Frederic Melton
Amsterdam is a haven for cheese enthusiasts. The Dutch are known for their love of dairy, and cheese, or kaas, is a highlight of the Dutch economy and a staple of the local diet. With so many cheese shops and markets in Amsterdam, it can be hard to know where to find the best cheese. While cheese shops in the city centre are largely considered tourist traps, there are plenty of other places to find good Dutch cheese. The Noordermarkt, an organic market open on Saturdays, has six cheese stands, while the Lindenmarkt around the corner has 232 stalls. Kaashuis Tromp, local cheese stalls at markets like the Albert Cuyp Markt, and the cheese markets of Edam and Gouda are also recommended. For those who want to sample a variety of cheeses, Kaasbar offers artisanal cheeses on a sushi-style conveyor belt. L'Amuse stocks over 400 types of cheese and is the perfect place to pick up ingredients for a luxurious cheese platter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese shops | Kaashuis Tromp, Kaasland Haarlemmerdijk, Kaaskamer, Kef, Kaasbar, Fromagerie Abraham Kef, Henri Willig's Cheese Farms, Cheese & More |
| Markets | Albert Cuypmarkt, Noordermarkt, Lindenmarkt, Edam, Gouda, Alkmere |
| Cheese types | Gouda, Geitenkaas, Boerenkaas, Nagelkaas, Leidse kaas, Jong, Belegen, Oud, Overjarig |
| Meals | Kaasplank, Broodje Kaas, Kaas with beer, wine, or mustard |
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What You'll Learn
- Specialist shops: Kaashuis Tromp, Kaaskamer, Kef, L'Amuse, Fromagerie Abraham Kef, Kaasland, Cheese & More
- Markets: Albert Cuyp Markt, Noordermarkt, Lindenmarkt, Edam, Gouda
- Restaurants: RIJKS, Gertrude, Lars, Wilde Zwijnen
- Farms: Henri Willig's farms in Katwoude, Volendam, Zaanse Schans, Ridammerhoeve
- Museums: Amsterdam Cheese Museum
Specialist shops: Kaashuis Tromp, Kaaskamer, Kef, L'Amuse, Fromagerie Abraham Kef, Kaasland, Cheese & More
Amsterdam is a haven for cheese enthusiasts, with its abundance of fertile farmland perfect for dairy cows, making the Netherlands a proud cheese-producing nation.
Specialist shops
Kaashuis Tromp
Kaashuis Tromp, located in Utrechtsestraat, offers a fantastic selection of Dutch and foreign cheeses, including French cheeses, and a variety of wines from around the world. The shop also provides samples of any cheese and has plenty already cut. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and speak English.
Kaaskamer
Kaaskamer, situated in the Negen Straatjes (9 Streets) shopping district, boasts shelves stacked high with famous Dutch and international cheeses. If you're not looking to buy a large quantity, you can order a baguette with your chosen cheese. The staff are also happy to advise on creating a cheese board, with recommendations for wine, beer, homemade tapenade, and pesto pairings.
Kef
Kef has a tasting room in Amsterdam-Noord, where you can enjoy a cheese platter with a glass of wine.
L'Amuse
Fromagerie L'Amuse in Amsterdam is known for its cheese tastings, which can be held on-site or off-site. The shop also supplies cheese to restaurants and exports Dutch cheese. The IJmuiden location has a cheese bar and a terrace where you can enjoy a sandwich, fondue, raclette, or an extensive tasting.
Fromagerie Abraham Kef
With three locations in Amsterdam, Fromagerie Abraham Kef offers a selection of raw milk Dutch cheeses and is best known for its expertise in French cheeses crafted by small producers. The shop on Marnixstraat is open Wednesday to Saturday and offers a beautiful selection of French and Dutch cheeses, with the opportunity to pair them with a glass of wine.
Kaasland
Kaasland is a cheese shop located at Haarlemmerdijk 1, 1013 JZ, Amsterdam.
