Hidden Gems of Amsterdam’s Jordaan 7 Local Haunts Recommended by a Canal House Hotelier

Post Published March 10, 2025

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In the heart of Amsterdam’s Jordaan, one stumbles upon Cafe De Twee Zwaantjes. Established in 1929, this venue classifies itself as a ‘brown bar,’ a distinctly Dutch designation implying a certain kind of unpretentious ambiance. Stepping inside feels like entering a space deliberately preserved, perhaps resistant to fleeting trends. Local sources within the canal-side hotels often suggest this as a point of interest, hinting at its enduring appeal within a district rapidly adjusting to tourism. The weekly ritual of live Dutch folk music every Thursday provides a sonic backdrop, seemingly a consistent feature for those seeking an audibly traditional experience. This isn’t merely background noise; it’s a programmed element that shapes the character of the place on a specific evening each week. The cafe seems to function as a locus, attracting both neighborhood residents and those passing through, drawn by the promise of established custom. The offerings lean towards straightforward refreshments, likely attuned to local preferences rather than elaborate concoctions, in keeping with the overall tone of practical simplicity.

What else is in this post?

  1. Hidden Gems of Amsterdam's Jordaan 7 Local Haunts Recommended by a Canal House Hotelier - Cafe De Twee Zwaantjes A 1929 Brown Bar with Live Dutch Folk Music Every Thursday
  2. Hidden Gems of Amsterdam's Jordaan 7 Local Haunts Recommended by a Canal House Hotelier - De Reiger Restaurant The Locals Secret for Dutch Meatballs Since 1883
  3. Hidden Gems of Amsterdam's Jordaan 7 Local Haunts Recommended by a Canal House Hotelier - De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam Small Batch Cheese Shop with 400 Year Old Cellar
  4. Hidden Gems of Amsterdam's Jordaan 7 Local Haunts Recommended by a Canal House Hotelier - Winkel 43 The Original Apple Pie Recipe from 1900
  5. Hidden Gems of Amsterdam's Jordaan 7 Local Haunts Recommended by a Canal House Hotelier - Cafe t Smalle Former 18th Century Jenever Distillery on Egelantiersgracht
  6. Hidden Gems of Amsterdam's Jordaan 7 Local Haunts Recommended by a Canal House Hotelier - Woonbootmuseum A Floating House Museum Inside a 1914 Freighter
  7. Hidden Gems of Amsterdam's Jordaan 7 Local Haunts Recommended by a Canal House Hotelier - Noorderkerk Farmers Market The Saturday Morning Meeting Point for Local Chefs





a woman walking a dog on a leash in front of a building, A woman is walking the dog on the sidewalk in front of the facade of Carré theater building. It is located along the river Amstel in Amsterdam city. It is early Autumn; the first leaves are falling and the photo shows the shadows of the street trees. Street photography of old towns in The Netherlands by Fons Heijnsbroek, 2023.


Further into Jordaan’s network of lanes, one can find De Reiger, an eatery tracing its origins back to 1883. This establishment appears to specialize in what locals refer to as ‘gehaktballen,’ or Dutch meatballs. Sources within canal-side accommodations frequently suggest this location as a place that has maintained its appeal over time, especially regarding traditional food preparations. Reportedly, their meatball recipe, utilizing a combination of beef and pork and a set of seasonings purported to be unchanged for over a century, is a central feature. The interior is described as retaining elements of past eras – original wooden supports and older furnishings – creating a setting that suggests a connection to history. It has been noted that the serving size for their meatballs is on the larger end compared to typical Dutch portions, approximately 150 grams each, which could be a factor in its continued local popularity. Despite contemporary culinary trends, this restaurant seems to have sustained its presence






