Here is where you need to be for the tastiest bread
Why do I happily (with the whole editorial team) step into the Thalys heading towards Paris? Well, just for the perfect baguettes, soft creamy eclairs, and pretzels that are bigger than your head. Yet, you don't have to leave the country to score a good French sandwich. I was hooked on my favorite bakery in Maastricht, but luckily I've found my new favorite in Amsterdam as well. Because you know: I become an intensely happy person from freshly baked baguette. Butter that well and sprinkle a pinch of coarse Himalayan salt over it and you've stolen my heart. What are the best bakeries in the country? I've done my best for you. And you know: if I've forgotten one, you can find me.
1. Bread from Koos – Maastricht
Koos van Eijndhoven was already in his father's bakery as a child. His master, then. Now, years later, he bakes artisanal sourdough bread with a lot of love. Koos uses the ‘crème de la crème’ of organic flour from his own region, milled by the Commandeursmolen in Mechelen. Besides a huge selection of freshly baked breads, you will also find the real Limburg pie, the tastiest sugar bread, and rolls for breakfast here. Koos, I miss you, but I'm being well taken care of here.
2. Le Fournil de Sébastien – Amsterdam
This is where you need to be for your baguette, your madeleines, macarons, tart au citron, brioche, and préfou. Le Fournil is, in my opinion, the best bakery in the country. You no longer need to look forward to French breakfasts on the Riviera. You can simply stay in our capital for that. La baguette de tradition Française is made from French ’tradition’ flour and meets strict requirements that are legally established. There can be no artificial additives in the flour or the final product, freezing cannot be used, and the only ingredients that may be used besides ’tradition Française’ flour are water, salt, and sourdough. French baguette as it should be. With a lick of butter and a pinch of salt.
3. Bond en Smolders – Utrecht
Under the gate of the Dom, you will find Bond en Smolders, where the gentlemen still sell pure and mainly sourdough bread. Every morning when you walk over the Lijnmarkt, the smell of warm freshly baked bread greets you. And I don't know, but there is no better smell if you ask me. Besides fresh breads, the men also know how to present the perfect pastry. And uh, I've been told that they have the tastiest eclairs in the city here. Elkie, when are we going?
4. Vlaamsch Broodhuys – Rotterdam
Because I was only allowed to choose one favorite in Amsterdam, I simply passed this one on to Rotterdam. Because the Vlaamsch Broodhuys now has many branches. The bread here is just how you want it. Fresh and with a crispy, crunchy crust. But not only for your sandwich are you in the right place here. The pastries are also smiling at you and believe me: you may not leave the building without a lemon cream tart...
5. Bakery Blanche – Groningen
On Brugstraat in the heart of Groningen, you will find bakery Blanche, where the shelves are filled with delicious, natural, and crispy bread. At Blanche, you not only pick up your half whole grain for breakfast on Sundays, but you can also just sit down for the perfectly baked roll or the tastiest freshly baked croissant.
