Amsterdam can be a great place to be as a coeliac, but it can be a bit difficult finding the places to eat as they don’t tend to scream and shout about their gluten-free options! It has taken me a bit of time to discover places (and I still haven’t tried half of them), but the Netherlands is generally a very knowledgeable country when it comes to gluten-free (and food allergies in general). English is spoken to a very high standard by almost everyone, but if you are going out of the major cities, I would advise bringing along translation cards (see below).
Shops/supermarkets
Albert Heijn (click for store finder)
These can be found across Amsterdam and the larger stores usually have a gluten-free section. This is mainly limited to Schar and Consenza products.
Jumbo (click for store finder)
Another Dutch supermarket chain that has a gluten-free section, generally found further out of cities.
De Glutenvrije Winkel (The Gluten-free Shop)
As the name suggests, this is a shop for everything gluten-free!
De Tuinen
A health shop chain which generally has a gluten-free section. Sometimes sells gluten-free beer.
Peace Planet
A market stall that sets up in Amsterdam, Amstelveen and Haarlem on different days of the week – check website for details. Useful for buying gluten-free grains (e.g. quinoa).
Restaurants/Cafes
Bagels & Beans
This is a chain that has locations across the Netherlands. They do gluten-free bagels with any topping you’d like (my favourite is the chicken and avocado) and you can even buy frozen gluten-free bagels to take away with you. The gluten-free bagel is €0.75 extra though.
Piqniq (click for my review)
A charming little lunch cafe in the Jordaan. Have some gluten-free sandwiches and cake! Everything is cooked on different trays and the staff there speak great English.
De Italiaan (click for my review)
They do gluten-free pizza cooked in a separate oven. The gluten-free bases aren’t amazing but it’s a nice place.
Pancakes! Amsterdam
According to their website, “Gluten free pancakes are always available. Preparing them might take a little bit more time”
Spaghetteria
A pasta bar that provide gluten-free options.
Pinsa’s restaurant
They do gluten-free pizza in a separate oven, but you need to give them prior notice.
La Vina
Owned by a coeliac, they have many gluten-free options and a good knowledge of cross contamination issues. Fancy modern European cuisine at sensible prices.
Brasserie Klokspijs
They have a separate gluten-free menu. Recommended by Gluuts (in Dutch)
Cottoncake
An artsy sort of uber-trendy shop-cafe with gluten-free lunch options.
Beter & leuk
Another trendy lunch cafe with lots of gluten-free options. They do a gluten-free high tea.
Day trips
Haarlem
A beautiful little city close to Amsterdam, which has two shining gluten-free stars among its many high quality restaurants: Hofje Zonder Zorgen, which has some of the best gluten-free bread I’ve ever tasted, and Woodstone Pizza, which cooks its gluten-free pizzas in a separate oven.
Utrecht
Another beautiful city, with a charming place called KEEK that serves gluten-free afternoon tea! Booking in advance recommended.
Zaandam (Zaanse Schans)
If you take a trip to Zaanse Schans, stop in at the McDonald’s in Zaandam – it’s one of the branches trialling gluten-free burgers!
Useful resources
My pinterest board – A collection of gluten-free places in map form – I haven’t personally tried all these places though
Gluten free Amsterdam – A coeliac blogger in Amsterdam – she’s found a lot of little bars that serve gluten-free beers!
Gluuts – Another Dutch blogger based in Amsterdam
Dutch Coeliac Society – Tips for travellers to the Netherlands
Schiphol airport – A list of the food option available after passport control (hint: it’s extensive, you should be able to find something gluten-free here!)
Dutch language cards:
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