Amsterdam Jordaan Food & Drinks Tour with Eating Europe

If you’re considering a way to really get to know Amsterdam beyond its famous landmarks, a food and drinks tour in the Jordaan neighborhood might be just what you need. Based on thousands of glowing reviews, this Jordaan Food & Drinks Tour offers a tasty journey through one of the city’s most charming and historic areas. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or just someone looking for an authentic experience, this tour promises a hearty dose of local flavor, culture, and stunning scenery—all in about three hours.

Two things we especially love about this experience are the small group size and the variety of tastings. It’s a relaxed, intimate setting where you really get to connect with your guide and fellow travelers, plus there’s a genuine focus on authentic Dutch cuisine that you won’t find in typical tourist traps. A slight consideration is that the tour is quite food-focused and people with severe allergies or dietary restrictions should check in advance, as the experience involves people food rather than gourmet or specially tailored options.

This tour suits those who want a well-rounded, immersive look at Amsterdam’s culinary scene combined with a bit of sightseeing. Perfect for first-time visitors eager to get acquainted with Dutch flavors, or seasoned travelers wanting a local perspective. If you enjoy walking, sampling, and stories that tie history to food, this could be just the right fit.

Key Points

• Authentic Tasting Experiences: You’ll visit local shops and eateries that keep Dutch food traditions alive.
• Expert Guides: Guides are knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about sharing stories behind each bite.
• Cultural & Historic Insights: The tour blends food with stories about Amsterdam’s neighborhoods and history.
• Stunning Scenery: Walk along UNESCO-listed waterways and admire 17th-century architecture.
• Inclusive & Relaxed: Several sit-down tastings, enough to keep you satisfied without rushing.
• Good Value: For around $120, you get 12 tasting stops and multiple drinks, which often feels like a full meal.

The Breakdown of Your Food & Drink Journey in Jordaan

We loved the way this tour is carefully planned to take you through a variety of neighborhoods, with each stop offering something special. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

The First Stop: The Papeneiland Café

Starting with Amsterdam’s most renowned apple pie—a 400-year-old family recipe—this stop sets the tone for authentic, traditional Dutch treats. The pie is served warm and pairs beautifully with your choice of coffee, cappuccino, or tea. According to reviews, this first stop is quite memorable: “Bill Clinton has even stopped here,” a fun fact that adds a bit of local pride. It’s a sweet way to begin, and the quality of the pie keeps visitors coming back for more.

Fishmongers & Pickled Delights

Next, step inside Vishandel Centrum, a classic Dutch fishmonger’s shop. Here, you’ll taste herring and kibbeling, beloved local delicacies. Watching the fishmongers prepare the herring right in front of you offers an authentic experience. As one reviewer put it, “You enjoy these beloved local delicacies,” which really captures the essence of this stop—simple, honest, flavorful.

Cheese Tasting in a Cozy Café

The tour then takes you to Café De Poort, a cozy spot favored by locals. You’ll sample four premium Gouda cheeses at different stages of aging, learning how Dutch cheese evolves in flavor. The guide provides insights into Dutch cheese-making traditions, making this stop both flavorful and educational. Many guests comment on the quality of the cheeses and how much they enjoyed learning about Dutch dairy.

Surinamese Home Cooking

Mama’s Koelkast offers a glimpse into multicultural influences in Amsterdam. Here, you’ll try Mama Jane’s homemade Surinamese rotirol, a flavorful dish that highlights the diverse culinary landscape of the city. Visitors often appreciate this authentic home-cooked meal, and one reviewer said, “It’s a highlight among authentic meals from around the world.” It’s a welcome break from typical tourist fare.

Sweet Dutch Poffertjes

No visit to the Netherlands is complete without tasting poffertjes—fluffy mini-pancakes. At Pats Poffertjes, you’ll watch them being made fresh on the griddle and served warm with butter and powdered sugar. It’s a simple but universally loved treat. As one reviewer shared, “A sweet taste of the Netherlands,” which perfectly sums up this delightful stop.

Waterways & Hidden Stories

Between tastings, your guide will walk you along some of Amsterdam’s most beautiful canals, such as the Herengracht, showcasing historic 17th-century architecture. The tour also explores lesser-known alleyways like De Gangen Willemstraat, once home to impoverished residents, offering insight into the city’s changing neighborhoods.

