Netherlands

Amsterdam

Food

Black-Owned

Caribbean

 doesn’t get much better to visit than at the height of summer.

It's a time when the city's bustling markets are alive, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee blends with the occasional whiff of a spliff in the air. It's also when Dekmantel, one of the city's greatest cultural highlights for travellers and ravers alike, returns. The Dutch festival, renowned for its sharp curation of electronic music, has hosted legends like Tangerine Dream, Jeff Mills and Helena Hauff in its past editions.

Dekmantel's appeal lies not only in its lineup but also in its setting. Held in the heart of Amsterdam, it's a time when visitors can experience the city's rich cultural and culinary offerings alongside the festival's extensive programme.

To help you make the most of your visit, we turned to Burundi-born, Amsterdam-based selector Arakaza, who's set to make his Dekmantel debut during its 2024 edition. As the founder of the Amsterdam club night Kumata, the local DJ spotlights Afro-diasporic and queer artists in his work. His high-energy sets see him bridge the gap between his East African roots and hard industrial sounds, underpinned by his active role in the ballroom scene.

From Black-owned businesses to Caribbean snacks and Afro-diasporic eateries, Arakaza has you covered. Whether you’re warming up for his set at the Connects stage or treating your hangover after the dance with some kelewele, Dekmantel can prove to be an endurance test. Arakaza's guide ensures you last the marathon while experiencing the best of Amsterdam.

Black-owned vegan food spot in Amsterdam southeast with flavourful Surinamese dishes. The bowls are bomb and the vegan pom is a must-try!

A family-run vegan restaurant fusing Jamaican and Caribbean dishes with Japanese dishes. I love their Jamaican plate with plantains and the owners are too sweet!

Newly open at one of my favourite clubs in Amsterdam, Garage Noord. Authentic Sichuan food with fab cocktails and a terrace as well. The club opens at midnight so you can burn the calories off with a dance!

Also known as 'the queen of johnnycakes', which are Caribbean snacks. You can find her stand in multiple locations in southeast Amsterdam. Tip: they also do vegan johnnycakes with different fillings!

Authentic Ethiopian restaurant. Great for sharing meals, especially the injera with all toppings. They also have great fruit-flavoured beers and coffee.

Ghanaian restaurant in Amsterdam southeast. You can’t go wrong with the jollof, plantains or kelewele. African restaurants are very rare in Amsterdam so I’m always looking forward to supporting any new spot.

Non-profit art space with great exhibitions and curation focusing on queer and Afro-diasporic communities.

A Black-owned event space in southeast Amsterdam facilitating its direct community by hosting small parties, panels and ballroom functions. We love to see it!

Being a part of the ballroom community, I notice how hard it is to have access to spaces to practice or get together. Cultural centre Nowhere has facilitated its space to the community for many years. There are classes every week from members of the Dutch ballroom scene as well as organised get-togethers by The Living Room.

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Arakaza on Where to Go in Amsterdam During Dekmantel Festival

Rooted in her Italian and Colombian heritage, 

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Her DIY aesthetic and bold musical vision are a testament to her individuality, setting her apart in the music scene. Drawing inspiration from a spectrum of artists from Pastor Lopez to Cardi B and Isaiah Rashad. With new projects she crafts a sound that’s as diverse as it is unique.

As someone with a wide range of cultural knowledge rooted deep in her heritage, she's covered her top 10 eateries around Amsterdam where you can explore a pallet of diverse flavours. 

If you're looking for a restaurant that prioritises sustainability and compassion, TerraZen Centre in Amsterdam is a fantastic choice. This vegan eatery offers a unique menu featuring Caribbean and Japanese dishes, all designed to support a healthier planet. Growing up in a Hispanic household, meat was a staple—whether it was bandeja paisa or lechona at my quinceañera. Over time, I saw the contradiction between my love for animals and my dietary choices. Watching documentaries about meat and fish production helped me become more conscious of what I put into my body. While I’m still on my journey, TerraZen Centre is a great place to start or continue aligning your lifestyle with your values, offering delicious vegan food and a commitment to positive change.

If you’re looking to experience authentic Caribbean flavours, Yvette’s cooking is a must-try. While she’s famous for her Johnny Cakes, she also crafts a variety of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes. As Yvette puts it, “Curaçao, much like the Bijlmer, is a blend of people and cultures, and that diversity is reflected in our cuisine.” Her dishes showcase the rich influences of Dominican, Colombian, and Venezuelan flavors, making every meal a true taste of the Caribbean.

