Eating

Amsterdam Travel Tips from Bart van Olphen of Bart’s Fish Tales

Conversations with Locals

Fishermen pal around with him. Home cooks bookmark his Youtube channel for fish recipes. Meet Bart van Olphen, the hero of sustainable fishing. From clam-diving with fisherwomen in India to salmon fishing with his friend Maxine in Alaska, he has made it his mission to feature the faces behind where all our seafood comes from. Catch what Bart has to say about how you should explore his hometown of Amsterdam, where to go for bagel and smoked salmon, and what you should do when eating raw herring. 

Photo: David Loftus

 

What do you feel defines Dutch cuisine?

For a long time, we were used to eating simple meals with lots of potatoes, in particular mashed potatoes with veggies and meat. Nowadays, the Dutch cuisine is much more multi-cultural thanks to all the different kinds of cultural food influences.

Bart van Olpen with a fisherman in The Netherlands from Bart’s Fish Tales. Photo: David Loftus

 

What are some local food you feel travellers can’t leave Amsterdam without trying?

Definitely kibbeling, those are deep fried fish nuggets. Then you have to try the lovely raw herring that you eat in one large bite. Okay, you don’t have to, but it’s the way you’re supposed to eat it.

For something sweet: poffertjes. Those are small pancakes topped with icing sugar and a lump of butter. As an alternative, croquette (kroket in Dutch) or little croquette balls (bitterballen in Dutch) with some mustard is also very nice. Last but not least, a dish you really have to try is green pea soup with smoked sausage or meatballs. I’m sure you’ll get addicted!

Boquerones and Tomato Bread from Bart’s Fish Tales. Photo: David Loftus

 

Grilled Tuna with Sesame and Soy Mayonaise from Bart’s Fish Tales. Photo: David Loftus

 

Where are your favourite restaurants in the city?

One of my favourites is Restaurant Bordewijk if you’re in for some pure and high class food. If you’re in for some fancy seafood, you can go to The Seafood Bar at Spui. On the other hand, you could eat at the lovely Le Petit Latin restaurant. The most famous Chinese restaurant is called Nam Kee, they even made a movie named after the restaurant; Oysters at Nam Kee’s. If you’re more into a nice brown café, Café Hoppe at Spui is the one. It’s very authentic with old-fashioned barrels behind the bar. The typical Dutch way is to order a fluitje (a flute). Another cosy but more modern café is Bar Spek.

What’s a typical Dutch breakfast for you? 

We don’t have a particular breakfast culture, but if you want to have a nice breakfast, I would refer you to Bagels & Beans. There, I really like to eat my weekly toasted bagel with smoked salmon. Delicious!

Bart van Olphen from Bart’s Fish Tales. Photo: David Loftus

 

Name one Dutch dining etiquette most travellers miss

If you eat a raw herring, you have to eat it in one piece! You grab the herring by its tail, throw your head back, let the herring slide in and enjoy the delicious taste of this lovely fish.

Another thing we are world famous for is Going Dutch. Most of you guys know this expression, which means every person pays for himself, and in some cases this is true. But nowadays even the Dutch are becoming a bit more sophisticated.

What is one Dutch food you can’t live without? 

Pan fried sole with a classic butter sauce. Lovely, I would not know how to live without it!

Fishermen in the Maldives from Bart’s Fish Tales. Photo: David Loftus

 

What would you recommend travellers do in Amsterdam to experience the city as a local?

Rent a bike and enjoy the new upcoming spots, such as de Pijp, or take the ferry with your bike to Amsterdam North.

Where can we go to see your favourite view in Amsterdam?

The beautiful white sandy coast of the Wadden Sea. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a seal or catch some delicious cockles. During low tide, you can even take a fantastic walk on the seabed.

Follow Bart’s adventures on his website, Instagram and Youtube.

