Amsterdam: Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood

REVIEW · JORDAAN TOURS

Amsterdam: Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood

3.4 · 10 reviews From $14 Operated by Who Is Amsterdam Tours · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Book on GetYourGuide →

De Jordaan tastes like real Amsterdam. This self-guided food tour sends you through canals and side streets with a PDF guide and discounts at local places you can actually revisit later.

I especially like the independence. You set the pace, you hit the stops that work for your schedule, and the route directions are meant to keep you moving without stress.

One thing to think about: this tour is not suitable for vegans and it is not suitable for gluten intolerance, even though vegetarian options appear at most stops.

Key things I’d bet you’ll care about

Amsterdam: Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood - Key things I’d bet you’ll care about

  • Starts at Broodje Mokum in the heart of De Jordaan, so you begin with something classic and local
  • 7 tasting stops in about 2 hours, with at least 6 always open (some stops may vary day to day)
  • Discounts and tastings at 6 of 7 locations, ordered exactly as the PDF explains
  • Food budget stays reasonable, with total food around 25 euros per person
  • At least 5 vegetarian-friendly stops, but not vegan and not gluten-friendly
  • You get a free 3-day Amsterdam itinerary plus restaurant and activity ideas

Why De Jordaan works so well for food

Amsterdam: Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood - Why De Jordaan works so well for food
De Jordaan is one of the easiest parts of Amsterdam to enjoy on foot. You get canals, charming streets, and that neighborhood feel you cannot get from a quick drive-by. It also sits near major landmarks like the Anne Frank House and the Westerchurch, so even before you eat, the area already gives you plenty to look at.

This tour is built for people who like moving at their own speed. It is self-guided, so you are not waiting around for a group or listening to a timeline that might not match your appetite. You simply follow the PDF directions, show your phone to get eligible discounts, and pay at each stop.

The best part is the structure. You are not just “sampling snacks.” The route is designed around Dutch classics and familiar local favorites, mixed with a few modern twists, so you walk away with a real sense of what De Jordaan tastes like.

The self-guided game plan: what the PDF actually does

Amsterdam: Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood - The self-guided game plan: what the PDF actually does
You will receive a download link by email within 24 hours after booking, and that guide is the brain of the experience. It includes directions to each stop, and it also explains the order you should place to get the discount or tasting.

Here is how to make it smooth in real life:

  • Bring a charged smartphone with internet access, because you need the PDF on your screen.
  • Have payment ready, since you pay at each location (the tour asks for a credit card and cash).
  • Plan to follow the exact item order described in the guide, because the tasting and discounts are tied to that.

Because it is pay-at-the-spot, you avoid the common “paid but still waiting” feeling of some food tours. You grab your food, you move on, and you keep going. It also helps you control your pace, which matters in Amsterdam where streets and queues can change quickly.

Stop by stop: what you’ll likely eat and why each place matters

Amsterdam: Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood - Stop by stop: what you’ll likely eat and why each place matters
This tour starts and ends back at the meeting point, with the meeting point at Broodje Mokum. The overall duration is about 2 hours, covering 7 hotspots. At least 6 stops will be open, even if not every location is operating on your exact day.

Below is what the tour experience is built around, and the “why it’s worth it” angle for each stop.

1) Broodje Mokum, the Jordanese sandwich to start right

You begin with a traditional Jordanese sandwich at a local lunch room that is served in the neighborhood. The big idea here is that you are not starting with a random bite. You are starting with a De Jordaan staple, with toppings that reflect what local food culture is about.

If you happen to be there on Wednesday or Saturday, you may also run into freshly-made poffertjes (baby pancakes) with icing sugar and butter. Even if you do not choose them, the sandwich setup helps you get comfortable with the tour style: order what is described in the guide, get the eligible tasting deal, then keep walking.

Potential drawback: since this is self-guided, you are responsible for keeping the pace. If you linger too long early, the later stops can feel rushed. Still, that is the whole tradeoff of independence.

