SIMONE'S VEGGIE FAVORITES

When you receive an email in your inbox from a loyal reader asking for (vegan) restaurant tips in Amsterdam, you naturally start typing like crazy. Because even though I may be a newbie in Amsterdam, I know how to find the right snack spots by now. For all my vegan friends; my five all-time favorites. Let me know if you’ve been!

– The Meets

Almost all dishes at The Meets are vegan and incredibly delicious. Everything is organic and they work with many local and fairly produced ingredients. Sensitive stomachs can also find a place here; they mainly cook gluten-free and no refined sugar is used. My favorite? The Sri Lankan Curry Bowl and the Farinata.

– Betty’s

A friend recommended restaurant Betty’s to me. Here they serve a changing three-course menu with delicious vegetarian and organic dishes. What I love most about this place is that you get small plates for the starter and dessert so you can share your food. I don’t share all the plates, though. I mention a plate with pumpkin stew with almonds and couscous. Do save some room, because for dessert you can choose from the various cakes they bake themselves.

– Meatless District

This vegan spot is inspired by the Meatpacking District in New York, complete with an industrial touch. And that brings me right to the recipes. The menu at Meatless District features dishes without meat and dairy. Everything is prepared with products from local suppliers. As a huge açai bowl freak, I highly recommend you drop by for a massive smoothie or fruit bowl. Prefer a savory breakfast? Go for the tofu scramble, it’s so incredibly delicious. But also for a good lunch (I’m just mentioning a croquette from the vegetarian butcher or an artichoke sandwich) you have to go to Meatless District.

– Bar James

I first went here with my lovely vegan friend from Maastricht. Since then, this has become one of my favorites. Bar James is a whisky bar and vegan restaurant in one. Nice combo, don’t you think? In any case, it’s anything but basic. The tempeh satay is a favorite. But you shouldn’t miss the Thai Massaman curry either. Do you have some room left? Poached pear with chocolate ice cream and chestnut puree says enough, I think.

– ManaMana

Just like me, head over heels in love with Ottolenghi? Then hurry to ManaMana. This cozy Israeli spot creates the most beautiful combinations on your plate with vegetables. Falafel gets a little twist here; it’s made from broad beans. Definitely worth trying. I’m addicted to roasted eggplant and they just happen to have that on the menu. And how! Roasted eggplant with tahini and pomegranate seeds, buttery soft with salty tahini and sweet-tart pomegranate.

And keep emailing, I really enjoy it. All questions and/or tips to simone@amayzine.com