Amsterdam | Update: de Foodhallen

I have a bit of a critical note today. Yesterday we went back to the, now officially opened, Foodhallen in collective building De Hallen. I've read a lot of raving reviews and although the food is really really nice, I have to say I'm not sure if I should recommend it.

Foodmarkets and foodcourts are very cool and popular all over the world. I've visited the one in Lisbon this summer, as I mentioned before. The thing I loved about that foodcourt was of course the great food andhuge choice, but also the space and air. It didn't smell of fish or cheese and it was light with lots of space to sit. There were about 2 small bars to get drinks, the rest was long comunial tables.

As for the Amsterdam version, it feels more cozy. But also very crowdy, it smells of cheese, fish, steak, potatoes and sausages all put together and the smoke coming from the booths is hanging in the air like a thick layer.

Half of the people there on Sunday could not sit down and where looking for places to put there plates and glasses down for a few seconds. We sat near the doors (or half of us anyway) so we could still breath fresh air and my lenses would not start to get irritated by the smoke. Not everyone might object to eating standing up, but I do.

The food is great, no question about it. Yummie weedburgers, pizza by Pink Flamingo and unique hotdogs by Bulls & Dogs. Great names in the Dutch food industry are represented. So job well done in that department. People seemed more than content with the food.

So, please go there to taste the different dishes on offer, but be prepared not to sit down for a meal on the weekends and if you can, sit near the entrance if you like breathing.

I can only hope they are planning on fixing the problems with the air, because that is the biggest objective. What was your experience?

#current #amsterdam #food