If you're craving authentic Japanese ramen, TAKUMI Ramen Noodles is a spot you shouldn't miss. While their ramen is highly recommended, I have to say, I’m particularly hooked on their chicken gyoza. Honestly, I sometimes go there just for the gyoza—I’m a greedy eater! Recently, I even learned how to make them at home, so now I can indulge in 10-15 at a time. Not only is the food delicious, but it’s also gentle on your belly, making it a perfect go-to when you want something satisfying and comforting. TAKUMI is definitely worth a visit!

Looking for a hidden gem that locals rave about? Omaira Eiland is a fantastic spot for an unusual take on seafood. When I lived in Rotterdam, I found this amazing place called 'Moby Dick' that served fried shrimp with extra spices and ravigote sauce—a 10/10 dish that I was hooked on. I went there so often that eventually, they’d just ask, “fried shrimp, extra spice and ravigote?” I guess I became a regular! After moving back to Amsterdam, I wasn’t sure if I’d find a similar spot. While Dutch people do great kibbeling, I knew Moroccan cuisine excels with shrimp. That’s why I was thrilled to discover Omaira Eiland. Having also lived in Zeeland, where I was used to fresh calamari fried the day after it was caught, I was worried I wouldn’t find that level of freshness in the city. Omaira Eiland impresses me with a similarly fresh and satisfying experience, even though it’s not right by the coast. If you’re in Amsterdam and craving excellent seafood, this place is definitely worth a visit.

If you’re looking for an outstanding burger experience, you’ve got to try this place. They use 100% non-frozen, freshly ground beef, fresh veggies and in-house baked bread. I’m not usually the biggest burger fan, often feeling like I’m eating a giant meatball on a bun. But after tasting their Smash Burger with Angus beef and Old Amsterdam Cheese, I became completely obsessed. It’s so good that it turned me into a burger fanatic! Even if you’re not typically a burger lover, this place is worth checking out.

If you’re a fan of authentic Italian cuisine, you have to check out La Perla. They pride themselves on using only the finest ingredients, imported weekly from Italy. Their buffalo mozzarella, for example, is delivered fresh from Southern Italy every two days. This dedication to freshness and quality really shines through in every dish. If you’re looking for a genuine taste of Italy, La Perla is definitely worth a visit!

If you’re looking for a taste of Mexico while in the Netherlands, this place is a must-visit! These halal tacos are crafted by Mexicans who truly know their craft. Before finding them, I was only familiar with American-style tacos overloaded with cheese, guacamole and sour cream. I first tried these authentic tacos at Albert Cuyp Market and am thrilled that they’ve now opened a store in Amsterdam West. For a genuine Mexican experience, this spot is definitely worth checking out! As someone who loves to indulge, I couldn’t get enough of their tacos. My partner and I became so obsessed with the birria tacos that we started researching recipes and sourcing peppers to make our own. We have to buy the tomatillo sauce from a store with Mexican products, as finding green tomatillos is difficult here. Now, instead of eating just 2 or 3 tacos, I can enjoy about 10 at home!

If you’re looking to experience the authentic flavours of Colombian cuisine, Tropico Latin Flavors is a must-visit. As a Colombian myself, I often miss the comforting foods from home—my mother makes buñuelos, sancocho, arepas and more, though she doesn’t make empanadas that often. So whenever I crave a great empanada, I head to Tropico. Their empanadas and other dishes bring a genuine taste of Colombia right to you, making it the perfect spot for anyone longing for authentic Colombian flavours.

If you're craving traditional Turkish food, their lahmacun (Turkish pizza) will have you practically drooling. They serve hands down the best lahmacun I've ever tasted, and it's all made fresh. From the custom-made dough to the fresh ingredients, each lahmacun is a flavour explosion. You haven't experienced lahmacun like this before—it's truly a must-try!

If you're looking for a great place with Mandarin-Chinese cuisine, this restaurant has been a favorite of mine for years. While I think I might be ready to explore other Chinese restaurants, I have to give a shout-out to the spot that’s blessed me with delicious Sui Kau soup and the most amazing fried Sui Kau. As a big shrimp fan, I’ve also enjoyed their chicken salt and pepper, but the fried Sui Kau is definitely the standout. If you love shrimp, this place is a must-visit!

Yvette’s Kitchen

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