Amsterdam Jordaan Food & Drinks Tour with Eating Europe

The Amsterdam Jordaan Food & Drinks Tour with Eating Europe offers a compact yet delicious dive into one of Amsterdam’s most charming neighborhoods. Priced at $119.89 per person and lasting approximately 3 hours, this tour is designed for those who want to taste authentic Dutch cuisine while exploring the city’s scenic waterways and historic streets. Guided by passionate food experts, you’ll visit eight local eateries, sampling everything from award-winning Gouda paired with wine to Dutch apple pie at a 400-year-old café. The tour boasts a small-group format—limiting to 12 participants—which ensures personalized attention and a cozy atmosphere.

Ideal for food lovers and curious travelers alike, this experience emphasizes off-the-beaten-path venues and authentic culinary traditions. While the tour includes several sit-down tastings and alcoholic drinks, it’s worth noting that not all stops are gourmet and some may appeal more for their historical and cultural significance. The tour’s high customer ratings—a perfect 5.0 from over 2,100 reviews—highlight its popularity and quality, but reviews also point out that the overall experience depends heavily on the guide and the specific venues visited.

Key Points

• Affordable and well-rated: Priced at $119.89 with a perfect 5-star rating based on over 2,100 reviews.
• Short but comprehensive: The 3-hour tour covers eight local food stops and several scenic canal walks.
• Authentic Dutch cuisine: Tastes include Gouda cheese, bitterballen, pickled herring, apple pie, and Surinamese dishes.
• Expert guides: Guides like Danielle, Roxanne, Elena, and Paul are praised for their knowledge, friendly manner, and storytelling.
• Inclusive drinks: Enjoy local wine, beer, and jenever during the tour, adding a relaxing touch.
• Small group size: Limited to 12 guests, providing an intimate experience with personalized attention.
• Cultural insights: The route combines culinary tastings with stories about Amsterdam’s history and architecture.
• Convenient meeting point: Starts at Noordermarkt 48 and concludes at the same location, with easy access via public transport.
• Flexible cancellation policy: Free cancellations are available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Exploring the Jordaan Neighborhood

The Jordaan district is renowned as a former working-class neighborhood that has transformed into a sophisticated gastronomic hub. Your guide introduces the area’s history and culinary traditions right from the start, setting the tone for a delightful mix of sightseeing and tasting. Walking along UNESCO-listed waterways, you’ll pass specialty cafes, established restaurants, and hidden alleys that reveal the neighborhood’s authentic charm.

The route includes walks along Herengracht, showcasing 17th-century mansions, and visits to De Gangen Willemstraat, once known as “the hallways,” which historically housed Amsterdam’s poorest residents. These sights are complemented by stories that connect history with local flavors, enriching the tasting experience.

Tasting Dutch Classics at Historic Venues

One of the tour’s highlights is sampling Dutch classics at historical venues. The experience begins at the Papeneiland Café, famous for its 400-year-old apple pie, which visitors enjoy with coffee, tea, or a cappuccino. The dessert’s family recipe has attracted notable visitors, including Bill Clinton, and remains a local favorite.

Next, at Vishandel Centrum, guests watch fresh herring being prepared and sample kibbeling, a crispy battered fish. This stop emphasizes the freshness and simplicity of Dutch seafood. The Café De Poort then offers a cheese tasting, showcasing four aged Gouda cheeses that reveal the diverse flavor profiles as they mature.

Discovering Multicultural Influences

The tour doesn’t limit itself to traditional Dutch fare. It includes a stop at Mama’s Koelkast, where Mama Jane prepares a Surinamese rotirol, highlighting Indonesia and Surinamese influences that most visitors don’t encounter. This cultural twist adds depth to the culinary journey and reflects Amsterdam’s diverse food scene.

Plus, the visit to Pat’s Poffertjes introduces the miniature, fluffy Dutch pancakes, served warm with butter and powdered sugar. The sweet treat offers a comforting taste of the country’s snacking traditions.

