Private 10 Taste Amsterdam Food Tour by UNESCO Canals and Jordaan

A 3 to 4-hour journey into Amsterdam’s culinary soul, the Private 10 Taste Amsterdam Food Tour by UNESCO Canals and Jordaan offers a personalized experience for food lovers. Priced at $191.58 per person, this tour is perfect for those eager to explore the city beyond typical tourist spots while enjoying over 10 tastings across 5 carefully selected local venues. The tour starts at Gastrovino Amsterdam in Spuistraat and ends back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

This private tour stands out thanks to its intimate setting, guided by a knowledgeable local who tailors the experience to your preferences. It’s ideal for travelers who want a relaxed pace with plenty of time to enjoy each stop, while also learning about Amsterdam’s food culture from passionate vendors. While the price might seem steep for some, the inclusion of delicious tastings, drinks, and personalized attention makes it a worthwhile adventure for culinary enthusiasts.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience led by a local guide with deep roots in Amsterdam
• Over 10 tastings including cheese, chocolate, Stroopwafels, herring, and more
• Visits to 5 authentic venues across 3 historic neighborhoods: Spui, Jordaan, and UNESCO canals
• Guided walk through iconic sites such as the Anne Frank House vicinity and the Negen Straatjes shopping district
• Flexible stops and routes tailored to your interests, with options for dietary needs
• Includes drinks like wine, jenever, tea, coffee, and soda, at various stops

Starting at Gastrovino Amsterdam in Spuistraat

The tour kicks off at Gastrovino Amsterdam, located on De Mannen Van Kaas, a beautiful cheese cellar in a 17th-century merchant house. Here, your guide introduces the route and begins the journey with a focus on Gouda cheese and wine pairing. This initial stop sets the tone for a mixture of food and storytelling, emphasizing authentic Amsterdam flavors.

The welcoming atmosphere of the cheese cellar offers an intimate start, where you learn about the local cheese-making traditions while sampling some of the finest Gouda varieties. The guide’s personalized approach means the route can be adjusted for particular tastes or interests, making this experience feel exclusive.

Tasting the Dutch Sashimi at JONK Herring Stall

Next, the tour visits Jonk, a family-owned herring stall dating back to 1982. Here, you get a taste of “Dutch Sashimi”, a cured herring that has been eaten in the Netherlands for over 1,000 years. The cured herring is served fresh and healthy, offering a unique flavor that captures a traditional Dutch delicacy.

This stop is notable for its authenticity and history. The herring is only available during tours that start at latest 16:00, so timing is important if you want to indulge in this local favorite. The stall’s long-standing family tradition adds a layer of cultural insight that enriches the tasting experience.

Discovering a Hidden 15th Century Garden and Church

The guide points out a secret garden from the 15th century, with a hidden house church that many locals do not know about. If time allows, the guide offers a peek inside, revealing a piece of Amsterdam’s lesser-known history. This quiet corner provides a peaceful contrast to the lively food stops, offering a glimpse into the city’s past.

Though not a formal part of the itinerary, this discovery adds a sense of adventure and exclusivity, emphasizing the tour’s personalized nature. It also showcases the guide’s deep local knowledge, making each route unique to the group.

Exploring the University Inside an Old Church

The tour includes a visit to a 400-year-old university located within a historic church building. Positioned within the vibrant Spui University area, this stop highlights the city’s intellectual legacy. The area buzzes with students, bookstores, and local cafes, creating a lively backdrop for your exploration.

This stop combines history with modern-day Amsterdam, giving insight into the city’s academic traditions. The guide shares stories about the university’s history and its role in city life, enriching the cultural context of your tasting journey.

Savoring Stroopwafels at Hans Egstorf

A highlight for many, Hans Egstorf, Amsterdam’s oldest bakery, serves freshly made stroopwafels. These sweet, caramel-filled waffles are considered superior to Belgian waffles by locals and visitors alike. The bakery’s traditional techniques ensure a gooey, buttery treat that delights every time.

