For many Americans, Thanksgiving is the most important holiday on the calendar. Being away from home during the Thanksgiving period can be tough for some, but, thankfully, there is plenty on in Amsterdam. Whether you choose to dine out, pick up some treats, or cook at home … this helpful guide should have you feeling right at home.
Dining Out
Turkey, stuffing, gravy, squash, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, apple pie … all the comforts of home without cooking or cleanup. Here are some venues in Amsterdam offering Thanksgiving Dinner on 28 November. Reserve a place now!
Cafe Belcampo has a true community dinner where attendees are asked to bring an appetizer or dessert, while they provide the rest. Doors open at 18:00. You must reserve places through their website.
Wyers Restaurant is hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner served family style – no multiple courses, but a table full of many traditional favorites. Served from 17:30 – 22:00. Call 20 620 0500 or email to reserve a place.
Seasons Restaurant, in the Jordaan, has several options for your Thanksgiving feast: three or four-courses, lunches or dinners, and Wednesday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday seatings! Choose an option that suits your family. Reservations required.
Grand Cafe Lokaal is serving up a traditional Thanksgiving three course feast; parties of four or more can order their own turkey! Reservations required.
Hard Rock Cafe is offering a two course Thanksgiving meal between 12:00 – 22:00 on Thanksgiving Day.
Doing it Yourself
If you live in Amsterdam, and you have a big enough kitchen, then getting all the ingredients will be the main concern. The following locations should help you get what you need:
The Turkey
Fred & Yolanda de Leeuw (Utrechtsestraat 92) can source the best French Bresse poultry for your big event. Tel. 020-623 0235
Chris Kip (Albert Cuypmarkt) sells all manner of fowl including turkey. Order from an array of sizes, whether serving five or 25. Tel. 06-1652 0494
Kelly’s Expat Shopping can get you a turkey (you can order from 14 November) and Stove Top stuffing, graham cracker pie crusts, and loads of other imported Thanksgiving comforts.
Slagerij Arie van de Raa is in the Gelderlandplein shopping centre, near Amsterdam Zuid. You can order a turkey up to 10kg! Tel. 020-644 1486
Slagerij Alain Bernard (Albert Cuypstraat 133) is a French butcher and knows his turkeys. Place an order. Tel. 020-662 4572
Marqt supermarket will have some organic birds in stock but they recommend you talk to the butcher about size requirements and have them order it in for you. Tel. 020-422 6311
Hergo the retail butcher chain with stores across Amsterdam can order a turkey for you.
De Hoenderspecialist Paul de Wit offers wild turkeys at farmers’ markets on Haarlemmerplein on Wednesdays, Minervaplein on Fridays, and on Buikslotermeerplein, Lindegracht, and Jacob Obrechtsplein on Saturdays. He also can be found at the Grote Markt in Haarlem.
The Trimmings
Cranberries (veenbessen) are readily available and are even grown locally on the Dutch island of Terschelling. Marqt and Albert Heijn frequently sell fresh cranberries (AH also sells frozen). Health food stores De Tuinen, Natuurwinkel, or Ekoplaza offer organic cranberry jam and syrups.
Eichholtz Delicatessen on the Leidsestraat stocks Stove Top Stuffing mixes, pie filling, jelly, and more.Tel. 020-622 0305
Dirk, Super de Boer, Jumbo and C1000 supermarkets often stock marshmallow fluff and root beer.
Tjin’s Toko in the Pijp carries many American products; check there for marshmallows, stuffing mixes, and other holiday treats. Tel. 020-671 7708
Sligro and Makro are wholesale supermarkets, and if you know someone with a business account, you can easily pick up all the ingredients you need; sprouts, cranberry relish, and many alternatives to turkey including pheasant, duck, or hare.
Kelly’s Expat Shopping in De Pijp has all kinds of comforts from home.
If you can’t make it to the shops on time, try ordering from USfoodz for pumpkin pie filling and other American treats.
The Equipment
If you have decided to cook, but you don’t have a roasting pan, a turkey baster, thermometer or the required number of pots and pans, then you may want to stop by one of the bigger kitchenware stores in town:
Kookwinkel Divine & Delicious is a long term supporter of Amsterdam Mamas and has grown along with us over the years. If you can’t find it here, your kitchen probably doesn’t need it.
Duikelman in de Pijp is a large store full of great equipment and accessories.
De Pittenkoning in the middle of the Albert Cuyp market is smaller, but packed with useful tools.
Studio Bazar has trendy, colourful, and quirky items in their two centrally located stores.
Deksels at Haarlemmerdijk 129 is a tiny spot packed from top to bottom with all things cooking.
Some Gall and Gall locations rent out wine glasses and other party items if you are running short.
This article was originally reproduced with permission from Iamsterdam but has been updated each year by Amsterdam Mamas.