2) The Dutch cheese shop, where aging is part of the flavor story

Next you move to a cheese shop known for quality Dutch cheeses, from young to old, including flavored options. The tour emphasizes that the selection is aged and curated by a true connoisseur, which matters because Dutch cheese is not one-note.

What you should look for mentally while you eat: aging changes texture and taste, so you are tasting time, not just product. If you like cheese, this is one of the stops that can turn a simple snack into a real memory.

Practical tip: if you have lactose sensitivity, go slow and take small bites at first. The tour is not listing allergies, so you should rely on your own comfort level.

3) Italian ice cream, a sweet break that fits the walk

After cheese, you get an Italian ice cream stop. In Amsterdam, ice cream can be hit or miss depending on the shop and the season. Here, the angle is that this is one of the better Italian ice cream parlors in the city.

This stop matters because it resets your palate. Between cheese and sausage later, a sweet intermission makes the next savory bites more enjoyable instead of heavy.

4) Dutch sausage sampling at a legendary local butcher

Then you hit a Dutch sausage sampling at a long-running butcher that the tour describes as legendary. If you have not had Dutch sausages before, this is a good “no-stress first experience.” It is a straightforward way to try something local without having to decode menus.

Watch your pacing here. Sausage can be filling, and the tour is only about two hours total. If you eat too slowly, you might cut into time for the fish stop later.

5) A 200-year-old brown cafe, apple pie with an American connection

Next comes a historic 200-year-old brown cafe where you can enjoy one of the best apple pies. The tour mentions that a former US president was smitten, which is a fun detail that also gives you a clue: this place is not new, and it has a loyal following.

Apple pie is a classic for a reason. It is easy to like, and it rounds out the tour with something that feels familiar but still Amsterdam-cafe in spirit.

If you are watching sugar, take a smaller bite and save the rest for later if the guide allows. You are meant to keep moving, not settle in for a long dessert break.

6) Dutch fish combo, kibbeling plus herring

Now you get the proper Amsterdam fish moment: kibbeling (fried cod) and herring. The tour calls this an iconic fish history moment, so even if you just care about food, you will likely enjoy learning what you are tasting and why it matters in Dutch eating culture.

This is a good stop because it adds crunch, salt, and a different flavor profile from the cheese and pie. It is also the kind of food that tends to be easiest to enjoy while walking.

Consideration: if fried food does not agree with you, keep it to modest portions. The tour style is fast, so you need something you can handle in real time.

7) A concept store finale, slider plus drink with a local chef

The last stop is a unique Amsterdam concept store where you can enjoy a slider and drink combo prepared by a renowned local chef. This ending matters because it modernizes the experience after the more traditional food.

It is also a nice fit for the final stretch. A slider lets you wrap up without going “all the way” on a heavy meal, and the included drink pairing keeps the last stop from feeling like an extra chore.

One practical note: the tour data says vegetarian options exist at 5 out of 7 stops, but it also says the tour is not suitable for vegans. So if your diet is flexible, you should check what the guide offers and plan your choices accordingly.

Price and value: why 14 dollars plus about 25 euros makes sense

Amsterdam: Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood - Price and value: why 14 dollars plus about 25 euros makes sense
The tour price is listed as 14 USD per group up to 1, and the food cost is around 25 euros per person. On paper, that is not “everything included,” but it does not feel like a scam either.

Here’s the value logic I see:

  • You are paying for the route, the PDF guide, and the included tastings/discount eligibility at most stops.
  • You are still in control of what you order at each place, which keeps the experience flexible.
  • The total food estimate means you can budget. You know you are likely spending around a fixed food amount, not whatever the restaurant decides that day.

If you compare that to booking a guided tour that charges a higher base price and often includes fewer specific deals, this can be a strong option for solo travelers or pairs who want structure without extra cost.

Where value drops: if you are not interested in multiple course-style tastings, you might feel like you are paying for items you would not otherwise pick. But if you like sampling and walking, the tradeoff is usually worth it.