This 10-minute stop includes a tasting of the iconic Dutch snack, with the guide explaining its origins and significance. The warm, freshly baked stroopwafel offers a comforting pause and a quintessential taste of Amsterdam.

Walking Through the Jordaan Neighborhood

The tour takes you into the stunning Jordaan district, famous for 400-year-old houses, tiny canals, and lively houseboats. This neighborhood exudes charm and authenticity, with many family-run eateries and hidden corners. You’ll get a sense of local life away from tourist crowds.

While strolling, the guide points out historic buildings and explains the area’s evolution. The atmosphere is relaxed, giving time to appreciate the architecture and ambiance while discovering tasty stops en route.

Relaxing at Café Hegeraad in Jordaan

A visit to Café Hegeraad, a traditional “brown café”, offers a taste of local Dutch “gezelligheid”. Over a local beer or a slice of homemade apple pie, you experience a warm, inviting atmosphere that has welcomed locals for over a century.

This stop emphasizes social aspects of Dutch culture, with the guide sharing stories about the café’s history. The setting provides a cozy break and a chance to soak in authentic neighborhood life.

Discovering the Singel Canal’s Charm

The tour includes a walk along the Singel, Amsterdam’s oldest canal, once a defensive moat. This picturesque waterway reflects the city’s historical importance and its transformation into a vibrant part of urban life. The guide highlights the canal’s significance and points out notable views.

A brief stop here allows for photos and a deeper appreciation of how Amsterdam’s waterways shaped its development. The canal’s scenic beauty makes it a fitting highlight during the walk.

Shopping in the Negen Straatjes (Nine Little Streets)

The Negen Straatjes district offers a lively shopping experience set against 400-year-old canals. Known for its boutique stores, vintage shops, and cozy cafés, this area perfectly blends history with modern shopping. The guide leads you past popular spots, with time to browse or grab some famous Dutch fries.

This district provides a lively, colorful contrast to the quieter neighborhoods, rounding out the tour’s cultural and culinary exploration.

Indulging in Chocolate at Puccini Bomboni

The tour concludes at Puccini Bomboni, a renowned chocolate boutique. Its selection of famous Dutch bonbons celebrates the Netherlands’ reputation as a cacao importer, with 1.5 billion cacao beans imported annually. The shop offers a variety of high-quality chocolates for tasting and purchase.

This sweet finale leaves a lasting impression, allowing guests to indulge in Dutch-made confections and perhaps take some treats home.

Logistics and Tour Details

The tour begins at Gastrovino Amsterdam in Spuistraat 330 and concludes at the same location. It’s a private experience, meaning only your group participates, which allows for a tailored and flexible pace. The duration is approximately 3 to 4 hours, with stops crafted to match your interests and the group’s rhythm.

The tour includes tastings, drinks (wine, jenever, tea, coffee, soda), and a private local guide. Pickup options are available, and the tour accommodates dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, pescetarian, or gluten-free options. No tips are included in the price, giving flexibility for gratuities.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This private food tour is perfect for those who appreciate authentic local experiences and want to avoid tourist traps. It’s especially suited for foodies, history lovers, or anyone curious about Amsterdam’s neighborhoods and culinary traditions. The flexible route and attentive guides make it a great choice for small groups seeking a personalized, comfortable adventure through the city’s flavors.

While the price may seem high, the inclusion of more than 10 tastings, drinks, and customized attention justifies the expense for most who value quality, intimacy, and knowledge-sharing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes, the tour offers vegetarian, pescetarian, and gluten-free options if informed at booking and communicated to the guide.

What is included in the price?
The price includes 10 tastings such as cheese, chocolate, Stroopwafels, and herring, along with drinks like wine, jenever, and coffee, and a private guide.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the pace and stops.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Gastrovino Amsterdam in Spuistraat 330.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is this a group or private experience?
This is a private tour, exclusively for your group, ensuring a tailored experience.

This Private 10 Taste Amsterdam Food Tour offers a rich, authentic look into Amsterdam’s culinary scene with personalized service, diverse tastings, and scenic neighborhoods. It’s especially recommended for those wanting a detailed, small-group experience that combines food, history, and local culture in a relaxed setting.