Ferry has been a tour guide with Amsterdam Food Tours since the summer of 2023. He combines his career as a Strategy & Concept Developer for Food Retail & Food Service with his role as a tour guide.
His food expertise and passion for history, along with the fact that he’s been living in Amsterdam for 25 years, means that he has a wealth of knowledge to share with guests when it comes to the local food culture and the history of the city.
Here are his answers to our questions:
Q: How did you become a tour guide?
A: I became a food tour guide after I met Thijs. Our kids are in the same class at school, and he and I met each other at a museum on a school tour that we both attended as dads. There, we connected over our interest in the history and culture of Amsterdam and our passion for food stories. I got excited about the opportunity to do city tours as a storyteller and to connect with other people. I’ve lived in the Jordaan for 25 years, so I can really connect with our guests as a local.
Q: Why would you recommend doing a food tour?
A: It’s a social experience and you get to really connect with the locals because food connects us all through our culture and history.
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: I would recommend taking an open boat tour and having a drink and a snack on board while admiring the facades and bridges. Amsterdam is most beautiful from the water. And it’s a relaxing experience because you don’t have to deal with all the cars and bicycles.
Q: What is your favorite food, and where in Amsterdam do you most like to eat it?
A: Kibbeling (deep fried battered cod with spices). My favorite place to get it is at the Lindenmarkt in the Jordaan. And I like to eat it while sitting on the edge of the canal at the intersection of the Brouwersgracht and the Prinsengracht, where I can watch the people and boats go by.
Q: What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned during your time as a (food) tour guide?
A: That we are all connected by the history of food – I love it! By the end of each tour, you really feel connected with the people on the tour, and sometimes you will even see people sharing recipes with one another.
Q: What other tours do you provide, besides the food tours?
A: In my job as a Food Strategy & Concept Developer I do Trend & Inspiration tours for retail & food professionals.
When you go on a food tour with Ferry, you will be inspired by his enthusiasm for food and the history and culture of Amsterdam. He’ll share fascinating stories and insider tips, and make you feel welcome in this beautiful city.
Want to discover the real Amsterdam with us?