Black-Owned Amsterdam City Guide
Amsterdam has long been a city of cultural diversity. Today, the city prides itself on a mixed population that includes 180 different nationalities. However, the Netherlands has a long, complex history that often overlooks the experience and contribution of minority groups, namely from the African Diaspora and the Dutch Caribbean. Like many places around the world, here in The Netherlands, we are still untangling the challenges of inequality today. Did you know that the Afro-Dutch population includes Surinamese, Antillean and Cape Verdean communities? Each has its own cultural, linguistic and culinary contributions to Dutch society.
Read my Amsterdam Black-Owned City Guide to discover how to spend a day exploring and supporting Black-owned brands, restaurants, cultural spaces, and shops in Amsterdam! *Listings updated in Spring 2023.
Representation matters.
As a woman who is proud of her mixed-race Caribbean roots, my heritage influences the lens through which I travel. That’s why all of my City Guides highlight diverse and often communities that are often underrepresented.
I strongly believe that BIPOC entrepreneurs and Black-owned businesses deserve equal attention in the tourism industry. The change is slow, but it’s gaining momentum lately. Eventually, the mainstream travel industry will catch up, but in the meantime, it’s up to us to create space and representation for our own communities with pride!
EAT + DRINK | BLACK-OWNED AMSTERDAM
African Kitchen West African and international cuisine dished out in Amsterdam Zuid Oost.
Atelier Code Noir This women-owned creative food studio hosts workshops and delicious Caribbean-inspired pop-up dinners and food workshops founded by British-Caribbean caterer Lelani Lewis.
Bar Bario Female-founded bar in Amsterdam west that serves as a creative hub, and safe space for to the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC community.
Labyrinth Bar Art, music, and Afro-Caribbean soul food mix at this restaurant and cocktail bar near Vondelpark. Now serving Jamaican food by Reggae Rita.
Lady Bird Elevated fried chicken, caviar, and cocktails served with southern sides servied with a funky NYC vibe.
Locals Coffee Cozy neighborhood vibes plus everything from coffee to brunch with a lovely view of De Pijp.
Mooskha Vegan Soul Food Vegan soul food inspired by African, Caribbean, and Southern American cuisine.
Plato Loco Caribbean cuisine served with a twist and paired with delicious tropical cocktails in West.
Pamela LGBTQ+ and BIPOC-friendly cocktail bar and cafe with a sunny terrace near Kinkerstraat.
PalmTuin Vegan Suinamese pop-up restaurant serving various locations.
Reggae Rita Jamaican-owned restaurant serving island favorites like jerk chicken, akee and salt fish, patties, Ital options and more for dine-in or take away. Now serving in collaboration with Labyrinth Bar.
Saint Jean A plant-based bakery and specialty coffee shop serving French-inspired vegan pastries. Saint Jean Deli recently opened across the street from the bakery and serves vegan soups and savory bites.
Terra Zen Centre A family-run vegan café serving a tasty and unique menu of Caribbean and Japanese dishes with a twist.
The Protest Bar A queer-friendly bar where like-mined people come together to create a better world for all.
Tudy’s Kitchen & Sugar Bar Delightfully delicious and unique ice cream flavors, like Sage Brown Butter Cookie Dough, all handmade with local ingredients.
Yemaya's Vegan Corner Vegan restaurant dishing out Afro-Suninamese meals in Zuid Oost.
Waterkant A tropical oasis along the canal serving cocktails and Surinamese food. In July 2022, this venue became home to the world’s largest Inclusive Pride Flag!
Yerba Upscale dining where veggies take the spotlight, serving local, seasonal ingredients for omnivores and vegans.
SHOPPING | BLACK-OWNED AMSTERDAM
Awakti Colorful headwraps, dresses, and other accessories made from African printed faric.
Aflé Bijoux Luxury jewelry created from precious jewels of African genes for the modern liberated woman.
Coloured Goodies One-of-a-kind children's dolls are crafted to highlight a diverse range of skin tones and hair textures.
Daily Paper Amsterdam-based fashion brand inspired by the founders’ African heritage. Check out their flagship store on the Bilderdijkstraat.
Dolores Del Dia Vintage & Modern Shop curated vintage at this boutique along the chic JP Heijestraat.
EduCulture Book Store This unique children’s book store with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and social content.
Filling Pieces Amsterdam-based premium footwear, apparel, and accessories.
Jutka Ritska A bespoke collection of clothes, jewelry, and accessories available at multiple locations in Amsterdam.
Lexeah Spiritual handmade products, including herb bundles, dried sage, astrology pots and more.
Mendo Books A curated collection of books about photography, fashion, travel, culinary, design and more.
Omnia Elevated leather-crafted bags and accessories.
Patta A fashion brand and concept shop featuring sneakers and streetwear from their own label and more.
The New Originals Amsterdam founded performance clothing for creatives.
Zeedijk 60 Community-centered retailer featuring a variety of Amsterdam-based streetwear brands.
CULTURE + COMMUNITY | BLACK-OWNED AMSTERDAM
AfroVibes Festival Every autumn, this festival celebrates contemporary dance, music, and theater from diverse African cultures.
Black Archives A significant local source of Black literature, knowledge, and information centered around race issues, slavery, colonization, feminism, and other social sciences.
Black Heritage Tours Interactive city tour (the first of its kind) exploring the hidden histories of the African Diaspora throughout Amsterdam.
Black Pride A grassroots organization and social justice movement centering on and celebrating the Black LGBTQIA+ community of color.
Creative Women Collective A female-founded community of creatives and freelancers in Amsterdam and beyond.
Heesterveld Creative Community Collective of artists, musicians, and other creatives in Amsterdam Zuidoost.
Hostelle Female-founded, women-only hostel in Amsterdam Zuidoost.
House of Jungle Queer BIPOC DJ collective hosting Afrohouse and Amapiano events.
Kwaku Festival An annual, summertime festival in Nelson Mandela Park celebrating Afro-Caribbean cultural heritage.
Keti Koti Festival An annual cultural heritage festival on 1 July celebrating Surinamese Abolition Day with celebrations taking place in Oosterpark and Museumplein.
My Omek A platform designed to make connections for African diaspora professionals and their allies.
OSCAM (Open Space Contemporary Art Museum) A museum and event space highlighting art, music, fashion and culture in the Bijmer.
The Quick & The Brave Independent Afropean platform centering historically excluded perspectives.
BEAUTY + WELLNESS | BLACK-OWNED AMSTERDAM
De Artisten Hair salon and event space in Amsterdam Oost.
Kindred Cuts Amsterdam’s only Queer Black Barber creating genderless haircuts.
Robbe Does An iconic family-run Afro-hair barbershop in De Pijp.
The Natural Nation Hairdresser and loctician servicing natural hair in Amsterdam Oost.
Curious for more? Browse all of my Amsterdam City Guide or use my Black-Owned Amsterdam City Guide Map to explore further on your own.
My Amsterdam Guides are always evolving alongside the city itself.
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