As someone who used to live in Holland and enjoy Dutch delicacies, I was delighted when I found little Amsterdam had opened on North Bar Street in Banbury. Most people probably think of pancakes when they see a Dutch cafe, they will not be disappointed, there is a great range of sweet and savoury pancakes on offer at Little Amsterdam, but there are many more Dutch delights waiting to enliven your taste buds.
There is something for every time of day on their new menu, from a simple, but excellent, coffee in the morning, through lighter bites (they leave me well satisfied) at lunch time, to more substantial options in the evening. A children’s menu is also available so it is no surprise that Little Amsterdam is our Grand Children favourite place, they love the pancakes!
The traditional Uitsmijters or Dutch open sandwich is a good option, the omelettes are excellent, and it would not be a Dutch café without excellent Sate. But for me, the range of Dutch Street food snacks brings back all the best memories of Holland. Try the Bitterballen, Kroketten, Bami Bites or Frikandel with a portion of Patat (fries) with mayonnaise to dip them in, heavenly.
Be sure to leave room for coffee and Poffertjes, the special mini Dutch pancakes sprinkled with sugar and butter, amazing.
The café is light and welcoming and the owners Ilja and Tjobbe together with all their staff are very friendly and welcoming. There is a cosy area where children are welcome and there is also a small courtyard for sunny days.
Be sure to check out the Dutch product on sale, this is a great place to get your Sate Sauce, Ketchup Manis and Hagel, the Dutch chocolate sprinkles, amongst other tasty treats.
Ilja also runs the Banbury cookery school in a kitchen at the back of the café, so you often get other wondrous aromas wafting into the café.
Whilst this award-winning café is a short walk from the centre of Banbury, Little Amsterdam is well worth the effort. It is a good idea to giving them a call to book a table, if you are looking to visit during the main meal times, especially at the weekend, when they can become quite busy. There is some car parking just in front of the café.
As the Dutch would say, the food here is truly “Lekker”.