 

WHERE TO EAT IN AMSTERDAM 


Restaurant Bordewijk
Where: Noordermarkt 7 /HS, 1015 MV Amsterdam 
For: French food with a Dutch twist

The Seafood Bar
Where: Spui 15, 1012 WX Amsterdam
For: Fresh seafood

Le Petit Latin
Where: RV The Netherlands, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 306, 1012 Amsterdam
For: French food

Nam Kee
Where: Geldersekade 117, 1011 EN Amsterdam
For: Chinese Cantonese food

Café Hoppe
Where: Spui 18-20, 1012 XA Amsterdam
For: One of Amsterdam’s oldest pubs

Bar Spek
Where: 1057, Admiraal de Ruijterweg 1, 1057 Amsterdam, Netherlands
For: Fried bread and nutella

Bagels & Beans
Where: Van Baerlestraat 40, 1071 Amsterdam 
For: Bagel and smoked salmon

 

WHERE TO GO IN AMSTERDAM 


De Pijp
Where: De Pijp District, Amsterdam
For: Café hopping and shopping

Wadden Sea
Where: Wadden Sea, Netherlands
For: Nature and seal watching

The Eating Guide to Ko Lanta, Thailand

Asia

Somewhere south of Krabi, there is a secluded oasis away from the crowds of overly touristy islands in Thailand. At Ko Lanta, it’s all about enjoying life with simple pleasures. You’ll see tourists resting on hammocks in the island’s rustic Drunken Sailors café, restaurants opening as late as 11 am, and cars cruising along the deserted roads.

This little piece of paradise reminds us that sometimes, all it takes is to sit back and watch the world go by, to enjoy the true meaning of travel.

Look forward to: Removing your shoes before entering any place indoors, as is their custom.

Drunken Sailors 

Where: 116 Moo 5, Ba Kantiang, Ko Lanta 81150, Thailand
What: Pancakes and English breakfast set
For: Breakfast

It’s hard to miss this laid-back café with travellers lazing on the several hammocks and bean bags around tables with plates of American-styled food. You can often find cats lying around on the chairs at Drunken Sailors, seemingly unaware of guests dining just next to them. The homemade fries are top notch, but it’s their breakfast sets that made me fall in love with this casual joint. Two pages long of breakfast options, ranging from English breakfast sets, to fluffy pancakes with tropical fruits, to English muffins with homemade jams.

Red Alert Restaurant

Where: 272 Moo 5, Koh lanta yai, Krabi 81150, Thailand
What: Waffles and salami
For: European flavours

If you’re looking for European flavours, then Red Alert Restaurant is the place for you. The restaurant is located in The Houben Hotel, a boutique establishment owned by a Belgian family. Gourmet European food items such as smoked salmon and salami are part of the breakfast menu. The waffles and pancakes are absolutely delicious – what I would expect for Belgian standards. Enjoying your meal with those around you is extremely important, and the restaurant goes as far as to offer 10% off your bill if you surrender your phones to them.

Phad Thai Rock n Roll 

Where: Tambon Ko Lanta Yai, Amphoe Ko Lanta, Chang Wat Krabi 81150, Thailand
What: Phad thai
For: Local Thai food

The retro vibe is unmistakable in Phad Thai Rock n Roll. It felt as though I took a step back to the 60s, and the man manning the wok is actually a guitarist who used to be in a rock and roll band. It’s a small place with less than 10 tables. There’s no doubt that the ingredients right down to the limes are fresh, and the phad thais have that authentic Thai flavour.

Greek Taverna 

Where: 665 Moo 2 Klong Khong Beach, Ko Lanta 81150, Thailand
What: Grilled meats and seafood
For: Greek food

Walk along Klong Khong Beach in north Ko Lanta and you’ll find this Greek food haven. Typical Greek specialties such as gyros and moussaka can be found on the menu at Greek Taverna, but the grilled seafood and meat platters sure hits the spot when it comes to soaking in the beach atmosphere. The owner comes from Greece, and you’ll be hard pressed to find something tastier or more unique along this stretch.

Bali Travel Tips from Clarinta Subrata, Regular Beach Junkie & Globetrotter

Conversations with Locals

For digital marketer Clarinta Subrata, there is no place quite like home as being back in Bali. Despite growing up in Jakarta, Bali has always held a special place in her heart, evident from her gazillion travel photos of the lush tropical island on her Instagram feed. This Indonesian may love pristine and secluded beaches, but she readily trades her aviator shades and swimsuit to soak in the cultural atmosphere of mystical Ubud. Clarinta names her top outdoor activity to do in Bali, where you can get Luwak coffee for $1.50, and her love for Nasi Campur. 

Photo: Clarinta Subrata

 

Which part of Bali do you love the most?

My favourite part of Bali has got to be Ubud. There’s a reason this special place in Bali was featured in Eat Pray Love! To me, it is the most spiritual and most beautiful part of Bali. It’s full of beautiful lush green paddy fields, gorgeous Yoga studios with great classes and yogis, countless tasty organic restaurants, and an endless supply of amazing temples. I cannot get enough!

