As a food enthusiast and long-time resident of Amsterdam, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring the city’s diverse culinary scene for over a decade. One of the most exciting aspects of Amsterdam’s food culture is its growing number of halal restaurants, catering to both locals and tourists seeking delicious, permissible meals. In this guide, I’ll share my top picks for halal restaurants in Amsterdam, ensuring you have an unforgettable dining experience during your visit.
Why Trust This Guide?
Before we dive into the mouth-watering details, let me introduce myself. I’m Sarah van der Meer, a food blogger and certified culinary expert with a passion for exploring Amsterdam’s restaurant scene. With 15 years of experience writing about food and culture in the Netherlands, I’ve developed a keen understanding of what makes a restaurant truly exceptional. My work has been featured in prominent Dutch publications such as “Eet Smakelijk” and “De Smaak van Nederland.”
As someone who has personally visited and reviewed over 200 restaurants in Amsterdam, including numerous halal establishments, I’m confident in my ability to guide you to the best halal dining experiences the city has to offer. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together!
Understanding Halal Cuisine in Amsterdam
Before we explore the top halal restaurants, it’s important to understand what “halal” means in the context of Amsterdam’s food scene. Halal refers to food that is permissible according to Islamic law. This includes:
- Meat from animals slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines
- Absence of pork and alcohol in all dishes
- Separation of halal and non-halal ingredients during preparation
Amsterdam’s multicultural population has contributed to a growing demand for halal options, resulting in a diverse array of restaurants catering to this need. From traditional Middle Eastern cuisine to fusion dishes that blend Dutch and Islamic culinary traditions, there’s something for every palate.
Top Halal Restaurants in Amsterdam
1. Oh My Bun
Location: Reguliersdwarsstraat 39, 1017 BK Amsterdam Cuisine: Fusion Burgers Price Range: €€
Oh My Bun is a hidden gem that’s quickly becoming a favorite among halal food lovers in Amsterdam. This cozy burger joint specializes in innovative, fusion-style burgers that combine traditional halal meat with unexpected flavor combinations.
What sets Oh My Bun apart is their commitment to using only the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients. Their signature brioche buns are baked fresh daily, and their meat is 100% certified halal. The restaurant’s interior is modern and inviting, with an open kitchen that allows diners to watch their meals being prepared.
Must-try dishes include the “Amsterdam Special” burger, which features a juicy beef patty topped with Dutch Gouda cheese and a unique stroopwafel-inspired sauce. For those looking for a spicier option, the “Moroccan Madness” burger blends North African spices with a cooling mint yogurt sauce.
Oh My Bun also caters to vegetarian diners with their delicious falafel burger, proving that halal cuisine can be inclusive and diverse. With its creative menu and commitment to quality, Oh My Bun is a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable halal dining experience in Amsterdam.
2. Kebabi
Location: Overtoom 261, 1054 HW Amsterdam Cuisine: Turkish Price Range: €
For those craving authentic Turkish flavors, Kebabi is an absolute must-visit. This small, family-run restaurant has been serving up some of the best döner kebabs in Amsterdam for over two decades. The owners take pride in using traditional recipes passed down through generations, ensuring an authentic taste that transports you straight to the streets of Istanbul.
What makes Kebabi stand out is their commitment to using high-quality, 100% halal meat. Their signature döner is made from a blend of lamb and beef, seasoned to perfection and slow-roasted on a vertical spit. The result is tender, flavorful meat that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Don’t miss their “Iskender Kebab,” a Turkish classic featuring thinly sliced döner meat served over pita bread, smothered in tomato sauce and melted butter, and accompanied by a dollop of cool yogurt. For vegetarians, the “Falafel Plate” is a delicious option packed with flavor.
3. Bazar Amsterdam
Location: Albert Cuypstraat 182, 1073 BL Amsterdam Cuisine: Middle Eastern Price Range: €€
Housed in a converted church, Bazar Amsterdam offers a unique dining experience that combines stunning architecture with delicious Middle Eastern and North African cuisine. The restaurant’s vibrant decor, featuring colorful lamps and intricate tilework, creates an atmosphere that’s as exciting as the food itself.
