Katendrecht has now become a trendy area of Rotterdam. Harry-Jan Bus was the first person to see the potential in Katendrecht, the former red-light district of Rotterdam. Thanks to him and his wife Rachèl van Olm, these days the neighbourhood offers culinary hotspots and theatre. Written by Chantal Lindsen Photos by Bart Hoogveld If you saw…
The wild flowers on the tables say it all. Jim de Jong’s says his restaurant creates dishes using “the best nature has to offer”. Seasonal vegetables, flowers and herbs feature in his kitchen located under the hip Hofbogen, a stone’s throw from the Hofplein and its landmark fountain. Some of the produce comes from de…
A hip organic eatery decorated with green living walls. This sustainable restaurant’s vegetarian and vegan customers are spoilt for choice, whether they are coming for breakfast (pancakes with blueberries), lunch (sweet potato burger) or dinner. Tip: Try the Meatless Loaf or Kapsalon, a healthy version of the famous Rotterdam junk food meal, with tempeh, sweet…
Meet Rotterdam’s most popular snack, the broodje Suri. Words: Ellen Scholtens If you like exotic yet familiar flavours, then a broodje Suri is the ideal snack for you. It is Surinamese bread, which is a bit like a pistolet bread roll, with Surinamese fillings. Or as Surinamers call it: toespijs. Given the former Dutch colony’s…
Unplugged – The Suicide Club A night of live music at Rotterdam’͛s coolest rooftop bar, where you can enjoy concerts, spoken-word performances, live painting and vinyl records (you can even bring your own). Entrance is free, but if you want to have dinner or be sure of a good spot, do reserve a table through the…
Fancy tapping some home-brewed beer while you eat? Guests eat and drink among the beer tanks at this city centre brewery. They can even draw their own refreshments, with a choice of Thoms Keilen, Thoms Weizen, Thoms Hoppy Pale Ale, Thoms Brut IPA and others. Beer really doesn’t get any fresher. But if ale isn’t…
Rotterdam-West’s top deli, established more than 100 years ago with a Royal warrant of appointment, and a reputation as a trusted supplier of local and imported delicacies. For quality breads, cheeses, meats, luxury olive oils, vinegar, coffee, tea, and wine. It’s all available in the shop annex and lunchroom. Vermeyden delicatessen also sells filled rolls…
It may not be the easiest coffee bar in town to find, but it’s got to be one of the best. Tucked away in Glashaven, Harvest is owned by Zjevaun Janga, winner of the 2012 Dutch Championship Barista competition. So you can expect really good coffee, as well as healthy breakfasts and lunchs such as…
Hotspot: The Foodhallen Words: Ellen Scholtens Photo: Bart Hoogveld A former warehouse transformed into a designer hotel with its own mercado is the latest hotspot at Kop van Zuid. Located in a historic building that, from 1818 onwards, was originally used to store tea, seeds and nuts. The mercado, or food court Foodhallen Rotterdam, dishes…
Koekela is an American-style cakes and cookies store. During the weekend, Rotterdammers will line up here to get their fix of brownies, bars, muffins, cakes, scones and other irresistible treats sold by weight or per item. Also cheesecakes, lemon and meringue pies, and Koekela’s very own version of American Pie. Everything is made by hand…