The 10 best places to try cheese in Amsterdam

Last Updated on August 13, 2025

Introducing my cheese-filled adventures across the Netherlands! 🧀 From cozy cafes to bustling markets, I’ve explored every cheesy nook and cranny Amsterdam has to offer. Join me as I dive into a world of cheese tastings, local cheese shops, and even goat farms. Whether it’s at breakfast, on sandwiches, cut into cubes and served with mustard, or even deep-fried, as a Dutchie, I will always find an excuse to eat cheese any time of day. In this article, I’ve collected the 10 best places to try cheese in Amsterdam. Enjoy!

1. Kaasbar: you like it, you grab it

This is one of my favourite cheese spots across the Netherlands. The Kaasbar currently has a branch in Amsterdam and one in Utrecht. I have been to both locations several times.

As you step into the the Kaasbar in Amsterdam, you’re hit with aroma of cheeses. The Kaastrein, a cheese counter like a sushi-style conveyor belt, shows plenty of cheeses to choose from. You receive a plate of crackers, order a drink and then marvel at the selected artisanal cheeses. Believe me, it’s hard to choose 😉 When you finally see something you like, you grab it! Enjoy everything from Gouda and Edam to white, blue, hard cheeses, and creamy organic sheep’s milk varieties. Each cheese is on a plate, with a matching garnish and is large enough to share with 2 people. It’s a cheese lover’s dream come true!

Tip: it’s also possible to order a cheese fondue at the Kaasbar in Amsterdam.

2. Enjoy a cheese tasting at Fromagerie Abraham Kef

With three locations across Amsterdam, Fromagerie Abraham Kef offers a selection of raw-milk Dutch cheeses. Still, it is best known for its expertise in French cheeses. The tasting room in Amsterdam-Noord has a terrace and is a lovely place to sit outside, enjoy the sun, try some cheeses and sip on wine. During the cheese tasting “Dégustation Intermédiare” two platters are served with a total of nine different cheeses, ranging from fresh to intense. It also includes two matching glasses of wine, beer, or an alcohol-free pairing. During the tasting you will hear in detail about the origin, the flavors and the artisans. This way, you learn more about your taste and might discover some new favorite cheeses.

3. Find a local cheese store, have a sandwich and bring home some cheese

Skip Henri Willig, Old Amsterdam and Cheese & More in the city centre of Amsterdam and choose to visit a local cheese shop instead. Just search on Google Maps for “kaaswinkel” near your location and you can find a local cheese shop!

Two benefits from buying at a local shop is that they have a huge cheese selection and you can usually vacuum seal your purchase – great for bringing a taste of Amsterdam home with you! Some well known cheese shops in Amsterdam are De Kaaskamer, Tromp and Kaasland Haarlemmerdijk. Most selections include various European cheeses as well as local specialities like Gouda, Maasdammer, Emmentaler and Delft Blauw and others that can only be found in the Netherlands.

Tip: most kaaswinkels serve sandwiches around lunch-time with the cheese of your choice.

4. Try the best cheese fondue in Amsterdam

While cheese fondue is not originally a Dutch tradition, I would still like to mention it in this list. Cheese fondue typically consists of melted cheese, mixed with wine or other alcohol, and flavored with garlic or other spices. It is served in a communal pot over a portable stove, and you dip pieces of bread, vegetables, or meats into the melted cheese.

Restaurant Smelt is one of my favorite places to try cheese fondue in Amsterdam. You can order a fondue with the finest French, Dutch, or Swiss cheeses. My favorite is the truffle cheese fondue! 😉 All fondues are served alongside sourdough bread and blanched seasonal vegetables.

5. Visit the Cheese museum in Amsterdam

Just a few steps from the Anne Frank House, on the other side of the Prinsengracht, you can find a small cheese museum. In addition to the cheese shop with salespeople in traditional Dutch clothing, a downstairs exhibition section explains the history of Dutch cheese making. It’s really interesting to discover the richness of Dutch cheeses and at the same time you can taste them and compare the different types.

6. Indulge in a truly unforgettable fries experience

In the heart of Amsterdam (next to the Smelt Restaurant), Fabel Fries serves up a taste of Dutch delight with their crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside fries. These fries are a must-try! I loved their specialty: fries topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and homemade Truffle mayo. Don’t let the line deter you – it moves faster than you can say ‘fries’, and trust me, the wait is worth it! Join the queue and indulge in a truly unforgettable fries experience.

Tip: they also have delicious cheese croquettes. So to make your cheese experience even better, order these to go with fries.