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Markets: Albert Cuyp Markt, Noordermarkt, Lindenmarkt, Edam, Gouda
Amsterdam is a haven for cheese enthusiasts, with its rich history of dairy farming and cheese production. The city offers a plethora of markets and shops where you can indulge in the ultimate cheese experience. Here's a guide to the best markets for Amsterdam's famous cheese:
Albert Cuyp Markt
The Albert Cuyp Markt is Amsterdam's largest and busiest food and clothing market, located in the De Pijp neighbourhood. This vibrant, cosmopolitan market features nearly 300 vendors selling an array of products, including cheese. With its long history and diverse offerings, the Albert Cuyp Markt is a must-visit destination for food lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike.
Noordermarkt
The Noordermarkt, located in the Jordaan area, is an organic market open on Saturdays. It boasts an impressive six cheese stands, making it a cheese lover's paradise. You can find a variety of organic cheeses and indulge in the local cheese culture. The nearby Lindenmarkt, with its 232 stalls, offers even more opportunities to explore Dutch cheeses and other delights.
Lindenmarkt
The Lindenmarkt is a bustling market located just around the corner from the Noordermarkt. With 232 stalls, it offers a wide array of products, including Dutch cheeses. Visiting the Lindenmarkt in conjunction with the Noordermarkt on a Saturday makes for a delightful cheese-filled day.
Edam
For a true cheese adventure, venture outside Amsterdam to the charming town of Edam. Edam is renowned for its world-famous cheese market, which has been in operation since the 17th century. With countless flavours, Edam cheese is a delight for all palates. The town itself exudes Dutch charm, with tiny houses and shops. Take a bus from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Edam Bus Station and embark on a cheesy journey.
Gouda
Gouda, a semi-hard cheese with a high milk-fat content, is often described as the "King" of Dutch cheeses. While Gouda cheese is readily available throughout the Netherlands, the town of Gouda offers a unique experience. During the summer, a traditional cheese market springs to life in the nearby town of Woerden, providing an authentic glimpse into Dutch cheese culture.
Whether you're exploring the lively markets of Amsterdam or venturing beyond to Edam and Gouda, your quest for the best Amsterdam cheese will surely be a delicious and rewarding journey.
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Restaurants: RIJKS, Gertrude, Lars, Wilde Zwijnen
Amsterdam is a haven for cheese enthusiasts, with its abundance of fertile farmland perfect for dairy cows, making the Netherlands a proud cheese-producing nation. The Dutch consume cheese at any time of the day, be it at breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even deep-fried as a snack.
For those seeking a cheesy culinary experience in Amsterdam, there are several restaurants worth considering:
RIJKS
Michelin-starred RIJKS is a fine dining restaurant that offers a cheese board, known as a "kaasplank," for guests who want to indulge in a variety of cheeses with their dinner. The restaurant's cheese course is typically served after the main meal as dessert, so be sure to check the dessert menu.
Gertrude
Gertrude is another recommended restaurant for cheese lovers in Amsterdam. While specific details about their cheese offerings are scarce, the restaurant is known for its seasonal ingredients and heartwarming flavors, with a focus on seasonal vegetables and sustainably sourced fish and meat.
Lars
Lars, a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant located in the Houthavens of Amsterdam, boasts a unique setting with a stunning view of the water. While their menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and creative culinary experiences, they also offer a cheese course that can be added to any of their three, four, or five-course menus.
Wilde Zwijnen
Wilde Zwijnen is a modern Dutch restaurant that serves a fixed menu of three, four, or five courses. They offer a cheese board, or "kaasplankje," that can be added to the fixed menu on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays when they also offer an à la carte menu. The restaurant sources its ingredients locally, celebrating the flavors of the region.
In addition to these restaurants, Amsterdam offers various other cheese-centric experiences, such as tasting rooms, specialty shops, and cheese farms, making it a dream destination for anyone who considers themselves a cheese connoisseur.
