Join Phil Rosenthal in Season 8, Episode 1 of Netflix’s “Somebody Feed Phil.” He explores the vibrant flavors and rich multicultural spirit of Amsterdam.
✨👉 Find the Best Hotel Deals in Amsterdam 👈✨
🌍 Where Are We This Time?
This episode opens in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands — a city famous for its historic canals, bicycles, and tulips. But beyond the postcard-perfect charm lies a richly diverse culinary scene shaped by generations of immigrants from around the world.
Phil’s journey through Amsterdam highlights this beautifully, especially during his visit to a local training restaurant focused on food safety education — run in part by refugees. It was there that he reflected:
“If the whole world could share a meal with a refugee like I had, we’d all be better off.”
This moment captures the soul of Amsterdam — not just as a European capital, but as a living, breathing example of multicultural coexistence.
🍽️ What Phil Ate
- Herring Sandwich (Haring sandwich)
A beloved Dutch street snack with fresh raw herring, chopped onions, and pickles tucked into a soft roll.
📍 Where: Volendammer Vishandel - Smoked Eel (Rook paling)
Freshly smoked eel sold right from a boat in Amsterdam’s canals. The vendor Bas — known as the Friese Palingroker — prepares it with care.
📍 Where: Amsterdam canal boat by Bas the Friese Palingroker — often spotted cruising and selling eel on Thursdays through Saturdays
- Stroopwafel
A gooey caramel syrup sandwiched between two thin waffles — warm, fresh, and irresistible.
📍 Where: Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels - Dutch Pancakes (Pannenkoeken)
A large pancake topped sweetly with fruit and powdered sugar. Unlike American pancakes, Dutch pancakes are thinner, wider, and often span the entire plate — making them perfect for both sweet and savory toppings.
📍 Where: Upstairs Pancakes - Surinamese Roti & Bara
A hearty Surinamese roti with stewed fillings, paired with bara (spiced fried bread), and often served with a fiery hot sauce made from Madame Jeanette peppers — a signature of Surinamese cuisine.
📍 Where: Spang Makandra - Telo met Bakkeljauw
Fried cassava (telo) served with salted fish (bakkeljauw), a traditional Surinamese snack that reflects the deep cross-cultural influences of Surinamese cuisine.
📍 Where: Spang Makandra
📍 Phil’s Stops
Here’s a quick look at where Phil stopped during his Amsterdam visit, listed in the order they appeared in the episode:
- Albert Cuyp Market – Iconic local market offering diverse food and shopping.
- Volendammer Vishandel – Traditional herring sandwich shop with a loyal local following.
- Spang Makandra – Beloved Surinamese restaurant in De Pijp.
- Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels – Street stall at the market serving fresh, warm stroopwafels.
- De Kas – A greenhouse-to-table fine dining experience with plant-based options.
- Upstairs Pancakes – Tiny second-floor pancake house known for its cozy charm.
- Pulitzer’s Bar – Elegant cocktail bar tucked inside the Pulitzer Hotel, where Phil enjoyed expertly crafted martinis.
- De Hapjeshoek – Small Surinamese takeout spot conveniently located near a metro station.
- Nolet Distillery – Ketel One – Dutch vodka distillery still operated by the 11th generation of the Nolet family.
- Gouda Cheese Market – A day trip highlight, this centuries-old market celebrates traditional Gouda cheese trading.
- Friese Palingroker – A canal-based vendor smoking and selling eel directly from his boat.
- Wils Bakery Café – A modern bakery-meets-restaurant led by chef Joris, known for seasonal ingredients and refined baking.
📌 Explore Phil’s Amsterdam Stops on Google My Maps
💬 Final Thoughts
Twenty years ago, when I traveled through Europe as a college student on a tight budget, the only thing I remember eating in Amsterdam was fries — and that memory stuck with me. Watching this episode reminded me how much more there is to this city: a rich tapestry of cultures, flavors, and stories that I had completely missed.
Phil doesn’t just show us food. He introduces the people behind it, the history around it, and the warmth within it. His unique blend of humor and compassion makes each episode feel both moving and lighthearted.
After watching this, I’m more inspired than ever to return to Amsterdam — this time, with an open heart and a hungry stomach.
🧭 Explore All of Phil’s Food Adventures in Season 8
📍 Episode 1 – Amsterdam (You’re reading it!)
📍 Episode 2 – Basque of Country in Spain
📍 Episode 3 – Boston
📍 Episode 4 – Tbilisi
📍 Episode 5 – Sydney & Adelaide
📍 Episode 6 – Las Vegas
📍 Episode 7 – Manila
📍 Episode 8 – Guatemala