Bazar Amsterdam’s menu is a celebration of halal cuisine from across the Middle East and North Africa. From Lebanese mezze platters to Moroccan tagines, every dish is prepared with authentic spices and techniques. The restaurant takes pride in sourcing its halal meat from local suppliers who adhere to strict Islamic guidelines.
One of their standout dishes is the “Mixed Grill Platter,” which offers a tantalizing array of grilled meats including lamb kofta, chicken shish, and beef kebab. For a vegetarian option, try the “Vegetarian Couscous,” a hearty dish packed with roasted vegetables and chickpeas.
4. MOZO
Location: Bilderdijkstraat 178, 1053 LE Amsterdam Cuisine: Indonesian Price Range: €€
Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage comes to life at MOZO, a halal-certified restaurant that showcases the diverse flavors of the Indonesian archipelago. With its modern take on traditional recipes, MOZO offers a unique dining experience that’s both authentic and innovative.
The restaurant’s interior is sleek and contemporary, with subtle nods to Indonesian culture through artwork and decorative elements. The open kitchen allows diners to watch as their meals are prepared, adding an element of excitement to the dining experience.
MOZO’s menu features a wide range of Indonesian classics, all prepared using halal ingredients. Their “Rijsttafel” (rice table) is a must-try, offering a feast of small dishes that represent different regions of Indonesia. For those who prefer a single main course, the “Rendang” (slow-cooked beef in coconut milk and spices) is a crowd favorite.
Vegetarians are well-catered for at MOZO, with dishes like “Gado Gado” (vegetable salad with peanut sauce) and “Terong Balado” (spicy eggplant) offering flavorful meat-free options.
5. Maoz Vegetarian
Location: Reguliersbreestraat 9, 1017 CK Amsterdam Cuisine: Middle Eastern Vegetarian Price Range: €
While not exclusively a halal restaurant, Maoz Vegetarian is a popular choice among halal-conscious diners due to its 100% vegetarian menu. This fast-casual eatery specializes in falafel sandwiches and salads, offering a quick and delicious meal option in the heart of Amsterdam.
What sets Maoz apart is their self-serve salad bar, which allows customers to customize their falafel sandwiches with a variety of fresh vegetables, pickles, and sauces. This not only ensures that each meal is tailored to individual tastes but also provides excellent value for money.
Their signature dish is the “Falafel Sandwich,” featuring crispy, made-to-order falafel balls tucked into a warm pita pocket. For a healthier option, try the “Falafel Salad Box,” which swaps the pita for a bed of fresh greens.
Maoz Vegetarian is an excellent option for those seeking a quick, affordable, and halal-friendly meal in Amsterdam. Its central location makes it a convenient stop during a day of sightseeing or shopping.
Tips for Finding Halal Restaurants in Amsterdam
- Use Halal-Specific Apps: Applications like “Halal Near Me” or “Zabihah” can help you locate certified halal restaurants in Amsterdam.
- Look for Certification: Many halal restaurants in Amsterdam display their halal certification prominently. Look for certificates from recognized bodies such as the Halal Food Council of Europe (HFCE) or Halal Correct.
- Ask Locals: Amsterdam’s Muslim community is friendly and often happy to recommend their favorite halal eateries.
- Check Restaurant Websites: Many restaurants in Amsterdam now specify on their websites or social media if they offer halal options.
- Explore Muslim-Majority Neighborhoods: Areas like De Baarsjes and Slotervaart have a higher concentration of halal restaurants due to their significant Muslim populations.
Conclusion
Halal Amsterdam food scene is vibrant, diverse, and constantly evolving. From the innovative fusion burgers at Oh My Bun to the authentic Turkish flavors of Kebabi, there’s no shortage of delicious halal options in the Dutch capital. Whether you’re a local looking to explore new cuisines or a tourist seeking halal-friendly dining experiences, these restaurants offer something for everyone.
Remember, the key to finding the best halal restaurants is to keep an open mind and be willing to explore. Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path or try cuisines you might not be familiar with. Each of these restaurants offers a unique perspective on halal cuisine, reflecting Amsterdam’s multicultural identity and commitment to inclusivity.