How is Balinese food different from other parts of Indonesia?

While the majority of Indonesia is Muslim, Bali is predominantly Hindu. This means, unlike other parts of Indonesia, pork plays a large part in Balinese cuisine. Their most famous dish is Babi Guling, which is crispy roasted pork with rice and spices. Apart from that, I’d say that those who love Indonesian food will also love Balinese food – there is just so many similarities!

Name one local dish you feel travellers can’t leave Bali without trying

Definitely Nasi Campur! Nasi Campur, literally translated, means ‘mixed rice’. It’s a plate of everything – rice, meats and vegetables cooked in various different ways. It’s the perfect way to try 6 to 8 different types of side dishes in one meal. The best place to get this is at Warung Made, which has 2 branches, in Seminyak and in Kuta.

Vegetarian Nasi Campur. Photo: Clarinta Subrata

 

Name one Balinese dining etiquette most travellers miss

Eating food with your bare hand is normal and traditional. The right hand is always used, while the left hand is considered ‘unclean’ and never used to eat or pass food with.

Where are your favourite eating places in Bali?

There are just so many! Bali is a food heaven. Firstly, Bebek Tepi Sawah’s crispy duck is to die for. As mentioned earlier, Warung Made is an institution, and the Nasi Campur is not to be missed. If you’re after delicious, healthy and organic food, KAFE in Ubud has lots of vegetarian options. In Seminyak, upscale French restaurant Metis has amazing ambience. Lastly, Kilo in Kuta has extremely chic fusion food. Everything on the menu is always delicious.

Food at KAFE. Photo: Clarinta Subrata

 

Photo: Clarinta Subrata

 

What is one must-do outdoor activity in Bali? 

Cycling the Ubud countryside! The full-day cycling tour invites you to relish Balinese landscapes and daily life on two wheels with a local guide.

They start by picking you up from your accommodation, where they will then ascend by car to the top of Mount Batur. You will then enjoy a stunning sunrise over the mountain while enjoying a simple yet delicious Indonesian breakfast.

Afterwards, you’ll each be given a mountain bike, and begin your descent for about 90 minutes. These 90 minutes are one of the richest experiences in Bali that you’ll ever have. First, you stop at a Balinese coffee plantation to discover tropical coffee and taste about a dozen different types of coffee beans. This includes the Luwak – the most expensive coffee in the world! Don’t worry, here it costs just $1.50 for a glass. After that you cycle through paddy fields, art galleries, and traditional villages. You’ll stop at a traditional Balinese compound and understand more about how the locals live. The entire trip then cumulates into a satisfying lunch by the rice fields – a charming buffet style Balinese food galore that is sure to hit the spot after 4 to 5 hours of cycling.

Photo: Clarinta Subrata

 

Name one hotel you fell in love with in Bali

Maya Resorts, Ubud. What I love about it is how tranquil and lush the entire compound is. Every staff you meet offers you a warm smile, and no request is ever too much.

There are two extremely picturesque infinity pools. One with a serene view of the forest, the other, a terraced one, with a calming view of the river. A stay at Maya Ubud will even include lots of free activities such as free yoga classes, free access to the golf course and tennis court. Stay in the villas, not the rooms, for a completely serene experience.

Infinity pool at Maya Ubud. Photo: Hugo Kruip

 

What would you recommend travellers do in Bali to experience the area as a local?

Rent a motorbike. Only when you ride like a local, will you see things as a local.

 

WHERE TO EAT IN BALI


Made’s Warung
Region: Seminyak and Kuta
Where: Jl. Raya Seminyak, Banjar Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia (and more)
For: Nasi Campur

Bebek Tepi Sawah
Region: Ubud
Where: Jalan Raya Goa Gajah, Br. Teges Peliatan, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia
For: Crispy duck

KAFE
Region: Ubud
Where: Jalan Hanoman 44B, Padang Tegal, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
For: Organic food and vegetarian options

Metis Restaurant
Region: Seminyak
Where: Jl. Petitenget No. 6, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
For: High-end French food

Kilo Bali
Region: Kuta
Where: Jl. Drupadi No.22, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
For: Fusion food

 

WHERE TO STAY IN BALI


Maya Ubud
Region: Ubud
Where: Jalan Gunung Sari, Banjar Ambengan, Desa Peliatan, Ubud, Kec. Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
For: Tranquil villas