The Bottom Line
As you pass the countless Chinese and other Asian eateries along the narrow Zeedijk, you don't expect to happen upon the idyllic courtyard at Hofje van Wijs. Step in and find a hidden gem serving delicious teas, coffees, scones and much more. A visit here will make for a memorable experience while in Amsterdam. (See below for the full review.)
Pros
- Charming atmosphere with loads of character.
- Delicious scones, baked goods and sandwiches.
- High-quality teas and coffees (served and also for sale in the shop).
Cons
- Service can be slow.
Description
- Address: Zeedijk 43, Amsterdam
Phone: +31 (0)20 624 04 36 - Kitchen open:
Tues & Wed 12 - 6 p.m., Thurs & Fri 12 - 10:30 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. - 10:30 p.m., Sun 12 - 7 p.m.
Closed Mondays. - Location: Old Centrum, not far from Nieuwmarkt, near Red Light District.
- Scene: Casual and calm.
Guide Review - Hofje van Wijs Tea and Coffee - Amsterdam Restaurant Review
With a history that dates back to the 1780s and a title as an official Purveyor to Her Majesty the Queen of the Netherlands, the company formerly known as Wijs & Zonen ("Wijs & Sons") has a passion for tea and coffee. They only moved to the current location and added restaurant service in 2007. The word Hofje in the name came with the move; in Dutch it can either describe an old-fashioned type of business co-op or a courtyard, both of which fit this unique establishment.
With two adjacent brick-walled spaces that flank a peaceful courtyard, the environment oozes charm in an area where it's not hard to find tacky tourist traps.
I discovered Hofje van Wijs through an English expatriate friend of mine, who described the tucked away tea shop as a delightful little place for lunch. And to steal a British expression, her description was "spot on."
My choices included a soothing but awakening Earl Grey tea with blue lavender (€ 2.50 for an individual pot with several cups) and a hearty sandwich of grilled zucchini and eggplant on warm brown bread, deliciously affordable at only € 6.20.
The English and Welsh girls with me opted for Jasmine Pearls and Pai Mu Tan (both Chinese white teas, € 3.50) and an Afternoon Blend (€ 2.50) to accompany their freshly made flaky scones served with the traditional thick cream and jam. The sweet treats got the stamp of approval from my expert friends; I had a nibble and understood why.
I'll be back to sample more from the huge tea selection, which includes varieties from India, China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Nepal and Kenya, as well as various herb and fruit teas. And I'll definitely try the coffee, my real weakness when it comes to brewed beverages. I plan on taking advantage of the haven-like courtyard in fair weather and testing their unexpected take on Indonesian food in the evenings. Join me!