This week we spoke with Rene, who has been a tour guide since 2017. He really enjoys the social aspect of being a tour guide and sharing knowledge with others. Rene also has sixteen years of experience as a chef, which means that he has plenty of knowledge about food and the culture surrounding it.
Here are his answers to our questions:
Q: How did you become a tour guide?
A: I was working as a chef in a restaurant where I met Rudolph (another one of our tour guides). He invited me to work as a food tour guide as well. It was a perfect match, because I know so much about food and history.
Q: Why would you recommend doing a food tour?
A: Because a food tour is an ideal way to learn more about and understand another culture.
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 wandering around in the plantage and Nieuwmarkt neighbourhoods. For a cultural experience, the Concertgebouw and the national dance theatre are also good options.
Q: What is your favorite food, and where in Amsterdam do you most like to eat it?
A: I love Indonesian food and particularly enjoy visiting Kantijl & De Tijger. Sichuan is one of my favorite Chinese restaurants as well.
Q: What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned during your time as a (food) tour guide?
A: I was surprised that in the past, the herring was such an important fish for Amsterdam and the Netherlands.
Q: What other tours do you provide, besides the food tours?
A: I do the food tours once or twice a week. Aside from that, I also lead the kitchen crew at a homeless shelter in Amsterdam.
For Rene, the interaction with guests is one of the best parts of being a tour guide. When he first started working as a guide, he was surprised at how much he enjoyed it. When you do a food tour with Rene, you will experience his enthusiasm, and you will get answers to all your questions about the food and culture in this beautiful city.
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