Netherlands

Amsterdam

Books

Black-Owned

Shopping

Guillaume Schmidt

, the co-founder of pioneering Amsterdam streetwear label 

, comes through with a selection of Black-owned businesses to check out in the Dutch capital.

Since its inception in 2004, Patta has become an entity that's evolved beyond a brand – expanding into the Patta Academy, Patta Soundsystem, Patta Running Team and the Patta Foundation.

Founder ‘Gee’ spotlights which Black-owned businesses you should make the trip to. Scroll down for his guide to the Dutch city.

A really beautiful shop owned by a beautiful brown lady. They have a really rare and diverse selection of dolls in all shapes, forms and colours. Unique and super nice. Colourful Goodies is situated in the north of Amsterdam.

I wouldn’t say it’s a business per say, but at the same time you can spend money there. It's important that Black Archives is here, it gets supported and that people can see it. It's Black history in [the] Netherlands. The shape and form that it takes in this country, and all the different parallels and historic touch points about the disgusting tradition of Zwarte Piet – it goes on and on. They are very active and do a lot of stuff, and there's always something to see over there. So that's definitely a recommendation.

It's like an alternative canal ride that shows you the history of Amsterdam through a different lens and a different perspective. Mainly the slave trade, so to speak. How did this beautiful city get so rich?

Super dope little bar in the west side of Amsterdam. A lot of fun people and always good vibes. I want to give an honourable mention to Pamela, who's actually around the corner. One of the owners, Lola, is a beautiful spirit. It's multiple owners but it's such a nice place and the best queer place in the city. If you're open-minded and you're a good person, you're cool, it's definitely worth a visit.

Lola Edobor is an Amsterdam-born restaurateur with Dutch and Nigerian roots. She is the owner of Pamela, a queer and BIPOC safe space in the city centre with plenty of high-quality drinks, music and food to satisfy your needs.

This unique store offers an extensive range of diverse and inclusive books. Books that function as mirrors so that children can recognise themselves, and windows so that they get a glimpse into the world of the other.

In the west side as well. Owned by the beautiful Shirley, that's our own spot – that's our local. Get a drink there – it’s good vibes – and just chill. Get yourself familiar with the Surinamese kitchen.

Another little jam you can't miss. Get yourself a nice little goat curry, get your reggae tunes and vibe the hell out.

Can't forget my cousin's beautiful place. Black haircare to the fullest. My cousin is a special person – good energy and good vibes – so check it out if you need to get your hair done. It’s a big recommendation.

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Patta’s Guide to Black-Owned Businesses in Amsterdam

This list of Black-owned businesses in Amsterdam is a result of collaboration across our global community and is by no means exhaustive. There are so many more incredible businesses out there and we welcome all suggestions. We’ll be updating this guide regularly, so if you feel like sharing, please email us.

We'd like to thank Guillaume Schmidt and Isaac Tremaine

and the anonymous collaborators who helped curate this list for us.

Here are Dutch, English and Spanish children's books, toys and maternity gifts for the little ones.

They then began to collaborate with the likes of ASICS, adidas, Converse, Nike, Reebok among other brands, after their increased online presence.

A delicious Surinamese BBQ dine-in and take-away restaurant.

The brand is fuelled by the rich heritage of African culture wrapped in contemporary designs.

A designer clothing label founded by Olaf who is continuously inspired by countries, cultures and citizens.

An independent publishing house with a flagship store and an award-winning webshop, dedicated to sharing the love for beautiful books.

This salon stands for Afro-centric styling and care of hair for all ages and genders.

The first Black doll gift shop in Europe!

A footwear designer established by Guillaume Philibert, aiming to sell premium high-quality sneakers for a reasonable price.

Founded in Amsterdam in 2012 by a group of inspired youths for consumers who want thoughtful clothing.

Quality streetwear pieces with influences coming from Japan street culture and much more.

If you don’t know this place, you'll never find it. This Surinamese take-away place is tucked away in a small nondescript building in Venserpolder, Amsterdam Zuid-Oost. The fish is Annie’s signature dish. It is American butterfish, fried to perfection and served with banana and cassave.

The first West African restaurant located in Gein serving everything from spicy calf ribs to tilapia with plantain and chicken with the famous jollof rice.

Inspired by a journey between the metropolitan cities of Addis Ababa and Amsterdam, Dechase is a contemporary shoe brand that merges diversity, sustainability, and African heritage into its core brand ethos.

The New Originals (est. 2015) make performance clothing for creatives. Our collections are made for a unisex audience.

Once an Amsterdam bike shop, now a staple brunch spot. Since 2017, the brothers at Water & Brood have brought quality interpretations of classic American brunch dishes alongside authentic Surinamese dishes straight out of their mother's kitchen. Chef Tracy B, from St. Martin, has only upped the game with her addition of classic island flavours.

An international fusion kitchen with the specialty of bringing cultures and spices together in an extraordinary meal.

A funky, family-run cafe with communal seating offering vegan versions of Caribbean & Japanese dishes.

EduCulture

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