Foodhallen, Amsterdam’s food Mecca

Foodhallen might just be Amsterdam’s food Mecca—and after nearly ten years of visits, i’ll die on that hill. More than fifteen different types of food ranging from burgers to falafel, fish to pastries, good vibes, and music. What more could you ask for? That was exactly what I thought when I first came here, and after almost a decade, it’s still one of my favorite places in the city, if not on Earth. I will give you some guidance on this abandoned tram station turned food spot and my recommendations that’ll guarantee an amazing experience. Let’s get into it.

The run-down

First things first, let me tell you what Foodhallen actually is. Besides what you can guess from the name of the place, it is somewhat of a hall full of food. More specifically, Foodhallen used to be an old tram station that decommissioned a long time ago. Since then it’s been picked up and renovated into a permanent communal space for creatives and food trucks. Besides Foodhallen, you’ll also find a cinema, café, bookstore, and bike rental. Creativity flows through every crevice of this place, and it’s awesome. But I digress. Let’s get back to the food, the best part. More than fifteen food trucks will be nestled inside a huge indoor quart yard, with a bar in the middle, a beer garden, and a wine bar to quench your thirst. You can find almost anything here; pulled pork, pastries, oysters, dim sum, it’s all there. All you have to do is pick your poison and go for it.

You might get overwhelmed by all the choices, and that’s fair enough, everything looks incredible. You’ll probably spend the first ten minutes walking around debating with yourself on what to eat first. Here are some of my go-to options that I can’t get enough of every time, and I know you will love them.

The Butcher

First up, The Butcher. You might think ‘‘what? burgers? why would I go for a burger here??’’. I get it, it’s the obvious option, but hear me out. This isn’t your everyday ordinary burger. Juicy and thick beef patties, a fresh bun that just gives in to the weight of your fingers, and toppings that’ll have you salivating from the moment they hit your tastebuds. The best part? Just like all the spots in the Hallen, it’s an open kitchen. You’ll see the burgers sizzling on the grill, fries crisping up in the hot oil, and the careful construction of your next meal. If the smells don’t convince you, the view will.

The Rough Kitchen

Sticking with the carnivore theme, the rough kitchen is an absolute must when visiting Foodhallen. Pulled pork that just melts in your mouth, pork belly that’ll blow your mind, and chicken that falls off the bone. My first memory of coming to Foodhallen was with my mom. I was only ten when I came here for the first time. After walking around for a couple of minutes, I knew that a pulled pork sandwich was all I wanted. A crisp ciabatta bun, pulled pork piled high, and to top it all off, a refreshing coleslaw propped on top. It was a bite of heaven. To this day, a bite from that sandwich brings me back to that memory, and I can’t leave without having one.

Taqueria Lima

If you’ve read my blog before, you know how much I love a good taco. It’s a little pocket of goodness, and this taqueria delivers in every way. I’d love to recommend a specific item from their menu, but really, it’s their sharing platter you should be aiming for. Home-made tortillas, sauces and marinades made in-house, and meats that just absorb the flavors like nothing I’ve ever seen.

Mer Du Nord

Last but not least, we divvy away from the meats and move over to fish. Mer Du Nord does a lot, but what you should be looking for is their little slider-sized sandwiches. These things are to die for. They use bao buns, which means that the bread has been steamed instead of baked, causing it to become fluffy and light. Their best version is the codfish. A nugget of battered codfish on a bed of seaweed, glazed with soy and put between that beautiful bread. The fish is crispy and flaky. The seaweed adds a hit of salty freshness, with the soy adding an umami bomb to finish. You really can’t go wrong here.

The Final Bite

These are just a few of the many you’ll find at Foodhallen. Whether you’re a vegetarian or a die-hard carnivore, there is something for everyone. Having praised this food spot in the last 500 words, I want to remind you that this place is quite pricey. Most food here is above the average price you’d pay for a meal, so be prepared to spend some cash. But, while Foodhallen leans toward the pricier side, the quality, creativity, and variety make it all worthwhile. Because of this, I’d highly recommend coming here with a group of friends. Divide and conquer, meet at a table, and try as many different stalls as you can. Just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it’s not worth a try, right?