7. Visit an open-air market

Many of the city’s open-air markets like the Dappermarkt, Albert Cuyp, and the Haarlemmerplein Farmer’s Market (Wednesdays) are great spots to purchase cheeses. Most markets have multiple stands selling foreign and Dutch cheese. Try to go early, when the market isn’t so busy, and you’ll have time to ask questions. You might even get to sample the cheese if you’re lucky! My favorite market is the Noordermarkt in the Jordaan. It’s home to six cheese stands!

8. Embark on a boat ride and enjoy some cheese, wine and wonderful views

Embark on a cheesy adventure through Amsterdam’s picturesque canals! Whether it’s a romantic date night or a fun outing with friends, I’m sure you’re going to like it. The 1,5 hour boat ride includes a Dutch cheese board and you can drink unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks and water. As you glide along the historic canals, you can soak in the beauty of Amsterdam’s iconic sights. From charming canal houses to the Skinny Bridge, you will see many highlights from the capital. I’ve booked this tour via GetYourGuide and really enjoyed it!

9. Visit the Ridammerhoeve Goat Farm – a must do in Amsterdam!

Beyond the hard cheeses like Gouda, the Netherlands is also famous for geitenkaas (goat cheese). Ridammerhoeve is a goat farm situated in the middle of the Amsterdam forest and I love visiting this place. They have a lot of goats, but also pigs and chickens. The entrance is free and there is a nice restaurant and shop where you can buy products, made on the farm, and their famous goat’s milk ice-cream! Other interesting products to try are goat milk hot chocolate or a goat cheese sandwich.

Tip: keep an eye on the agenda for goat yoga, cheese-making workshops and demonstrations. Oh and you can buy some milk for only € 0,50 and feed young goats.

10. Have a late-night cheese snack

Yet another way to discover cheese in Amsterdam is to visit a traditional brown cafe (or any other cafe) and order a cheese-based snack on its menu. Most cafes have Kaassoufflés and kaasstengels, two types of deep-fried snacks which feature melted cheese surrounded by a crispy coating. For a (slightly) fancier fried treat, look out for a geitenkaaskroketten (a croquette filled with goat cheese).

Tip: plant-based cheese in Amsterdam: Willicroft is a plant-based cheese brand in the Netherlands and sells vegan cheeses and vegan wines via Dutch supermarkets.

Cheese markets near Amsterdam

Oh if you’re looking for cheese-related adventures outside Amsterdam, the Netherlands still has five traditional cheese markets in Alkmaar, Edam, Gouda and Woerden.

Below you can find some other great (cheese related) things to do in Amsterdam!

Accommodation in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay overnight in Amsterdam:

Jordaan: This charming neighborhood is known for its picturesque canals, trendy boutiques, and cozy cafes. It offers a range of accommodations, from boutique hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts.
De Pijp: This lively neighborhood is filled with cafes, bars, and restaurants, and it’s close to attractions like the Albert Cuyp Market and the Heineken Experience. It’s a great place to stay if you want to experience local Amsterdam life.
Grachtengordel (Canal Ring): This UNESCO World Heritage site is characterized by canals and historic buildings. Staying in this area offers easy access to many of Amsterdam’s top attractions, including the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum.
Centrum: The city center is a popular choice for visitors, with its central location and proximity to attractions like Dam Square, the Royal Palace, and the Red Light District. There are plenty of hotels, hostels, and apartment rentals to choose from in this area.
Oud-West: This up-and-coming neighborhood is known for its trendy bars, hip cafes, and multicultural atmosphere. It’s a great option if you’re looking to explore a different side of Amsterdam.
Oost (East): This diverse neighborhood is home to attractions like the Artis Royal Zoo and the Tropenmuseum. It offers a mix of budget-friendly and boutique accommodations, as well as plenty of green spaces for relaxation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are plenty of places to find the best cheese in Amsterdam. From local markets to cozy cafes and even goat farms, there’s a cheesy adventure awaiting at every turn. Whether you’re indulging in a cheese tasting at Fromagerie Abraham Kef, savoring a great cheese fondue at Restaurant Smelt, or cruising the iconic Amsterdam canals with a Dutch cheese board in hand, Amsterdam offers plenty of ways to satisfy your cheese cravings. And with cheese markets, local cheese shops, and even late-night cheese snacks to enjoy, there’s no shortage of cheesy experiences in Amsterdam.

If you have any questions about the above mentioned information, please let me know in the comment section below. I’m happy to help you. Safe travels!

Author: Daphne

This article is featured on GPSmyCity. To download it for offline reading or to create a self-guided walking tour of the attractions highlighted here, visit Walking Tours in Amsterdam.

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