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: Semuel Souhuwat, photographer & graphic designer.
Where can you find the best coffee in town?
You can actually find me almost on a daily basis at Trakteren Koffie located at the Jan Pieter Heijestraat 119A. When you become friends with the owners like I did, they will occasionally spoil you with their fine selection of goods. Speaking of which, in the past years the guys from Trakteren won some prizes in making Aeropress Coffee at the national championships. You should definitely try the Aeropress Kenia slopes of 8 from the region Kirinyaga and slide in my DMâs to tell me all about it.
Where to go for a Sunday brunch?
I like stroll around on a Sunday searching for the best french toast. There are a lot of places to go for french toast, but I havenât figured out how Alain, the owner of Gallery 3, treats his dishes. Simple and to me, one of the best places to go for a Sunday brunch. Oh, I also could eat almost everything on a Sunday or any day at Laviniaâs Good Food. Great healthy spot to eat great veggie goods. Both places are on the West Side!
Where to go to dancing all night long?
Itâs a clichĂŠ to say and thatâs why it is common right? It depends on the mooood when enjoying music. At the moment I am listening to Khruangbin, but when dancing I could listen to Chuck Berry. Or I ask Vic Crezee where he is about to take people on a techy trip with his grimy sets. He surprised me once with a punk band called Daisy-Daisy as a supporting act. How crazy is that? Where is all of this? Well just to be honest, âyou never can tellâ
Whatâs your guilty pleasure when youâre hungover?
First of all, I changed a few habits so hangovers are rare! đ Thatâs only because when I actually am hungover it must be one to celebrate, donât you agree? When Iâm hungover I donât want to walk around to much. Thatâs why I go straight to my friends. Wanna know why? Because my friends have cookouts! They have a mf cookout everyday!!! They do this at their own little foodstand called Ta Toru. A mix of traditional Asian food mixed up with some of grandmaâs recipes! I dare you try the Banachoâs and you feel what Iâm talking about. Straight up amazing if you ask me! Itâs located at the old, but beautiful building Magna Plaza close to Dam Square. If you go straight to the second floor you will find all the food in the world at the The Food Department.
Where to go to spot some art or culture?
Recently I went to see a movie at Lab 111. If you are in for some movie classics by Stanley Kubrick, Alfred Hitchcock or other unconventional âarthouseâ films then definitely go there. They have good food too! Or go to the museum district and find Stedelijk Museum. A place to be pulled into other worlds and disappear from reality for little while.
Favorite neighbourhood to stroll around the whole day?
My favourite neighbourhood is the good Old West. Mostly because it feels like a little village here. Last summer I grouped up with some strolling individuals at Trakteren. We all felt a craving for food so I suggested to go to one of my favourite Italian places âGustatioâ (please go there itâs delish). This is around 11 am. We had great food and decided to have ice cream at âLala-IJsâ to then go and have gin & tonics at the cocktail bar at The Foodhallen to finish the stroll a little tipsy with another coffee at 3 pm. The main reason why I bring this up is because one of my favourite things to do is act like a fool and have a holiday feeling in my own neighbourhood. And while we were strolling we asked a bunch of tourists to take pictures of us as tourists!
Letâs talk self care. Whatâs your favorite spot?
Iâd like to visit my great friend Rowan at her hairdressers called New Chapter for a hair cut or just to chillax. Itâs situated at Bouncespace, a mix of different companies where I often hang-out, also because itâs – talking about self care – next to Vondelgym. This gym to me is a lifechanger. I have worked out there for almost three years and it changed the way I eat, sleep and move. Beautiful! đ
Where do we get the best rooftop view of Amsterdam? Whatâs special about that spot?
My Roof. I live in a caravan-like house near the Overtoom looking down on a courtyard. In the morning I meditate on a small ridge just outside my window or have a cup of tea while observing the people living underneath me in their own little bubble. I guess youâll only find this in Amsterdam.
And last but not least, what is by far your most favorite spot in Amsterdam?
That’s an easy one to answer: Trakteren Koffie. Besides that itâs located close to home, the people are great. It almost becomes a small community. As the street rat that I am, you can often find me there. Also because the owners are very genuine. They have a very specific selection of fine chocolates, great wines & champagnes, a collection of special beers and of course: great coffee.
