The Ultimate Student Guide to Eating and Drinking at AUC

Online or IRL, the AUC community definitely has it's perks. However, as more people join the Facebooks groups each year, posts sink to the bottom and questions about restaurants get recycled each time. Wouldn't it be great if you had something like an ultimate eating and drinking guide that addresses your food-related concerns? Now you do. 

The AUC Chapter may already act as your go-to resource for such questions, but with so many new bars and restaurants, a trusty guide is necessary. Grab your bikes and navigate Amsterdam's up-and-coming food scene with total ease.

1. You're cramming for exams and the UvA libraries are full: Volkshotel

Exam time hits the entire student population of Amsterdam like a storm. All you want is a reasonable amount of working space free of social distractions and some readily-available coffee. Is that asking for too much? 

When thinking of proximity, productivity, aesthetics, and caffeine availability, the Volkshotel comes to mind. The ground floor is part of Werkplaats, which is exactly what the name translates to: workspace. It's got unlimited wi-fi, plug availability, and an atmosphere that sends a rush of productivity the minute you walk in. Also it's 10 minutes away by bike, making it closer than some of UvA's main libraries. 

What to order: Roasted Beetroot Wrap, Chai Latte

2. You need your coffee fix on campus: Polder

First years of AUC, you may not know this but Polder was just recently renovated. What you have now is a much more student-friendly space for both group work and self-study time. Otherwise, it's still extremely convenient for grabbing drinks to catch up with a friend or grab a coffee between classes, and their food never disappoints.

3. You're over Science Park and need a new study café: Coffee Company

Sometimes called the office outside of the office, Coffee Company at Javaplein is always full of people working away on their laptops or chatting about projects. The atmosphere provides the perfect working environment, and the delicious coffee aroma keeps you alert and focused. As a bonus, CC is only a 5 minute bike ride away from the dorms so you can roll out of bed and be working right away.

What to order: Blended cappuccino or Iced Coffee

Location: Javaplein 14, 1094 HW Amsterdam. 

4. You're craving Burritos: The Burritomaker

With the amount of burrito places in Amsterdam, this stuffed delight should be considered more of a delicacy. It's safe to say that within the small variety, these places get the art of burrito-making right. More specifically, The Burritomaker handcrafts them with such care that you can really get a taste of all the ingredients. While you're at it, you might as well grab a beer from the Brouwerij 't IJ situated right across. 

What to order: Burritos with extra guac. 

Location: Zeeburgerstraat 4, 1018 AG Amsterdam, Netherlands

5. You're trying to be healthy: SLA

SLA will make sure you're satisfied in both taste and nutrition. Choose one of their pre-made bowls or create your own, and even accompany it with a fresh juice or smoothie. Not only is their food great study fuel, but the interior is study-friendly. This vegan-friendly salad spot is only 5 minutes from the dorms on bike, right around the corner from Oostport.

What to order: Protein Power Bowl, Spinach Falafel, Orange Smoothie Bowl

6. You want to relax with a nice beer: De Biertuin

De Biertuin is right across from Oosterpark, making it another convenient location. Their terrace is always packed in the evening, whether it be in the middle of the winter or on a hot summer evening. The atmosphere is very lively, or 'gezellig' as the Dutch would say. With 14 beers on tap and dozens more by the bottle, De Biertuin is the place to sit back and enjoy a cold one. 

What to order: Vuur en Vlaam or Dead Pony

Location: Linnaeusstraat 29, 1093 EE Amsterdam

7. You're craving Sushi: Vijf Nul Vijf

As a sushi-lover, I was ecstatic to find, Vijf Nul Vijf, a so-called Asian Hotspot in Amsterdam Oost. Coming from Toronto, I consumed the infamous raw-fish dish a few times a month. When I first began living in Amsterdam, I consumed it a few times the whole year. 

Vijf Nul Vijf is conveniently placed in the vicinity of the Lidl and Turkish Markets. Not only do they have fresh, delicious fish, but the minimalist interior design turns into a relaxing atmosphere that's perfect for an intimate date or chilled night out with friends. 

What to order: Seaweed Salmon Salad, Crunchy Prawn Roll. 

Location: Insulindeweg 505, 1094 MK Amsterdam

8. You're craving Thai: Thaicoon

Attracting both the locals and foreigners, Thaicoon offers a huge variety of meat, seafood, and veggie dishes. It's known to be one of the best Thai restaurants in the city, with decent-sized portions at a very reasonable price. You'll definitely want to bring your appetite to this place. 

