Before travelling I do a lot of research. I plan. I make sure that I have read reviews so there is the smallest risk possible of eating somewhere rubbish. I guess it’s because I’ve got little ones with me now who are not so easy to uproot and go somewhere else.
So, on a cold and wet evening after a visit to the Heineken experience in Amsterdam, I was pleasantly surprised to find this restaurant by total chance on the ubiquitous Albert Cuyp Straat. We had intended to go to a sushi place but it was closed. Serendipity is a wonderful thing.
Bazar is set within a former Dutch Reformed Church so it’s huge. The decor is Middle Eastern with huge chandeliers and lanterns hanging from the domed ceiling. It matches the Middle Eastern-style food that’s served here all day.
Stunning and enormous lampshade
The table settings are all different and eclectic in their own way. The crockery is all available to buy too which could have made this a very expensive dinner if I’d been given the chance to look and shop!
Wonderful crockery
The first thing to note is that there is a children’s menu which wonderfully in tune with the rest of the menu. No fish fingers here but instead Tavuksis (roast chicken) kebab, falafel with roast potatoes, mayonnaise, fruit salad and ice cream for dessert. All for 6.80 euros. Great value.
Children’s meal
The menu is vast and so my husband and I took ages to choose. We opted for Bizar Bazar which was a fresh tuna and prawn kebab with a stew of fresh fish in tomato sauce, served with rice, fried potatoes, yoghurt sauce with moesir and salad. We never did find out what the moesir was but it was truly stunning in presentation and taste. The kebab was perfectly cooked.
Prawn and tuna kebab
The rice was beautifully spiced. I could have eaten just this.
Bejewelled rice
What made it really unusual was the rather simple tomato soup and tabbouleh salad which were served alongside everything. Lovely soup for dipping the roast potatoes and cooling your palette after the fresh chillies. For 15 euros each it was good value too.
simple and delicious accompaniments
We really wanted to try the baklava but were just too full. Even the girls were struggling with their ice creams. We were also getting full up just looking at all the food being served around us.
We’d got there early at 6.30pm but only had the table til 8pm. It was completely full when we left so I would recommend being organised and booking ahead.
We paid about £40 for all four of us which included all the drinks and food and wonderful service from the friendly staff. I’ll definitely be going back!
Bazar Amsterdam – Albert Cuypstraat 182 1073 BL Amsterdam
- Phone +31-(0)20-6750544
- English Menu