Amsterdam Family-Friendly Dining: Culinary Adventures with a Toddler
- Anna McLaughlin
- May 2, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 16, 2024
Traveling with a toddler can add an extra layer of excitement and challenge to any trip, especially when it comes to finding suitable places to eat. During our recent adventure in Amsterdam, we encountered the joys and struggles of dining out with a little one in tow.
One of the initial hurdles we faced was the limited space in many restaurants, making it difficult to navigate with a pram or find a high chair for our curious explorer. However, our determination to experience Amsterdam's culinary delights led us to discover some hidden gems that catered to families like ours.
Our gastronomic journey kicked off at Foodhallen, a vibrant food hall boasting a myriad of cuisines under one roof. From savory bites to sweet treats, the array of options catered to every palate. While we indulged in a selection of bitterballen, our little one's taste buds were less enthused, but the lively atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop for our family outing.
Next, we ventured to Bali Brunch 82, a street food café with an open kitchen, where we savored the aromatic flavors of chicken rica rica, chicken satay, and dumplings sambal I Jo. Our toddler happily sampled some rice with sauce and nibbled on the satay chicken, accompanied by their own meal pouch for convenience.
For a taste of Surinamese cuisine, we discovered Restaurant Riaz, a basic family-run eatery serving up chicken satay bara and spicy chicken curry with roti. While we indulged in these flavorful dishes, the fiery spices proved too intense for our little one, who once again opted for their trusty food pouch.

Broodbakker Simon Meijssen became our go-to spot for breakfast, where our toddler delighted in devouring croissants while we savored the flavors of an ossenworst sandwich, a local favorite that may not suit everyone's palate.

A serendipitous discovery led us to Hans Egstorf, a bustling bakery renowned for its freshly made stroopwafels. Watching these sweet treats being prepared before our eyes was a highlight, and they even crafted a miniature version sans caramel for our little one to enjoy.

Reflecting on our culinary escapades, we resolved to plan better for our next adventure, perhaps reserving tables at some of Amsterdam's renowned eateries. However, the joy of wandering the city's streets in search of hidden culinary gems was an experience we wouldn't trade for anything. From food halls to family-run restaurants, Amsterdam's culinary landscape offered a taste of adventure at every turn. 🍽️🍛🥐🥘
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