What to order Gaeng Ped Koong (Shrimp in coconut milk, bamboo shots, and red curry) or Neua Nam Tok (grilled beef with fresh mint, Thai herbs, and chili powder) 

Location: Beukenplein 10, 1091 KG Amsterdam, The Netherlands

9. Your parents are visiting and they're footing the bill: De Kas

Back in the 1920s, De Kas was owned by the Amsterdam's Municipal Nursery and was in danger of being demolished. However, with the help of his friends and family, the founding chef, Gert Hageman, was able to save and transform it. If you're a locally-conscious foodie, you'll be glad to hear the restaurant grows its own produce and uses that to cook their dishes. 

What to order: Menu is changed depending on what's in season. Chef's choice.

Location: Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, 1097 DE Amsterdam 

10. If you're feeling fancy: Louie Louie

One of the newest additions to Amsterdam East, Louie Louie is the place to be and be seen. Rumored to have the biggest outdoor terrace in the area, it is the perfect place for a nice cocktail in the evening. Their menu has a wide range of food, from tacos and tostadas to fish and barbecue dishes. Their lively atmosphere makes it a neighbourhood favourite. 

What to order: Sweet Potato Fries or their 1.5 L pitchers of sangria

11. You're craving Italian: Gallizia

"A proper Italian in the heart of Amsterdam East," is what this place has reviewers saying. Don't be fooled by the small selection on their menu, because Bar Gallizia is an expert when it comes to food and drinks. Some even believe they have the best wines in the city, or at least in the eastern part of Amsterdam. Sitting out on the terrace with a good wine is the perfect way to enjoy the vibes of up-and-coming Javastraat. 

What to order: Focaccia (with dips), Wine (type will depend on your preference) 

Location: Javastraat 67, 1094 HA Amsterdam

12. You're craving something sweet: Rum Baba's Bakery

You may know rum baba as a traditional yeast-cake that's soaked in rum and then filled a whipped or pastry cream. In Amsterdam Oost, Rum Baba is a small, vibrant café slightly hidden from sight. Although that doesn't stop them from having a high reputation in the area.

Not too long ago, the café decided to open a bakery only a few steps down from their original location. They've got baked goods for the health-conscious and not-so-health-conscious, but in the end either choice will be worth it. Pair it with their finely-roasted coffee or imported tea and your sweet tooth will thank you.

What to order: Matcha Latte, Choco Coco Bar, Almond Pear Cake, Pistachio Muffin. 

13. You're craving Indian: Koh-I-Noor

If you’re looking for one of the most authentic Indian cuisines out there, Kah-I-Noor is your go-to. As the first Indian restaurant in the Netherlands, the family business has kept the tradition strong with a menu that hasn’t changed since 1981. On the plus side, the slightly longer bike ride to and from the dorms will help you burn off their flavorsome Chicken Birriani.  

What to order: Kebab Tandoori, Smundri Birriani

Location: Centre: Rokin 18, 1012 KR Amsterdam. West: Westermarkt 29, 1016 Amsterdam

14. You're going for your squad brunch: Bakers and Roasters 

If you're looking for a place that brings their A-game for brunch, then Bakers and Roasters is definitely a must. This is the kind of place where you most certainly need to consult the menu beforehand. Whether you want to indulge, have it on the lighter side, or can't decide between sweet or savory, this New Zealand-inspired eatery will leave you satisfied on every end of the spectrum. 

What to order: The Pancake Stack. 

#SpoonTip: Order a savoury dish and share the pancake stack between you and your friend(s). Trust me on this one.  

Location: Closest from the dorms: Kadijksplein 16, 1018 AC Amsterdam. 10 min extra biking time: Eerste Jacob van Campenstraat 54, 1072 BH Amsterdam 

15. You or your friends don't eat meat: Beter en Leuk

Beter en Leuk provides healthy but incredibly delicious vegan meals, worthy of taking even your non-vegan friends. Choose a place outside on the small front terrace, or maybe grab the high tea and enjoy the quaint vibe of the café. Looking to polish your vegan cooking skills? They’ve got workshops for that as well.  

What to order: Sweet potato pancakes (offered for brunch) or the veggie sandwich with sunflower seeds, tzatziki, sundried tomatoes, avocado and rucola.  

16. You're craving a slice: da Portare Via

If you're one of the few who cave in to the Spar pizzas, you may change your mind after having a slice from Da Portare Via. They offer student discounts and are within walking distance of the dorms, otherwise you may opt for delivery. It's also said that their desserts aren't too shabby either.

What to order: Pomodorini Fresca, Tartufi Con Coppa Di Parma, paired with the cheapest red wine. 

17. You want to kick back on the terrace with a glass of wine: BLEND

Oostpoort accommodates many cute restaurants, but Blend is one not be be missed. Blend has a quiet interior perfect for studying, and a spacious patio for sipping on iced lattes or a crisp glass of white wine. Known to have an extensive wine list and delicious organic snacks, it is an ideal place for an evening drink with friends, just five minutes biking from the dorms.

What to order: Mokka, Chocolate Cake, House-made wine