Unique Local Experiences

The tour includes stops at Brouwersgracht, once lined with breweries dating back to the 13th century, and offers historical context about Amsterdam’s brewing heritage. A particularly poignant moment is viewing the exterior of a WWII site, with your guide sharing stories that relate the city’s past struggles with its culinary culture—adding depth to your understanding.

Ending with Classic Dutch Flavors

Your final stop, Petit Heemelrijck, is another cozy brown café where you’ll indulge in bitterballen—crispy, savory snacks—and enjoy a glass of jenever, a traditional Dutch gin. Many guests say this is a perfect way to unwind at the end of the tour, feeling satisfied and full of local flavors.

What It’s Like to Experience the Tour

The tour lasts roughly three hours, and with a maximum of 12 guests, it remains intimate and relaxed. You’ll walk at a comfortable pace, stopping frequently to taste and listen. The small-group setting allows for more personal interaction with your guide, who shares entertaining stories and insights into each culinary tradition.

The tour’s price is around $120 per person, which is quite reasonable considering you’re sampling food at eight different eateries plus drinks—including wine, beer, and jenever—amounting to a substantial experience. Guests often mention that the tastings are enough for dinner, making this a great value.

While the tour is generally accessible and suitable for most travelers, it’s worth noting that severe food allergies may prevent some from participating safely, especially since the experience involves people food rather than gourmet or vegetarian options. Also, if you’re not comfortable walking through neighborhoods, keep in mind that there’s quite a bit of strolling involved.

Several reviews praise the expertise of guides like Danielle, Roxanne, and Gerard, highlighting their local knowledge, engaging storytelling, and genuine passion, which greatly enhances the experience. You’ll also find that many guests appreciated the combination of history, culture, and food—not just tasting but learning about how the city and its neighborhoods influence the cuisine.

Pros and Cons Recap

Pros

• Authentic, high-quality Dutch bites and drinks
• Knowledgeable, friendly guides
• Small-group intimacy
• Cultural and historical context provided
• Visually stunning canal walks
• Good value for the price

Cons

• Not suitable for severe allergies or dietary restrictions
• Food stops are people-focused, not gourmet
• If you’re not a big walker, some parts might feel brisk

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re eager to taste real Dutch food and want a guided experience that combines culinary delights with local stories, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for first-time visitors wanting a well-rounded introduction to Amsterdam’s food scene, or seasoned travelers interested in deeper insights into the neighborhoods’ history and culture. It’s also a fantastic choice if you prefer small groups and sit-down tastings over hurried, large-group bus tours.

For those who appreciate good wine and local drinks, the included beverages elevate the experience, making it more than just a snack stop. It’s also suitable for travelers who enjoy scenic walks along historic canals, with plenty of opportunity to take photos and soak in the atmosphere.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or people with allergies?
The tour involves various foods and drinks, including fish, cheese, and home-cooked dishes, so severe allergies or specific dietary needs might restrict participation. It’s best to contact the provider ahead of time if you have concerns.

How long does the tour last?
The experience takes about three hours, including walking, tastings, and storytelling.

What’s included in the price?
You get 12 premium food tastings across six notable spots, four sit-down experiences, and several drinks, like beer, wine, and jenever. It’s enough for a hearty meal.

Is the tour family-friendly?
It’s primarily geared toward adults and food lovers. While families with older children can enjoy it, younger kids might find the pace or food focus less engaging.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, which keeps it cozy and allows guides to give personalized attention.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Noordermarkt 48 and ends back at the same meeting point, making it easy to access via public transportation.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility in planning.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Amsterdam Jordaan Food & Drinks Tour with Eating Europe offers a delightful, balanced look at the city’s culinary traditions woven into a scenic neighborhood walk. It’s a fantastic way to get a taste of local flavors, learn about Amsterdam’s history, and connect with fellow travelers in an intimate setting. Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience feel personal rather than commercial.

If you love sampling regional bites, enjoying drinks that complement your food, and walking through charming streets, this tour is likely to satisfy. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want a comprehensive, relaxed introduction to Dutch cuisine, especially when paired with sightseeing along picturesque canals.

For travelers seeking a fun, informative, and delicious way to explore Amsterdam’s vibrant neighborhoods, this tour ticks all the boxes. Just remember to come hungry and ready to learn—that’s what makes it special.

Enjoy your culinary adventure in Amsterdam, and bon appétit!