Amsterdam
Part of places
Everyone I know has a strong opinion on Amsterdam. There’s no “meh, whatever”. People either love it or love to leave it. Some reasons I know people love Amsterdam: access to cultural events and places, big city many people, things happen here.
I love Amsterdam because of how I fit in here. Having grown up in the southern countryside, I love that, as a fat queer person of color, I don’t really stand out in this city. People mind their business, but not so much that I feel isolated.
Favorites
Shops
- A. Boeken, tucked away in one of Amsterdam’s most touristy streets, this fabric store has been my go-to place for years. Packed to the brim with fabrics and sewing materials, I always find what I’m looking for, thanks to the specialized people who work there.
- Amazing Oriental, a Chinese supermarket with a wide variety of food and condiments, and wonderful porcelain.
- De Balkonie is our favorite plant store. Great for gifts, and the owner Friederike Joppen always knows the answer to our questions.
- Duikelman is the fullest and finest cooking supply store in the city
- Java Bookshop, a gem in the neighborhood, this Black-owned shop serves literature from dead white men and living people of color.
- Educulture,
Lunch & dining
- The Cottage
- Sazanka, teppanyaki
- Undercover Amsterdam, omakase and sushi
Markets
Food
- Fromagerie Kef, cheese
- Gebroeders Niemeijer, bakery
- Kaashuis Tromp, cheese
- Slagerij Cees de Bouter, butcher
- Slagerij De Leeuw, butcher
- Van Avezaath Beune, patisserie
- Vishandel Tel, seafood
- Hoi Tin, Chinese
Coffee spots and cafes
- Coffee Company Javaplein
- Thuskomme
- Koffiesalon
Theatres
Barber
- Gray and their shop Kindred Kuts
Eyewear
Swimming
- Flevoparkbad
- Noorderparkbad
Fun facts
- Sometimes in the morning when you’re biking to work, you might find that the air in Amsterdam smells like dark chocolate powder. It’s most likely the chocolate factory in Zaandam.
- When I’m abroad and I smell the scent of weed, I am hit with a bout of strong nostalgia for the city. When I’m home and I smell it, I feel disdain.