Timing and pacing: the two-hour reality check

The tour duration is 2 hours, and it includes stops that are food-focused. That means each place is probably meant for quick ordering and tasting, not a sit-down meal.

How to make it work:

  • Wear comfortable shoes. De Jordaan is made for walking, but the streets and bridges mean you will feel it after a couple stops if you are in uncomfortable footwear.
  • Go in hungry, but not starving. You want to enjoy each bite without feeling sick after stop six.
  • If you get slowed down by a line, move on quickly. The PDF is your schedule safety net.

Rain or shine is part of the deal. So you will want a light layer and a plan for wet sidewalks.

Food restrictions, who it suits, and who should skip

Amsterdam: Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood - Food restrictions, who it suits, and who should skip
This tour is not suitable for vegans and it is not suitable for people with gluten intolerance. Vegetarian options are available at 5 out of 7 stops, which is helpful if you eat dairy and eggs.

So who I think this fits best:

  • You love Dutch food and want a guided-feeling route without paying for a live guide.
  • You like independence and prefer to stop, order, and move when you choose.
  • You want a quick way to get familiar with De Jordaan, then continue on to the rest of your day.

Who should be cautious:

  • If you require vegan meals or gluten-free certainty, you may not be able to follow the tasting deals as written.
  • If you want a person to answer questions, you will not get that. This is strictly self-guided.

Using the rest of your trip: itinerary and restaurant ideas

Amsterdam: Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood - Using the rest of your trip: itinerary and restaurant ideas
Besides the food stops, the tour includes restaurant and activity recommendations and a free 3-day Amsterdam itinerary. Even though the food portion is short, that bonus can be a real time-saver if you are trying to plan the rest of your stay.

This is especially useful if you are thinking beyond De Jordaan. After the tour, you will already have a feel for the area, and you can use the itinerary to choose neighborhoods and activities that match your pace.

The small details that make or break it

Self-guided tours live and die by friction. This one tries to reduce friction through:

  • Google Map links in the PDF guidance
  • a clear start point at Broodje Mokum
  • discounts and tastings that you qualify for by showing the guide on your phone
  • a set end back at the meeting point, so you do not get lost at the finish

That said, there is still responsibility on you. You have to keep your phone charged, you have to pay at each stop, and you have to follow the ordering guidance so you get the correct deal.

And with a rating of 3.4 across 10 reviews, I would approach it with realistic expectations: it is a structured food walk, not a luxury food experience with a host.

Should you book this De Jordaan food tour?

Amsterdam: Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood - Should you book this De Jordaan food tour?
Book it if you want a short, structured walk through one of Amsterdam’s most well-known neighborhoods, and you like the idea of getting discounts and tastings via a practical PDF. The start at Broodje Mokum is a strong opening, and the mix of cheese, sausage, apple pie, and fish gives you a well-rounded Dutch bite list.

Skip it if you are vegan, need gluten-free food, or you know you will be uncomfortable making decisions without an in-person guide. Also skip if you hate the idea of managing your own route and timing in a tight two-hour window.

If your diet fits and you like DIY with clear instructions, this is a smart way to eat your way through De Jordaan without overpaying for the privilege.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The self-guided food tour starts at Broodje Mokum in the De Jordaan neighborhood, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does it take to complete?

The tour is about 2 hours. Starting times can vary, so you should check availability to see what times are offered.

How do I get the discounts and tastings?

You use the PDF guide on your phone. It includes the deal instructions and directions, and you show it at each stop to be eligible for the exclusive discounts and tastings.

Do all 7 stops open every day?

Not every stop is open daily, but at least 6 of the 7 stops will always be open.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes. Vegetarian options are available at 5 out of 7 stops. The tour is not suitable for vegans.

What should I budget for food?

Food cost is listed as around 25 euros per person, and the tour base price is 14 USD per group up to 1. You pay for the food directly at each stop.