Deeper into the network of streets within the Jordaan, De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam presents itself as a notable stop for cheese aficionados. This shop claims to specialize in small batch cheeses, showcasing a wide array of over 400 options, from Dutch local cheeses to imported selections. A central feature is its supposedly 400-year-old cellar, suggested to contribute to the cheese aging and flavor. Besides cheese, they offer wines, beers, and prepared foods, potentially of interest to those exploring local culinary options. Staff are often mentioned for their ability to assist with cheese selection, aiming for a tailored experience for customers within the shop's setting.
Further along the canals and tucked away in the Jordaan quarter, one might encounter De Kaaskamer, a shop dedicated to cheese. What distinguishes this establishment is less its external presentation and more its subsurface infrastructure – a cellar reportedly dating back four centuries. This subterranean space, built in a period of Amsterdam’s significant commercial expansion, now serves a function linked to the maturation of cheese, a process that relies on controlled environmental conditions. The selection emphasizes cheeses produced in smaller quantities, many sourced from regional Dutch farms, with supplementary imports brought in from locations such as Rungis market outside Paris. The emphasis seems to be on variety, with claims exceeding four hundred types available, ranging from younger, milder profiles to those aged to develop more pronounced characteristics. This is not mass-produced fare but appears to be curated with attention to origin and technique. For those interested in the practicalities of food preservation and flavor development, the existence of an old cellar dedicated to this purpose provides a tangible example of traditional methods applied in a contemporary retail context. The staff are described as informed, suggesting a level of specialized knowledge potentially useful for those seeking specific cheese types or assembling a mixed selection. Beyond cheese itself, the shop also stocks related provisions – wines, beers, nuts, prepared salads, and cured meats – indicating a broader offering aimed at culinary combinations and convenience. Given its location in Jordaan, an area already noted for its concentration of specialized and long-standing businesses, De Kaaskamer fits into a pattern of localized commerce that persists within the city's evolving urban fabric.






structures near body of water,

Winkel 43 stands out as a long-standing feature of Amsterdam's Jordaan, primarily drawing attention for its apple pie. Dating back to around 1900 in recipe origins, this bakery item is presented as a traditional Dutch offering. It’s characterized by a crust said to be flaky and a substantial filling of spiced apples. Whipped cream is often suggested as an accompaniment. Situated within the Jordaan area, a district known for its canals and local establishments, Winkel 43 has become a noted point for those seeking what is described as an authentic taste of Dutch dessert. Both residents and visitors apparently frequent the place for this specific culinary offering. As one navigates the Jordaan, known for its collection of distinct venues and local spots, a stop at Winkel 43 is presented as an opportunity to sample a straightforward example of Dutch baking.
## Hidden Gems of Amsterdam's Jordaan 7 Local Haunts Recommended by a Canal House Hotelier - Winkel 43 The Original Apple Pie Recipe from 1900

Moving through the Jordaan’s network of streets, one finds Winkel 43, a cafe notable for its particular rendition of Dutch apple pie, or ‘appeltaart.’ This establishment highlights a recipe that reportedly dates back to around 1900, a period when many enduring Dutch culinary practices took shape. The pie itself appears to adhere to a specific set of proportions, the balance of sweet and tart apples being a central characteristic. It’s often mentioned that Granny Smith and Jonagold varieties are employed, suggesting an intentional effort to achieve a calculated flavor profile and texture within the filling. The crust preparation method, involving the incorporation of chilled butter into flour, aligns with established European pastry techniques designed to produce a flaky structure, intended to provide a counterpoint to the moist fruit within. In Dutch culture, apple pie carries significance beyond a simple dessert, often functioning as a familiar element in domestic settings and celebratory gatherings. Winkel 43’s version is seemingly regarded as a point of local culinary identity within the Jordaan district. Servings are presented in a notably generous manner, often cited as substantial slices weighing perhaps around 250 grams, suggesting a portion intended for sharing. The cafe reportedly dispenses thousands of slices weekly, a consistent metric of its popularity that has persisted despite shifts in culinary trends and the emergence of more elaborate dessert options. Many patrons appear to favor the addition of whipped cream, a common practice that introduces a creamy richness and moderates the sweetness of the pie. There are indications that Winkel 43 prioritizes sourcing apples from regional orchards, an approach that suggests an emphasis on ingredient freshness and support for local agricultural networks, potentially impacting the pie’s overall quality. Beyond local clientele, Winkel 43 has become a recognized stop for visitors, often featured in travel guides, which has contributed to a perceptible liveliness in the cafe's atmosphere and its integration within the local community fabric. The baking process seems carefully monitored, with specific oven temperatures and durations apparently employed to ensure a balance between a golden-brown crust and a tender, but not disintegrated, apple filling. This level of control suggests a methodical approach to baking, aimed at achieving a consistent outcome in a high-volume environment.






