David was born and raised in Amsterdam. He grew up in the Jordaan and in the Spaarndammerbuurt in Amsterdam West, which is how he discovered how varied and vibrant Amsterdam can be.
At the University of Amsterdam, he studied Social Geography, focusing on the development of cities and their role in a globalizing world. As a native Amsterdammer, he’s always been intrigued by the history of his city and the story behind it.
Here are his answers to our questions:
Q: How did you become a tour guide?
A: After my studies, I wanted to use my knowledge in practice, but I didn’t see myself working behind a desk. My father, who has worked in the tour industry for more than 10 years, always came home from work telling stories about people he met, as if he had traveled the world. I enjoy traveling myself, and it’s the best when you meet local people who give you insights into their culture. As a tour guide, I can be that local person for travelers and help them create unforgettable memories during their trip.
Q: Why would you recommend doing a food tour?
A: It may be difficult when you first arrive in Amsterdam to figure out which are the tourist spots and which are the local ones. Before you know it, you may find yourself waiting in line for an overpriced stroopwafel topped with Nutella and whipped cream. But by doing a food tour, you experience the Dutch food culture like a local and you learn the history behind it.
Q: What would be your number 1 tip for someone who has only a few days to spend in Amsterdam (besides a food tour)?
A: Visit the diverse marketplaces in Amsterdam! There is no better way to experience the multiculturality of the city than by walking through the markets and experiencing the mixture of cultures. My favorites are Ten Kate, Albert Cuyp, and the Dappermarkt. And the Noordermarkt and Lindenmarkt in the Jordaan, of course. They are not open every day, so look online before you go!
Q: What is your favorite food, and where in Amsterdam do you most like to eat it?
A: I really like Dutch fish, especially the herring. It’s pickled in salt, and it contains healthy fats. We eat them with some chopped onions and pickles. It’s perfect for lunch or as a tasty snack in between. I like to get the herring on the Kinkerstraat or the Haarlemmerstraat, or at one of the markets I mentioned before. While you’re there, it’s also great to get some kibbeling with ravigote sauce. That’s fried cod fish, and you will definitely be unable to stop eating it.
Q: What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned during your time as a (food) tour guide?
A: Amsterdam is experiencing its third golden age! The first was in the 17th century with the realization of the canal belt and the Jordaan. The second was in the late 19th century when Amsterdam industrialized quickly. And the third is now in the 21st century, as Amsterdam is a rapidly growing city in size, inhabitants, and prosperity.
Q: What other tours do you provide, besides the food tours?
A: I do walking tours as well, but mostly the food tours!
For David, a food tour feels like a pause in a busy world. Or, as he says in his own words, “it feels that time has stopped and we are all in the moment.” He gets to see how people experience food and places for the first time, and to him that is always special. He enjoys that there is time on the tours to talk about Amsterdam, the Dutch culture, and life in general, which also makes every tour different.
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