Beverage Selections and Local Drinks

Throughout the tour, included drinks feature prominently. Guests sample local beer, fine wine, and traditional jenever, a juniper-flavored liquor similar to gin. Petit Heemelrijck provides a cozy setting for tasting bitterballen—crispy Dutch snacks—paired with jenever, creating a perfect comeback moment at the tour’s end.

The beverage experience complements the culinary tastings, giving guests a taste of Dutch drinking culture in relaxed, welcoming settings. The guide shares anecdotes about Amsterdam’s brewing heritage along canals like Brouwersgracht, which once lined with breweries dating back to the 13th century.

The Scenic Canal Walks and Neighborhood Highlights

The tour isn’t just about food—it’s also a scenic exploration of Amsterdam’s beautiful canals and historic architecture. Walking along the Herengracht and through De Gangen Willemstraat, guests admire the 17th-century buildings and narrow alleys that tell stories of the city’s maritime past.

The route also passes the Nine Streets, a lively shopping area filled with boutiques and cafés, and the Haarlemmerdijk, a historic trade route connected to Amsterdam’s maritime history and the National Maritime Museum.

The Role of the Guide and Tour Atmosphere

Reviews consistently highlight the knowledgeable guides, such as Danielle, Roxanne, Elena, and Paul, praised for storytelling skills, enthusiasm, and approachability. Guides provide entertaining anecdotes about local history, food traditions, and architecture, making the experience both fun and informative.

The small-group setting ensures everyone has space to ask questions and engage with the guide’s stories. Tour pacing is often praised, with enough time at each stop to enjoy the tastings without feeling rushed.

End of Tour at Petit Heemelrijck

The experience concludes at Petit Heemelrijck, a charming brown café filled with nostalgic atmosphere. Here, guests enjoy bitterballen—a crispy Dutch snack—and a smooth glass of jenever, wrapping up the tour with authentic flavors in a cozy setting. This stop offers a relaxed finish after the busy walking and tasting segments.

Practical Details and Booking Tips

The tour begins at Noordermarkt 48 and ends at the same spot, making logistics straightforward. Booking generally occurs around 45 days in advance, reflecting high popularity. Participants should be prepared for walking and standing for portions of the tour, with accessible routes and near public transportation options.

The cancellation policy offers full refunds if canceled more than 24 hours in advance. Since the tour involves several food stops, those with specific dietary requirements should notify the provider beforehand to ensure accommodations are possible.

Final Reflection on the Jordaan Food & Drinks Tour

This 3-hour guided exploration of Amsterdam’s Jordaan district offers a well-rounded taste of local cuisine and culture. Visitors gain insight into Dutch food traditions, regional history, and scenic canal views, all with the support of enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides.

While some stops focus on traditional snacks and dishes, the inclusion of multicultural influences and historic venues makes the experience more engaging. The small-group format and high ratings underscore its appeal, especially for foodies eager to experience authentic flavors off the typical tourist trail.

This tour is particularly suited for those interested in local history and culture as much as food. It offers a relaxed pace with plenty of tastings and stories, making it a valuable addition to any Amsterdam itinerary. However, for gourmet food connoisseurs expecting fine dining, some venues may lean more toward heritage and tradition than gourmet excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $119.89 fee covers 12 premium food tastings at six venues, four sit-down experiences, and three drinks including beer, wine, and jenever.

How long does the tour last?
The experience is approximately 3 hours long, with walking and tasting stops spread across the neighborhood.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Noordermarkt 48 in Jordaan, providing convenient access via public transportation.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Guests should advise in advance if they have dietary requirements; the provider can advise on possible accommodations, but severe allergies may restrict participation.

What is the group size?
The tour hosts a maximum of 12 guests, ensuring an intimate experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves walking and food tasting, making it ideal for adults and older children, but not recommended for very young children.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel more than 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What type of guide leads this tour?
Guides like Danielle, Roxanne, Elena, and Paul are praised for their knowledge, personality, and storytelling skills.

Is alcohol included?
Yes, the tour includes three drinks—local beer, wine, and jenever—to complement the tastings.

Would I enjoy this tour if I am not very interested in food?
Yes, the history, architecture, and culture stories woven into the tour make it interesting even for those less focused on food alone.