It may sound strange at first that Amsterdam is one of the best places to try Indonesian food but history lovers won’t be that surprised! Max Amsterdam restaurant is one of those places that I will suggest, where you can try genuine, classic with a modern touch food in a cozy place.
For the historically challenged Indonesia was under Dutch colonization long time so actually it is no surprise that many goods from Indonesia was common in Holland, including rich Indonesian cuisine. You can find many fine Indonesian restaurants in Amsterdam. In fact one of the “must do” activities in Amsterdam is to try Indonesian cuisine!
Therefore in my search for such a place I stumbled upon Max Amsterdam restaurant with many recommendations and wanted to try myself. Luckily I was able to plan a dinner with my Indonesian friend so she can also comment on “originality” of the food!
Max Amsterdam restaurant gives cozy and warm welcome feeling even at first sight. Attention of service employees, how they introduce menu, describe dishes and even serving of wine were done skillfully so you could tell they were trained well in hospitality. Though since we had our Indonesian friend with us we mostly asked her for explanations anyway!
You can try testing menu for 37 euro per person. Actually you should try it in rijsttafel (rice table) style where dishes are put on the table and everyone takes some to their own plates. In testing menu you get a starter, multiple main dishes but not full portion – smaller testing portions and multiple dessert. But don’t worry portions are not too small just to taste! And actually if you have a favorite main dish they also give you free refill. But along with rice, I don’t think you will feel hungry! With a bottle of wine and water accompanying tasting menu, we payed 57 euro each for 3 people.
My favorite in Max Amsterdam restaurant was the starter because I was able to enjoy multiple tastes in one dish. From main dishes I liked the “Rendang” most (which is stewed meat but it was cooked very well and softness of the meat with the aroma was really good). For those of you who wonder what my local friend liked most, it was the chicken dish! (Sorry I didn’t get the name!)
For dessert, like the starter, they had a little twist, a modernization of a classical Indonesian dish and I think this kind of changes are essential for a good place.
So basically, Max Amsterdam restaurant should be on your to try list for a good night out dinner! Granted it is not the cheapest option but I think they have a good price/performance balance.
You will want to make reservations by the way so see below details:
Max Amsterdam Restaurant
Address: Herenstraat 14I, 1015 CA Amsterdam, Niederlande
Phone: +31 20 420 0222
E-mail: info@maxrestaurant.nl
