Dutch cheese, or Kaas, is a world-renowned culinary export, with Gouda and Edam being the most famous varieties. In Amsterdam, cheese culture is defined by 'Oude Kaas' (aged cheese), which develops deep, nutty flavors and crunchy protein crystals over years of ripening. Unlike the mild, rubbery versions found abroad, real Dutch aged cheese is intensely savory and complex. Visitors should seek out specialized 'Kaaswinkels' (cheese shops) where they can sample different ages and milk types. From farmhouse specialties to herb-infused wheels, the city offers an incredible depth of artisanal dairy craft.
Kaas · say “Kaas” ·
Guide score ✕ verified reader stamps ✕ critic notes ✕ Google Maps signal. External reviews are linked, never copied.
·
Dutch cheese, or Kaas, is a world-renowned culinary export, with Gouda and Edam being the most famous varieties. In Amsterdam, cheese culture is defined by 'Oude Kaas' (aged cheese), which develops deep, nutty flavors and crunchy protein crystals over years of ripening. Unlike the mild, rubbery versions found abroad, real Dutch aged cheese is intensely savory and complex. Visitors should seek out specialized 'Kaaswinkels' (cheese shops) where they can sample different ages and milk types. From farmhouse specialties to herb-infused wheels, the city offers an incredible depth of artisanal dairy craft.
Order:
“Widely considered the best cheese shop in the city for its curated artisanal selection.”
Queue: Easy; a stunning historic shop packed from floor to ceiling with cheese.
Go: 11:00 AM; the staff are most available to guide you through a tasting.
Price: $$
Dietary:
Order:
Verdict: Specialists in both Dutch and French cheeses, with a focus on small-batch producers. — Jordaan
Queue: Easy; located on the edge of the Jordaan with a very professional atmosphere.
Go: 03:00 PM; a great time for a guided tasting in their cozy shop.
Price: $$
Dietary:
Order:
Verdict: The best place for a serious education in the aging process of Dutch cheeses. — Centrum
Queue: Easy; a dedicated tasting room set in a beautiful historic canal house.
Go: 04:00 PM; you must book their 1-hour tasting session in advance.
Price: $$
Dietary:
Order:
Verdict: They offer a very accessible introduction to Dutch cheese with plenty of free samples. — Singel
Queue: Easy; multiple locations across the city, all very clean and modern.
Go: 10:30 AM; popular with travelers for its wide range of easy-to-carry gifts.
Price: $$
Dietary:
Order:
Verdict: Famous for their branded aged Gouda, which is a staple of Dutch supermarket culture. — Damrak
Queue: Easy; very prominent and modern shop on the main boulevard.
Go: 10:00 AM; beat the massive crowds that gather near Dam Square later.
Price: $$
Dietary:
Order:
Verdict: A reliable local favorite known for its excellent selection of farmhouse Dutch cheeses. — Rozengracht
Queue: Easy; located on a major thoroughfare on the edge of the Jordaan.
Go: 11:30 AM; a great neighborhood stop for high-quality deli and cheese items.
Price: $$
Dietary:
Order:
Verdict: Known for their incredible range of both local and international artisanal cheeses. — Utrechtsestraat
Queue: Easy; beautiful and aromatic shop on one of the city's best dining streets.
Go: 01:30 PM; a popular stop for the local foodie community.
Price: $$
Dietary:
Order:
Verdict: One of the most respected cheese shops in the Netherlands, supplying many top restaurants. — IJmuiden
Queue: Easy; located in the upscale Oud-Zuid neighborhood.
Go: 11:00 AM; a high-end cheese specialist with a very refined selection.
Price: $$$
Dietary:
Order:
Verdict: A great place to find high-quality daily cheese without the central tourist premiums. — De Pijp
Queue: Easy; authentic atmosphere with a very knowledgeable staff.
Go: 10:30 AM; a quiet and local neighborhood shop in the south.
Price: $$
Dietary:
Order:
Verdict: Offers a very wide variety of flavored cheeses like pesto, truffle, and chili. — Leidsestraat
Queue: Easy; modern and accessible shop with easy-to-browse displays.
Go: 01:00 PM; a convenient stop while shopping in the city center.
Price: $$
Dietary:
Order:
Verdict: A favorite among locals for its very curated and high-quality selection of Dutch dairy. — Beethovensestraat
Queue: Easy; located in a prestigious residential shopping street in Oud-Zuid.
Go: 11:30 AM; a high-quality deli with an excellent cheese counter.
Price: $$
Dietary:
Order:
Verdict: Offers massive wheels of cheese at very competitive prices for local residents. — Albert Cuyp Market
Queue: Easy; part of the vibrant and active Albert Cuyp street market.
Go: 11:30 AM; the best place for value-for-money cheese shopping.
Price: $
Dietary:
Order:
Verdict: Known for its very friendly service and a great selection of local artisanal cheeses. — Oud-West
Queue: Easy; located on a major thoroughfare near the Ten Katemarkt.
Go: 12:00 PM; a modern and stylish shop in a trendy neighborhood.
Price: $$
Dietary:
Order:
Verdict: A dependable neighborhood favorite that offers a very solid range of Dutch classics. — Haarlemmerdijk
Queue: Easy; a very unpretentious and local-feeling shop with high quality.
Go: 11:00 AM; a great stop while exploring one of the city's best streets.
Price: $$
Dietary:
Order:
Verdict: They focus on small-scale Dutch producers and offer very unique and seasonal cheeses. — Westerpark
Queue: Easy; a stylish shop set in a historic industrial building in the park.
Go: 02:00 PM on Sundays; located in the creative hub of the Westergas.
Price: $$
Dietary:
0.0 / 10
15 stops
None known
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Challenges live in the app
Collect the dish stamp, submit proof, and earn XP from the mobile app after you choose a stop.
Have a dietary preference? We will surface relevant reports first.
Be the first to post a queue update or order tip in f/kaas.
Is the queue moving fast right now?