It’s hotspots galore in Amsterdam at the moment. Even on locations we consider somewhat touristy such as the Rokin.
Though several new spots have landed there, and TERPENTIJN is one of them. It’s from the same owners as the former Bar Italia (now transformed in Café de Paris) and just a few buildings separates them. TERPENTIJN’s concept is a tad different as the restaurant evolves around Asian-French influenced food, and they have recently installed a night bar in the sous-terrain. You’ll just have to step down a few stairs to continue your evening with lovely cocktails.
We had a glance at the night bar during the official opening, and we had lunch at the restaurant to have a taste of the menu. The lunch was a selection of signature dishes such as:
Lady Boy Oyster
Two oysters on the plate, of which one is familiar with soy sauce, sesame and spring onion, and the other one is seasoned with pink ginger, lychee, sake and spring onion. A very refreshing combination with a little zingy flavour.
Baguette with Spicy Beef and Pulled Chicken
Both my table companion and I had a slight preference for the Pulled Chicken with the crispiness of the atjar. The Spicy beef could have used a bit more spice for our taste, though the meat was real nice and tender.
Fish in a cookie
Fish cookies don’t always turn out well, but this one is a keeper! Good structure and balanced flavours.
Pork Belly Roast
Since the Pork Belly has been rediscovered as a savoury piece of meat it often appears on menu’s. Usually prepared the Asian way. Big chunks of Pork Belly Roast served on a cabbage leaf with caramel/sesame noodles. Yummm.
Beef Pho
My table companion chose the Beef Pho. This broth is a light dish and therefore perfect for lunch. She felt it lacked a little spice, but maybe because she forgot to add some seasoning with the chili sauce which stood on the table. She regretted she didn’t stick to her first choice: Szechuan Steak.
Salty Caramel Passion Custard
As a hint of the available desserts we got to taste the Salty Caramel Passion Custard. Did you read ‘salty caramel’? Dulche de leche and Himalayan salt…ehm HELLO? And not to forget passion fruit, strawberries and mint. We’ll be back for the big portion. And eat it all up. Sorry, not sharing!
Amsterdam counts many Asian inspired restaurants, but since we have a soft spot for this cuisine we’re not complaining. And we always applaud street food which differs from the good ol’ Dutch bitter balls. Plus, we’ll have to come back for the Asian Style Steak Tartare which is only available on the dinner menu. Rumor has it it’s worth the detour.
The ambiance is also suitable for a business lunch or after work dinner/drinks, as are the opening hours:
Mon -Thu 11:00 am – 3:00 am
Fri – Sat 11:00 am – 4:00 am
Sunday 11:00 am – 3:00 am
For reservations:
TERPENTIJN
Rokin 103
1012 KM Amsterdam
+31 20 333 014
info@terpen-tijn.nl
Wees de eerste om te reageren