Amsterdam: Food Tour with Drinks by Spui, Canals and Jordaan

Are you craving a taste of Amsterdam beyond the typical sightseeing stroll? This guided food tour offers a delicious way to discover the city’s culinary soul while wandering through some of its most charming neighborhoods. Over three hours, you’ll sample 10+ local treats, sip on Dutch spirits, and learn about Amsterdam’s rich food culture—all with the backdrop of scenic canals and historic streets.

What’s truly appealing about this experience is how it combines authentic bites with lively storytelling, making it feel more like a friendly neighborhood discovery than a touristy checklist. Plus, the tour’s flexibility means each guide’s personality shines through, giving you a unique, memorable experience.

A potential consideration is the tour’s focus on walking; if you have mobility issues or prefer less outdoor time, you might want to prepare accordingly. The tour covers multiple neighborhoods, so comfortable shoes are a must.

This experience suits curious travelers eager to taste local flavors, learn about Amsterdam’s history through its cuisine, and connect with the city’s vibrant neighborhoods in a relaxed, informal setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Flavors: You’ll taste over 10 different Dutch bites in 5 beloved spots.
• Lively Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides personalize each tour with hidden gems and local secrets.
• Cultural Insight: Beyond food, you’ll learn fascinating stories about Amsterdam’s neighborhoods and history.
• Generous Sampling: Enough for a substantial breakfast, lunch, or even a decadent dinner.
• Inclusions: Drinks like Dutch spirits, wine, coffee, and soda complement the tastings.
• Flexible & Convenient: 3-hour walk through Spui, UNESCO canals, and Jordaan, with a relaxed pace and small group size.

Setting the Scene: Neighborhoods and Starting Point

The tour begins at Gastrovino Amsterdam – De Mannen Van Kaas, a cozy cheese shop on Spui Square. This lively hub is the perfect starting line—cheese in hand and anticipation high. Meeting early, you’ll likely find the guide waiting in the back or basement, ready to welcome you with enthusiasm and a little cheese to taste.

The choice of starting here sets the tone: a focus on authentic, artisanal Dutch products. The shop’s inviting atmosphere makes it easy to settle into the tour and get excited about what’s coming next.

Welcome and Cheese Tasting

After a brief introduction, expect about 15 minutes of welcome refreshments where you can sample some aged Gouda and other cheeses. The cheese cellar experience isn’t just about tasting—it’s about understanding what makes Dutch cheese world-famous. Reviewers often mention how guides like Pascal or Joeri bring cheese to life with engaging stories, making each bite educational.

We loved the way guides seamlessly weave in local history and customs, enriching the tasting experience. The cheese tasting is a highlight, especially as it sets the tone for the tour’s focus on quality, craftsmanship, and local pride.

Sipping on Dutch Wines and Spirits

Next up, around 15 minutes are dedicated to wine tasting, which, while perhaps unexpected in a food tour, offers a perfect balance to the rich cheeses. You’ll likely sample some regional wines or local spirits like jenever—the Dutch gin. Multiple reviews highlight how guides like Dennis or Todd expertly explain the drinks’ backgrounds, adding a layer of appreciation to each sip.

This segment allows you to relax and chat easily, soaking in the lively ambiance of the neighborhood. The inclusion of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks ensures everyone can enjoy the experience.

Exploring Spui Square and Hidden Gems

The tour then meanders through Spui Square for a guided walk. Expect about 15 minutes exploring this historic spot, learning about its significance in Amsterdam’s literary and cultural scene. Guides often share stories about the square’s history and its role in local life, which adds context to the food stops that follow.

Tasting Local Snacks & Street Food Delights

From there, it’s time to indulge in local snacks—perhaps a warm stroopwafel from a 200-year-old bakery, or traditional Dutch bitterballen paired with beer. Reviewers like Nicole mention how the portion sizes are generous enough to serve as a full meal, making this tour excellent value.

Expect a lively atmosphere during this segment, with guides sharing personal anecdotes about their favorite bites and how they reflect Dutch culinary traditions.

Scenic Walk Along Canals with Food Tastings

The highlight of the tour is the walk along Amsterdam’s canals—a picturesque setting perfect for savoring regional dishes. About 30 minutes are spent sampling regional foods, which might include Dutch sashimi (herring), or Surinamese and Indonesian comfort food—testament to Amsterdam’s multicultural identity.

