We visit the world-famous 17th century capital of Holland, Amsterdam

Two Chips from

The Netherlands will always hold a special place in my heart as my brother Andrew (Rill) lives there in with his wife Beverly, and we have visited many times over the last 30 years. Recently we went for nearly a week and had such an incredible time.

By Austen Dack

We would visit the world-famous 17th century capital of Holland, Amsterdam. Time to enjoy the historic buildings, beautiful museums, and pleasant ambiance. Take a boat tour on the canals, a stroll through Amstel Park, and to shop in the Waterloo Plein flea market. It would be a chance to try their world-famous chips and dips (patatje oorlog), plus take a trip out to see the only authentic chip shop in the city, The Chippy owned by chef Justin Brown.

First up for the ladies was an evening out to see Ed Sheeran play the famous Johan Cruyff Arena home to AFC Ajax. As a non-Ed fan, I was happy to head to a local bar with Andrew and meet some friends.

On the Friday we took a trip to the Paradiso, a great live music venue in the city. Built out of an 18th century church located near the Leidseplein and opened in 1968, Paradiso is one of Amsterdam’s most well-known concert venues, with a large stage overlooked by two balconies and large glass church windows. The venue is split into the 1500-capacity main hall and the 250-capacity small hall. Although we had tickets to see Dreadzone in the small hall, I took advantage of the dual doors and popped in to see Modest Mouse who had sold out the main arena. Both bands made their respected audiences very happy, and I was a rarity indeed as I hopped betwixt between the performers.

Saturday was the day for museum visits, exploring the Albert Cuyp Market and eating fries, so fish & trips. There is no marketplace like the Albert Cuyp Market. The market is open, six days per week, and is home to 260 market stalls. This makes it the biggest market in Europe!

Later we found ourselves outside Chipsy King, Muntplein 5 (they have 4 outlets). Ok maybe a tourist trap, but I enjoyed the experience of eating chips laden with sate sauce and fried onions

Amsterdam!

and good luck to them if they can charge 7 euros for the experience.

The family then had a group booking to the Van Gogh Discover the world’s largest collection of works by Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, featuring masterpieces such as Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters (very apt), Almond Blossom and The Bedroom. I had visited before so went to the nearby Moco Museum with exhibits by Banksy, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Andy Warhol, Studio Irma and so many more & then found a nearby watering hole.

Afterwards we then made the short trip to The Chippy. It is the only authentic UK fish and chip shop in Amsterdam which given the number of ex-pats is astonishing.

Owner Justin Brown, a British chef, wanted to introduce Amsterdam to proper fish & chip dishes (he even has Pukka Pies) at The Chippy, cooked in the traditional way. You can choose from all fish & chips classics here (they also have Vimto). They serve various types of fish, such as cod, haddock or plaice. But also pies, homemade chippy gravy and also mushy peas. All dishes are also available for takeaway.

We were greeted by manager Nick and his fine Italian chef/fryer Luca. We were shown to our table and given menus to choose our food.

I went for the haddock chips and mushy peas, as did Sarah, whilst James opted for the battered sausage and chips. To wash it down a chilled Heineken (when in Holland). The result I have to say was rather good. Luca had his own batter recipe, and he certainly cooked our fish and chips to perfection. The fish was plentiful and chips fluffy inside and crispy on the out. It is a compliment to say whilst here we were in the middle of Amsterdam we could have been at a top shop on the coast here in the UK!

On Sunday it was time to celebrate Beverley’s 50th birthday at O’Donnells in Amsterdam. With previous Chippy Chat contributors Paul & Maureen plus dam stalwart Gary Rudland and a few others. Afterwards time to visit a Surinamese dining experience, the Albina Restaurant. If you are in Amsterdam, please find it.

Thanks to Andrew & Beverly and of course Justin at the Chippy. Amsterdam once again you were amazing

www.thechippy-restaurant.com