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Farms: Henri Willig's farms in Katwoude, Volendam, Zaanse Schans, Ridammerhoeve
The cheese farms of Henri Willigs are popular tourist attractions, offering an insight into the history of the Netherlands and, of course, cheese. All the farms are located in a rural setting, approximately 20 minutes from Amsterdam, and can be easily combined in a day trip. Each farm has its own unique style and offers free parking and admission.
Katwoude
The Jacobs Hoeve farm in Katwoude offers an authentic Dutch experience with a traditional demonstration and tasting.
Volendam
The Alida Hoeve farm in Volendam also offers free parking and a traditional cheese-making demonstration, where you can learn about the history of the farm and the passion for quality cheeses.
Zaanse Schans
At the Catharina Hoeve farm in Zaanse Schans, you can witness a professional cheese-making demonstration. Staff in traditional Dutch costumes will guide you through the process of making Henri Willig cheese, from Gouda to goat and herb cheeses. This farm holds a special place in Dutch history as cheese-making in Zaanse Schans is an old Dutch guild, similar to woodworking and wooden shoe making.
Ridammerhoeve
Although not mentioned by name, Henri Willig's website refers to a third farm that can be visited as part of a tour of North Holland. This farm offers a unique experience with its own distinct style and is located near other attractions, making it easy to plan a day trip.
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Museums: Amsterdam Cheese Museum
Amsterdam is a haven for cheese lovers, with its fertile farmland and dairy cows. The city offers a wide variety of cheeses, from famous Dutch cheeses to foreign varieties.
One spot to get your fill of cheese is the Amsterdam Cheese Museum. While some visitors have noted that the museum is quite small, it offers a free cheese tasting of all its cheeses and provides a wealth of educational information about the history and production of Dutch cheese. Visitors can also dress up as Dutch farmers and take photos. The museum is open daily from 9:00 to 21:00, and entry is free.
The Amsterdam Cheese Museum also has a store with a great selection of cheeses, including goat cheese and old smoked cheese. The cheeses are vacuum-sealed for travel, making it a convenient spot to purchase souvenirs. The store offers free cheese samples, and visitors can learn about cheese-making in Amsterdam. It is located at Prinsengracht 112, 1015 EA Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
In addition to the Amsterdam Cheese Museum, there are other places in the city to find excellent cheese. Kaashuis Tromp, a cheese shop in the city centre, offers a variety of Dutch and foreign cheeses. Local cheese stalls at markets like Albert Cuyp Markt and the cheese markets of Edam, Gouda, and Alkmere (just outside the city) are also great options.
For those who want to enjoy cheese with a meal, ordering a kaasplank (cheese board) at restaurants like the Michelin-starred RIJKS, Gertrude, Lars, and Wilde Zwijnen is an option. Kaasbar is another spot, offering a unique experience with artisanal cheeses on a conveyor belt, paired with wine. For a tasting experience, the Kef tasting room in Amsterdam-Noord is recommended, where you can enjoy a cheese platter with wine.
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Frequently asked questions
While there are many shops and markets in Amsterdam that sell good cheese, the best cheese is found in the Netherlands itself. If you're looking for shops, try Kaashuis Tromp, Kaaskamer, L'Amuse, Fromagerie Abraham Kef, or local cheese stalls at markets like the Albert Cuyp Markt, Noordermarkt, and Lindenmarkt.
Gouda is the most famous Dutch cheese, but there are many others, including Edam, Beemsterkaas, Maasdammer, Nagelkaas, and Boerenkaas.
The best way to buy Edam cheese is abroad, as it is not commonly sold in kaaswinkels (cheese shops) in the Netherlands.
If you're looking for a restaurant in Amsterdam that serves cheese, try RIJKS, Gertrude, Lars, or Wilde Zwijnen. You can also try Kaasbar, a bar that serves artisanal cheeses on a sushi-style conveyor belt.
There are many great cheese and wine pairings in Amsterdam. Geitenkaas (goat's cheese) pairs well with sherry, Maasdammer pairs well with white wine or pale ale, and Nagelkaas pairs well with a couple of beers.
