Meet the People of Amsterdam. Here we will showcase a different Amsterdam native every week. Every Amsterdam native will share a little about their lives, their favorite spots, and what makes Amsterdam so special to them. Take it all in. After all, the People of Amsterdam know Amsterdam best. This week: Charro-Nathan Tanamal, PR specialist at Speak Easy Agency.
Where can you find the best coffee in town?
Most definitely Lot Sixty One on the Kinkerstraat. Itâs strong, but tasteful; perfect balance! I always order a cappuccino with oat milk. If I would freelance I wouldnât necessarily go here to work. Itâs too cramped and crowded to really concentrate, but perfect for a coffee including sweets with friends.
Where to go for a Sunday brunch?
I love to brunch at Dignita. Thereâs one in the south area of the city, and one in the beautiful neighborhood of Artis, our cityâs zoo. The âForest Dwellersâ sandwich is simply divine. Itâs a combination of 4 types of fungi with truffle crème fraĂŽche and poached eggs.
Where to go to dancing all night long?
Well this obviously changes over time, but I would recommend to go to the VBX or Slapfunk parties. They differ in location, sometimes Shelter, other times Bret, Veronicaschip or a new club called Lofi. The music that is played at these parties is a combination of minimal house, minimal techno, sometimes some UK Garage influences and itâs just an overall rolling and groovy vibe. Everybody dances; the sound is just too cool to stand still!
Whatâs your guilty pleasure when youâre hungover?
I love to walk into my street, the Kinkerstraat, in my pajamas with big sunglasses on. You can just get everything that your heart desires while being hungover. McDonalds, some greasy chicken at FEBO, a loempia and a fresh juice on the Ten Katemarkt, shop some vintage clothes and come back home refreshed to watch cartoons all day on the couch. Best cure!
Where do you go for your favorite dessert?
Around the corner of my house you have La La IJs. Itâs this little salon and they serve the most wonderful vegan ice cream, youâll be amazed how good it is. Another great one is the Butterscotch dessert at Worst on Prinseneiland.
What is your favorite store to go shopping?
Definitely COS for the basics. Itâs just so classy and casual at the same time! Furthermore, I really like Won Hundred as well. Besides that, I love to buy my clothes vintage. Sometimes you find these hidden gems of famous brands or other cool brands. Around my house is the perfect vintage shop called Effect(s).
Where to go to find the best Dutch local treat?
Whenever Iâm abroad I miss two things from home the most; Dutch old cheese on a slice of bread and a âpatatje oorlogâ. This last one literally translates as âWar Chipsâ, which are perfectly crunchy (and soft on the inside) chips with mayonnaise, Indonesian peanut sauce and raw onions. I know, it sounds disgusting, but believe me, itâs heaven. Get this at the Patatsteeg (Heisteeg 3) and get the best old cheese (Oude Toom) at Tromp on the Elandsgracht.
Where to go to spot some art or culture?
I get bored too quickly at museums, but Iâm mesmerized by historic architecture. This whole city is a museum in my opinion, so just stroll the canals and youâll find yourself inspired instantly.
Where can you get the best cocktails in town?
Tales & Spirits. The perfect old bar. Nice vibe and lovely cocktails. My favorite is an Old Fashioned.
Favorite neighbourhood to stroll around the whole day?
My own (Kinkerbuurt) obviously, but it holds a shared first place with the Haarlemmerstraat and Prinseneiland neighborhood. You can just fill up your whole day there!
Letâs talk self care. Whatâs your favorite spot?
Iâm not the one who would go out for a facial, manicure or pedicure. But for a haircut I could definitely recommend New Chapter Studio for women. The whole experience is nice as well; itâs a hairdresser without a mirror, just relax and trust the expert, people! For men I recommend the Barberhood on the Elandsgracht. Super friendly guys, with a DJ set in the shop and they cut your hair really smooth!
Where do we get the best rooftop view of Amsterdam? Whatâs special about that spot?
If you have the luxury to be a Soho House Member, I would definitely say thatâs the best rooftop view of the city. Otherwise just hang out in front and beg someone to take you up! Iâm kidding, but itâs really worth taking the effort!
And last but not least, what is by far your most favorite spot in Amsterdam?
The Kinkerstraat is my favorite spot in Amsterdam, because I live there, obviously! There’s always something going on and in my opinion it’s the perfect fusion between old and new. It’s sometimes a bit shabby when you encounter these horrible, but at the same time hilarious little shops, but it also has all the stores you need in your day-to-day life. It has beautiful restaurants in the neighborhood, like Panache, Bar Centraal and De Hallen, but also the most tasteful Surinam “tokos” or simply the FEBO or the McDonalds. You even see these two worlds coming together if you look into the street itself. On one side you see the most hideous buildings from the 70s, while the other side is full of character, how most architecture looks like in Amsterdam.
