Amsterdam, the dairy epicenter of the Netherlands, is a haven for cheese lovers. Whether you’re a fan of the world-famous Gouda and Edam or prefer more unique varieties like Blu de Graven and Delft’s Blu, Amsterdam has something to satisfy every palate. Explore the city’s best cheese shops and markets to experience the full spectrum of Dutch cheese craftsmanship.
The Amsterdam Cheese Museum
Start your cheese journey at the Amsterdam Cheese Museum, located close to the Anne Frank House in the Prinsengracht. This charming museum provides an excellent introduction to the history and culture of Dutch cheese. The staff, dressed in traditional clothing, offer tastings of various cheese types in the museum’s shop.
Albert Cuypmarket
For a lively cheese shopping experience, visit the Albert Cuypmarket. This bustling market, just east of Museum Square, features over 280 stalls, many of which specialize in cheese. Arrive early to chat with vendors and taste a variety of cheeses, alongside other Dutch specialties like poffertjes, stroopwafels, and raw herring.
Noordermarkt and Nieuwmarkt
On Saturdays, head to the Noordermarkt in the Jordaan area for a selection of organic cheeses at this farmers’ market. Just around the corner, the expansive Lindenmarkt offers even more cheese varieties. Another excellent Saturday option is the Nieuwmarkt near St. Anthony’s Gate, a historic farmers’ market trading for over 300 years, where you can find unique and rare cheeses.
Riddammerhoeve Goat Farm
Escape the city’s hustle and bustle with a visit to the Riddammerhoeve Goat Farm in the Amsterdam Forest. Participate in a three-hour cheese-making workshop, where you can milk goats and sheep and craft your own goat cheese. The farm also has a shop where you can purchase a range of their cheeses.
Henri Willig Cheese Shops
Discover Henri Willig cheese shops across Amsterdam, located on Kaashuis, Kaaskelder, Warmoesstraat, and Singel streets. These specialty shops offer a diverse range of cheeses, including innovative flavors like asparagus, fenugreek, red chili pepper, coconut, truffle, honey, and thyme.
Old Amsterdam Cheese Shops
Despite its name, Old Amsterdam cheese is not made in Amsterdam but is still a must-try. Visit their shops at Damrak, Singel, and Kaaswinkel to sample this Gouda-style cheese, along with other flavored varieties such as Green Pesto, Jalapeño, and Chili.
Kaashuis Tromp
Near the Flower Market, Kaashuis Tromp is another gem for cheese enthusiasts. This specialty store focuses on organic, artisan farm cheeses and offers a wide selection, including Stolwilker Gaten, Romero, and the artistically named Old Classic of Van Eck.
Touring Amsterdam’s Streets
Amsterdam’s streets are dotted with specialist cheese shops and grocery stores offering an array of cheeses and related products. Strolling through the city becomes a delightful cheese voyage, with opportunities to taste and purchase cheeses at almost every turn.
Enjoying Cheese in Amsterdam’s Bars & Restaurants
Cheese is a staple on the menus of Amsterdam’s bars and restaurants. Try traditional kaasblokjes (cheese cubes with mustard), deep-fried kaassoufflés, or kaasstengels. Many restaurants also feature local cheese plates as entrées or desserts, and during winter, fondue made with Dutch cheese is a must-try.
Excursions Beyond Amsterdam
For those willing to venture outside the city, the nearby towns of Edam, Gouda, and Alkmaar offer additional cheese experiences with historic reenactments of traditional cheese markets and charming local shops. Each town has its own unique cheese-related attractions, providing a deeper understanding of the Netherlands’ rich dairy heritage.
Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or simply curious about Dutch cheese, Amsterdam’s cheese shops and markets offer a delectable adventure. Explore the city’s best cheese destinations and immerse yourself in the flavors that make Dutch cheese world-renowned.