Travelers consistently mention how the combination of delicious food and stunning scenery elevates the experience. Guides share insights into how these diverse cuisines are embedded in Amsterdam’s social fabric, making each tasting a small history lesson.

Jordaan Exploration & Hidden Food Spots

The Jordaan neighborhood, renowned for its artistic vibe, gets its moment in the spotlight. A 30-minute guided tour here reveals secret spots and local favorites. Expect to taste street food and regional specialties in a charming setting, with plenty of photo opportunities. Several reviews note that guides like Joeri or Aarry bring a genuine warmth, making it feel like exploring with a friend who knows all the best places.

End with Sweet Treats and Final Tastings

The tour winds down at De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets), famous for boutique shops and cozy cafes. Here, you’ll sample Dutch sweets—possibly warm stroopwafels or other regional confections—adding a perfect sweet note to conclude the walk.

The Value of the Tour

For $117 per person, the tour offers a substantial amount of food—equivalent to a hearty breakfast or lunch—and drinks that complement each tasting. The inclusion of local spirits, wine, and soft drinks elevates the experience, making it a true taste of Amsterdam. Compared to dining out at multiple venues independently, this guided experience offers convenience, insider access, and expert storytelling, which many reviewers emphasize as a major bonus.

Multiple reviews highlight the generosity of the tastings and the knowledgeability of the guides—with guides like Dennis, Joeri, and Todd receiving praise for their engaging personalities and local insights. The small group size (max 12) ensures a relaxed atmosphere and personalized attention.

Practical Tips

• Comfortable shoes are essential, as the tour involves walking through several neighborhoods.
• Be prepared for occasional weather, as parts of the tour are outside; rain gear might be handy.
• Arrive early at the meeting point, as you can start sampling cheeses even before the official start.
• Tipping the guides is appreciated and can be done via cash or PayPal.

This experience is perfect for food lovers eager to taste authentic Dutch cuisine in a lively, social setting. It’s also well-suited for first-time visitors wanting a friendly introduction to Amsterdam’s neighborhoods, history, and culinary traditions. Travelers who enjoy walking tours with a relaxed pace and the chance to chat with guides will find this particularly rewarding.

If you’re traveling with family, the variety of tastings and casual atmosphere make this a good choice for kids over age 9—many reviews mention how kids enjoyed the food, especially the sweets and street snacks.

However, if you prefer indoor-only experiences or have limited mobility, you might want to consider other options. Also, be prepared for a full belly—the tour is quite filling and is effectively a complete meal.

This Amsterdam food tour offers a delicious, authentic, and engaging way to discover the city’s neighborhoods and culinary roots. It balances cultural insight with tasty bites and friendly, knowledgeable guides who make each stop feel special. The combination of scenic walks, regional flavors, and lively stories makes it a standout experience for those wanting to get a real sense of Amsterdam’s vibrant food scene.

For travelers who value good value for money, expert local guides, and a chance to sample a variety of Dutch and multicultural dishes, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s especially ideal as a first-day activity, setting a flavorful tone for your trip while giving you plenty of energy to explore further.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler eager to taste local life, this tour offers a genuine taste of Amsterdam that’s hard to beat.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a manageable yet comprehensive way to explore several neighborhoods.

What is included in the price?
You get over 10 tastings across five spots, drinks including wine, spirits, coffee, and soft drinks, plus a guided walk through Spui, the UNESCO canal belt, and Jordaan.

Do I need to pay tips separately?
Tipping the guide is optional and can be done via cash or PayPal—it’s appreciated but not mandatory.

Where do I meet the guide?
The meeting point is at Gastrovino Amsterdam on Spui Square, generally in the cheese shop’s back or basement area.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Many reviews mention children’s enjoyment, especially for ages over 9, thanks to the variety of tasty treats and engaging stories.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably and wear shoes suitable for walking. Bring rain gear if rain is forecast, as parts of the tour are outdoors.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if your plans shift.

This guided food walk offers a warm, flavorful introduction to Amsterdam that blends culinary delights with local stories and scenic views. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, it’s a tasty way to start your Amsterdam adventure.