Nestled beside the Egelantiersgracht waterway in Jordaan is Café 't Smalle, an establishment with origins tracing back further than most in the area. Initially a jenever distillery from the 18th century, its foundation is older than many of the district’s present-day attractions. Reopened as a public house in 1978, it retains a perceptible link to
### Surprising Facts About Cafe t Smalle: Former 18th Century Jenever Distillery

Further along Egelantiersgracht, one might notice Café ‘t Smalle, identifiable by its canal-side setting. Originally established in the 1700s not as a public house, but as a distillery for jenever, the precursor to gin, it presents an interesting example of repurposed urban infrastructure. The transition from producing spirits to serving them directly to patrons is a narrative often found within evolving cityscapes. While under the wing of a large brewery since a rather formal reopening in the late






For a more unusual Amsterdam experience beyond the typical canal-side views, the Woonbootmuseum merits attention. Located in a 1914 freighter, the Hendrika Maria, this museum explores the practicalities of houseboat living. Originally a working cargo vessel, it was converted into a houseboat and subsequently into a museum in 1997. Visitors can walk through the converted cargo hold, now presented as a functional living space with authentic interiors that demonstrate the resourceful adaptations for life on
Further along the canals of the Jordaan, an unexpected point of interest presents itself – the Woonbootmuseum, essentially a houseboat converted from a 1914 freighter. This is not a replica or simulation, but the actual vessel ‘Hendrika Maria,’ once a transporter of timber and aggregates on Europe's waterways. Its conversion into a residential houseboat occurred in the late 1960s, a period when Amsterdam began to see an increase in water-based dwellings, partly as a creative response to land scarcity. Decommissioned from residential use in the late 1990s, it then transitioned into its current museum format. Entering the cargo hold, now refitted as living quarters, offers a tangible illustration of spatial adaptation. The interiors are presented as examples of houseboat design evolution, demonstrating solutions for maximizing limited square footage – built-in furniture, compact appliances, and layouts conceived around the vessel's original structure. A presented video apparently details the specific maintenance routines involved in houseboat upkeep, reportedly mandated by insurance stipulations to occur every six years. The museum tour itself is brief, estimated at around fifteen minutes, suggesting a focused, rather than exhaustive, experience. Given that Amsterdam hosts a substantial number of houseboats, approximately 2,500 by some counts, this museum provides a specific case study within a broader context of urban aquatic habitation. Photography is permitted, which from a documentary perspective, allows for a personal record of these spatial and technical adaptations. A restoration effort was undertaken in 2008, indicating ongoing attempts to preserve this example of maritime and urban living history. Within the network of Jordaan’s attractions, it's positioned as a somewhat lesser-known venue, potentially offering a quieter encounter compared to more prominent landmarks.






Amsterdam's Jordaan district on a Saturday morning presents a specific kind of energy at the Noorderkerk Farmers Market. Occupying Noordermarkt square, this weekly event is known to be a focal point for those in the city's food trades. It’s a place where local chefs are said to come to procure ingredients. The market offers a range of items, from organic vegetables to handcrafted breads and cheeses, with a noticeable emphasis on goods produced regionally and sustainably. In contrast to some of the more heavily promoted markets, this one appears to prioritize local commerce and a less overtly commercial atmosphere. A sense of community is palpable, with interactions between vendors and customers, and the presence of the Noorderkerk lending a historical context to the setting. The market has operated for a number of years and seems to maintain a focus on providing quality, locally-sourced provisions, appealing particularly to those involved in Amsterdam’s culinary establishments. It's an opportunity to observe a working facet of the city's food system, rather than just a tourist attraction.


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