culture and providing a delightful experience for locals and tourists alike. Whether you're a connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, these specialist shops are sure to delight your senses and satisfy your cravings.
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Cheese farms, including Ridammerhoeve and Henri Willig
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a haven for cheese enthusiasts. The country is a proud cheese-producing nation, with its fertile farmland perfect for dairy cows.
For cheese lovers, there are several cheese farms and shops to visit in and around Amsterdam. Two of the most notable cheese farms are Ridammerhoeve and Henri Willig. Ridammerhoeve is an organic goat farm in the heart of the Amsterdamse Bos. It is the best place to try the Netherlands' famous geitenkaas (goat cheese), a bright white semi-hard cheese made for grating, slicing, and sandwiches. Visitors can enjoy a delicious goat's cheese sandwich from the cafe terrace with a view of the animals. Ridammerhoeve also offers goat yoga, cheese-making workshops, and demonstrations.
Henri Willig has three cheese farms in Katwoude, Volendam, and Zaanse Schans, which can be reached from Amsterdam in about 20 minutes. The farms are a popular attraction for cyclists, hikers, and tourists. Visitors can learn about Henri Willig's passion for quality cheeses and attend a professional demonstration of cheese-making at the Catharina Hoeve. The staff, dressed in traditional Dutch costumes, will inform visitors about the different varieties of Henri Willig cheese, from Gouda to goat and herb cheeses. Admission is free, and no reservation is required for private visitors. The Jacobs Hoeve Cheese Farm by Henri Willig offers a self-guided tour where visitors can learn about the care of the animals and see the farm and factory. The farm also has a shop with many flavors and types of cheese to sample.
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Cheese and wine tasting, including Old Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a haven for cheese enthusiasts. The city has a wide variety of cheese shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms for cheese lovers to indulge in. One of the most popular destinations for cheese lovers in Amsterdam is the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store. Located just a few minutes away from Amsterdam Central Station, the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store offers a unique cheese tasting experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of Dutch cheese-making traditions.
The Old Amsterdam Cheese Store is not just a place to buy cheese, but an immersive experience. The store features a wide selection of the finest Gouda cheeses, including their award-winning Old Amsterdam Gouda, known for its distinctive rich flavour and smooth texture. The store also offers an assortment of other Dutch cheeses, as well as cheese-related gifts and accessories.
The cheese and wine tasting at Old Amsterdam is highly recommended. During the tasting, participants are guided through five different delicious cheeses, including Old Amsterdam, each paired with a specially selected wine. The tasting takes place in a cosy and quiet tasting room above the shop, where participants can learn about the history and making of cheese. The staff are warm and welcoming, providing a relaxed atmosphere without rushing the experience.
In addition to the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store, there are several other places in Amsterdam that offer cheese and wine tasting experiences. These include the Golden Age Cheese Store, which provides informative lectures about cheese-making and tasting in a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, and Kaasbar, a paradise for fans of fromage with a unique sushi-style conveyor belt serving artisanal cheeses alongside a glass of wine.
For those looking for a more comprehensive experience, the Amsterdam Cheese and Wine-Tasting Tour offers an hour-long session that includes tasting five different cheeses, learning about their regions of origin, and pairing them with three wines (two white and one red). The instructor also provides additional activity recommendations and creates a fun and intimate atmosphere.
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Restaurants and tasting rooms, including Kaasbar and Café Bern
Amsterdam is a haven for cheese enthusiasts, with its fertile farmland that's perfect for dairy cows. The city has many speciality beer bars or tasting rooms, including Kaasbar and Café Bern, where you can indulge in all things cheese.
Kaasbar
Kaasbar is a unique cheese restaurant in the heart of Amsterdam, in the atmospheric De Pijp neighbourhood. It offers an impressive selection of no less than 30 different Dutch cheeses, each with its own unique character and taste profile. All cheeses are carefully selected from various Dutch farms. The restaurant features a famous cheese train—a conveyor belt serving a rotating selection of cheese dishes, allowing guests to sample a variety of cheeses at their own pace. It’s a fun and interactive way to explore different flavours and discover new favourites. The restaurant also offers cheese boards, individual cheeses, and cheese fondue, with options like Swiss or Dutch fondue, both possible with truffle or blue cheese. The fondue is served with a unique selection of crudité, potatoes, and bread. Kaasbar also has a well-stocked bar, with wines and beers to pair with the cheeses.
Café Bern
Café Bern on the Nieuwmarkt has been a beloved fixture for decades, serving delicious gooey fondue pots with bread, potatoes, and meats for dipping. It is conveniently located across the road from the renowned cheesemonger, De Kaaskamer. Café Bern is the perfect place to indulge in the quintessential comfort food of fondue, especially during the cooler months.
Other Cheese Destinations in Amsterdam
Apart from Kaasbar and Café Bern, Amsterdam has other cheese destinations to offer. In the Negen Straatjes (9 Streets) shopping district, Kaaskamer welcomes guests with shelves stacked high with famous cheeses from the Netherlands and abroad. The staff at Kaaskamer are knowledgeable and can help create a cheese board paired with wines, beers, homemade tapenade, and pestos.
For those looking for a more casual experience, Amsterdam's speciality beer bars or tasting rooms often serve kaasblokjes, bite-sized cubes of cheese served with mustard for dipping, alongside their drinks. Gollem aan het Water, Brouwerij ‘t IJ, and In de Wildeman are excellent choices for exploring the local brewing scene while enjoying snack platters loaded with pickles and cheeses.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several cheese shops in Amsterdam, including Kaaskamer, Old Amsterdam, and Tromp. Kaaskamer has four branches in Amsterdam and several more in the Noord-Holland region. Old Amsterdam has four stores in Amsterdam, while Tromp has several stores in the city centre.
The Netherlands is famous for its Gouda and goat cheese. Other types of Dutch cheese include Edam, Limburger, and Beemster.
Yes, there are several markets in Amsterdam that sell cheese, including Noordermarkt and Lindenmarkt. There are also five traditional cheese markets in the Netherlands outside of Amsterdam in Alkmaar, Edam, Hoorn, Gouda, and Woerden.
