Traveling w/ Food Sensitivities: Amsterdam
I’m super excited to share a recap of the restaurants I went to in Amsterdam that had great options for those who are gluten-free and dairy-free. Traveling with food sensitivities can be a challenge, but I was so impressed to see how easy it was to navigate this in Amsterdam. Almost every restaurant had gluten-free bread (and it was actually good) and the wait staff were so nice and easy to work with to ensure the meal I was getting was safe and delicious.
I don’t like having an itinerary when I travel, but I do like researching restaurants beforehand so I know what my options are when I’m there. If you’re heading to Amsterdam, add these restaurants to your potential brunch/lunch/dinner list (even if you don’t have a food sensitivity). Every meal we had was delicious!
If you’re looking for traditional Dutch pancakes as soon as you land, head here! I was so excited to try Pancakes Amsterdam because the pancakes are as big as your plate and they have a menu that is gluten-free and lactose-free. They have multiple locations but the biggest one is the one right next to Anne Frank House, located in Jordaan. Definitely make a stop (or two) here for some Dutch pancakes!
If you’re gluten-free and dairy-free like me, when was the last time you were able to get bagels and cream cheese? Oh right, never. Enter Bagels & Beans! Not every bagel is gluten-free but every cream cheese flavor is vegan (which means it is also dairy-free). I was in heaven because I can’t remember the last time I was able to eat this combination (without it being from my own kitchen). They have multiple locations throughout Amsterdam. It’s the perfect spot for a quick and casual breakfast/brunch.
We ended up at Box Sociaal for brunch one day and it was delicious! I ordered a simple brunch of scrambled eggs, avocado, and gluten-free toast. The gluten-free toast tasted like real sourdough. It was so good that I had to double check with the waitress that it was gluten-free. They have two locations in Amsterdam. One in Plantage and one in Jordaan.
We ended up here because another place we read about was too busy, and I’m so glad we did. The menu is different types of eggs benedict (hello, the restaurant name) and it was literally the best eggs benedict I’ve ever had. They even had gluten-free bread that again, didn’t taste gluten-free at all. FYI - the gluten-free bread option is not listed on their menu but they definitely have it! Located south of Jordaan, close-ish to the Rijksmuseum.
We had a chill dinner night and ended up at Burger Fabriek. I had to write about it because the burgers were SO good. I also had their fries and the burger came with a gluten-free bun. They have multiple locations in Amsterdam.
This place was so unique and a great spot for date night. Heads up - make a reservation in advance! Before you’re seated, you pick out your apps, main meal, and sides (all based around fresh seafood). Then, you head to the bar to grab a drink before being seated. The food was amazing and the staff was super helpful in helping me figure out what apps/entrees/sides to go with based on my gluten-free and dairy-free preferences. Located in Jordaan, southwest from Anne Frank House.
A cute, quaint seafood restaurant located in Jordaan. A good spot for a simple meal of fish, potatoes, and vegetables. The menu is not super gluten-free or lactose-free friendly, but the kitchen staff whipped me up a good meal anyways!
When you’re in Amsterdam, be sure to check out the Albert Cuyp market, located in De Pijp. We came across Dam Brownie Co who makes gluten-free and lactose-free brownies. I only grabbed one but I wish I would’ve grabbed a few because they were delicious!
Some other restaurants I wanted to check out but we didn’t have time: Bakers & Roasters, Croque Madame, Sue Bites Bar.
Also, be sure to stop in Albert Heijn (grocery store), head to the gluten-free section, and get you some gluten-free stroopwafels to snack on throughout your trip :)
Photo by Adrien Olichon on Unsplash