The culinary landscape of the Netherlands, once known for its simple yet hearty fare like herring and stroopwafels, is undergoing a renaissance. This claim is firmly cemented as an Amsterdam-based Michelin-star restaurant ascends to the top of TripAdvisor’s global rankings—a first for the Dutch dining scene. This triumph is not just an accolade but a testament to the rising stature of the country’s gastronomy, according to the acclaimed chef Tim Golsteijn of Bougainville, the restaurant making waves just steps away from Amsterdam’s bustling main square.
Bougainville has firmly anchored its menu in local Dutch produce, with the rare exception of delicacies such as Irish oysters and Japanese wagyu beef. Chef Golsteijn, at the helm of the kitchen, is a proud native of Amsterdam and carries his “100 per cent Dutchie” heritage with pride. He sees the blossoming of Dutch gastronomy as intertwined with Amsterdam’s evolution into an international metropolis—a journey that is steadily progressing towards the culinary reverence held by cities like London, New York, or Tokyo.
The Netherlands has made an impressive leap in the culinary realm, vaulting from having only eight Michelin-star restaurants in the entire country in 1958 to currently boasting 123 such establishments. This places the country firmly among the world’s top 10 for Michelin-star dining experiences. Chef Golsteijn attributes this growth to the historical Dutch spirit of exploration, where centuries of seafaring and trade brought spices, coffee, and chocolate into the Dutch culinary fold, enriching it with global influences.
At Bougainville, this international inspiration meets local tradition, as Golsteijn reimagines Dutch staples into Michelin-worthy creations. The restaurant elevates kibbeling—a classic fried fish snack—from beachside fare to gourmet cuisine by substituting cod belly with sea bass, a move that embodies the establishment’s innovative spirit.
Isabelle Nelis, an expert in Amsterdam’s culinary tours, challenges the stereotype that Dutch food is limited to heavy dishes like pea soup and stamppot. She argues that there is a vast and often underappreciated variety within Dutch cuisine. Furthermore, the fertile land reclaimed from the sea offers a rich terroir for vineyards, igniting a promising wine and even a nascent champagne industry in the country.
Amsterdam’s food scene is characterized by its vibrancy and diversity, fueled by the city’s cosmopolitan nature. According to Nelis, the capital offers a staggering 180 different types of international cuisines, ensuring that Amsterdam’s residents and visitors have the world’s flavors at their fingertips.
Eric Toner, the owner of Bougainville, reflects on the dramatic transformation of the Dutch culinary scene over the past decades. Reminiscing about a childhood filled with simple meals of meatballs and potatoes, he marvels at the country’s gastronomic evolution. Today, Amsterdam boasts an impressive array of Michelin-starred restaurants, signifying a shift from traditional Dutch dining to a sophisticated international food culture.
While the head chef and Toner express humble surprise at the TripAdvisor recognition, understanding it’s based on diner feedback rather than professional critics, they see it as a celebration of their commitment to exceeding customer expectations. Even as this accolade brings greater attention and perhaps heightened expectations, Toner is focused on the experience and satisfaction of each guest.
As the restaurant continues to serve up its five-course culinary experience, overlooking Amsterdam’s iconic Dam Square, there’s a call for a greater appreciation of Dutch produce and culinary accomplishments. The recent award has stirred a sense of national pride, prompting a reflection on the country’s culinary journey and the exceptional experiences now offered within its borders. This shift in perspective marks a new era for Dutch cuisine—one that is now recognized not just within the quaint canals of Amsterdam, but across the global gastronomic community.
READ MORE: