Indoor Food Market Hall: The Foodhallen Amsterdam

One of the new additions to Amsterdamâ€™s gastronomic scene is the Foodhallen located in the western part of Amsterdam Centrum. The Foodhallen reminds me of some of the food markets all over Europe that I have been to. My favourite is the Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid because I have a mediterranean palate =)

WTF – Where’s the food? =)

They are not really food markets per se, they are indoor food marketplaces and restaurants where you can walk from one bar and food stall to another to buy your fare and then you can pick a table at the communal eating space. This concept reminds me of the food stalls in Asia, particularly in the malls where you can find food courts. But I guess these ones in Europe are more chic, upscale and gastronomic looking. They are not designed as fastfood food court style to cater a quick eat. There is more effort put in making the place inviting and swanky. It is a place to get together, eat, drink and hang out.

So I was here at Foodhallen Amsterdam (De Hallen) with my good ole friend, Herr Philippe. I see this guy once in a blue moon, and every time, we always get together over food. He was craving for some organic homemade-style burger while I wanted to try all the food in every stand! Goodness heavens haha.

I started food shopping and hit the Spanish section and took a little portion of some Jabugo jamon from the Jabugo Bar Iberico food stand. Next I spied some down under pies! Wild Moa Pies from New Zealand and Australia. I ordered the beef one and the guy behind the stall only spoke English with a certain accent so he must be from down under. I am still not done with my food shopping so I went over to Viet View for some Vietnamese goi con (spring roll with prawns). To complete the whole dinner set, I ordered a Martini Royal drink, the rose version.

We also bumped into some of Herr Philippeâ€™s visiting Chinese friends so we shared a table with them.

After the dinner, we had tea at Her Philippeâ€™s apartment which is just a block away. Iâ€™m looking forward to our next pig out in a year or two =)

Verdict? Foodhallen is cool! I like the mix of the food stands here which is quite varied and very international. Vegetarians and vegans need not to worry as well. Do visit this place at Bellyamyplein in the western part of Amsterdam Centrum. Trams 7 and 17 passes here (tram stops: Bilderdijkstraat, Kinkerstraat, Ten Katemarkt)

Herr Philippe and his cool friend from China. We were quite amused with the artistic piece of the Duck’s butt on display just outside the doors of Foodhallen.

It can get busy here!

Below are the pictures of what we ate.

You know, I always take pictures of my food. I like to remember what I ate. I know that this has become a bit unpopular these days but I will keep doing it because I like doing it =). Being a very visual person, I tend to rely on visuals than my memories you see. But really, snapping pictures makes me happy, and I will continue to do things that makes me happy.

Took these pictures with my iPhone.

Jabugo ham as my starter.

Herr Philippe’s organic beef burger. He needs his meat. He said this was very delicious.

Moi and Herr Philippe. His beef burger from Mr. Butcher came with fries. Sorry for my big face.

This is my main: Beef pie from down under. This is actually a small pie. You need to eat 2 of these to be filled, thus I was craving for more food.

My Martini Royal (rose) drink.

Because the small beef pie was not enough I ordered a portion of gon coi (spring rolls with prawns) from Viet View. Yummy!

Here are more pictures of the food and food stands in Foodhallen Amsterdam:

Check out the interesting names of the burgers on the menu of the The Butcher food stand: Godfather? The Ugly? Silence of the Lambs? The Butchers Wife? =)