Amsterdam Through the Local Lens: Rachael from Hungry Birds and Brews & Tales

Amsterdam is notoriously known for being Europe’s capital of sin and debauchery, but our experience there revealed that this gorgeous city has so much more than pot and prostitutes. We speak to Rachael, who had brought us on a gastronomic tour around Amsterdam, forever debunking the myth that the only thing worth eating there are stroopwafels. What makes Rachael special to us is the fact that she’s Singaporean as well! Despite only moving to Amsterdam two years ago, her job as a Hungry Birds Food Tour guide has led her to become a local expert, so much so that she was inspired to set up her own tour! Read on for her candid answers on the challenges (and perks) of moving to Amsterdam, her favourite spots & restaurants in the city, and what you absolutely must avoid there!

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset — Rachael offering some very happy Singaporeans Amsterdam’s version of kueh lapis.

What inspired you to move to Amsterdam?

The winding canals… picturesque houses… the croquettes (deep fried meat goo, as we like to call it)! All that aside, I’d always wanted to work with sex trafficking victims in Amsterdam’s infamous red light district, which led to an interest in the city. During my first visit in 2012, however, I fell hopelessly in love with the liberal spirit of this place that I now call home. And the cheese. God bless.

What is the biggest difference you’ve experienced living in Amsterdam vs Singapore?

There are so many. Marijuana is cheaper and easier to get, so is alcohol. No one rides a scooter with a helmet here. People live rather transparently because it’s common to not use curtains, even though they live on the first floor (it’s like IKEA showrooms everywhere, folks). Of course, the weather. It’s mostly overcast, rainy and grey, but when the sun is out, locals enjoy lounging at the parks, their own balconies, and everywhere with a streak of light – not without a beer or two.On a more serious note, Amsterdam, like Singapore, is a multicultural city, but locals are generally accepting of ‘aliens’, and there’s a genuine warmth in their interactions with people like me. When I first moved into my neighbourhood, a gracious silver fox by the name of Marcel bought me a cappuccino at my favorite cafe (Scandinavian Embassy). I returned the favour a year later when I bumped into him recently.There is a Dutch word called ‘gezellig‘, which, loosely translated, means cosiness and good vibes. Amsterdam embodies that, and it is reflected in the way they treat individuals, no matter the race, sexual orientation and background. To me, that is a sign of a mature and empathetic society.

You’re juggling several jobs now. Could you tell us more about what you do?

Ironically, my neighbour works with sex trafficking victims, but I’ve not had the chance to invest myself in that area quite yet. I’m currently working with Boom Chicago, an improv theater that has been a great launching pad for comedians like Jordan Peele, Seth Meyers, Jason Sudeikis and more. I’m also a street food tour guide with the Hungry Birds, through which I’ve learnt a lot about the local food and culture. I’m happy to say that I’ve recently set up my own Anthony Bourdain-inspired tour (aka more drinks than food) called ‘Brews and Tales‘. Once a month, you can also find me making coffee from a caravan at Feel Good Market. I guess, ‘professional juggler’ should be my official job title.

What differentiates the Hungry Birds Tour from the other food tours?

If I may be honest, I’ve never done a ‘real’ food tour in my life. That’s because I’ve always travelled to places where friends are, which means I don’t ever have to seek out local eats by myself! Based on our guests’ feedback, Hungry Birds is gezellig (read above for the meaning) and it’s a casual, fun and intimate way to get to know the city through its food. We are genuinely interested in people, so we do everything we can to ensure that our hungry birds are well-fed through the connections we all share and the delicious food we have in store for them. We support smaller eateries and businesses with stories, heart and passion, which means our guests get to meet and converse with the local vendors, which would be challenging to do in a place like Singapore, because most vendors wouldn’t have time to talk to their customers. I think the core of it is that all our partners love what they do and so do we! That’s why our guests always feel like they were part of something special, and that warmth lives on in their food memory bank.

Theresa explaining how FEBO, Amsterdam’s answer to delicious automated fast food (yes I was just as surprised that those adjectives go together), grew to became a huge franchise from its humble beginnings as a shop selling meatloaves.

Tell us more about Brews & Tales and the kind of traveller it caters to!

If you’ve ever watched ‘No Reservations’ by Anthony Bourdain, you’d have a very accurate sense of how a ‘Brews and Tales’ experience is like. It’s not your typical pub crawl. I’ve put together a list of my personal favorite local drinking establishments – a mix of local brown bars, micro-brewery, jenever tasting room, and a dive bar! These are places that even some locals don’t know about, which is something I’m pretty proud of. An American couple I brought out recently told me that I’d helped them discover their favourite beer!

Brews and Tales is an experience for people who like to learn about Amsterdam through its drinks, food and stories of the bars that few know about. The menu is mostly meat-based, but drinking vegetarians are encouraged to join! Drinks-wise, it’s certainly one for craft beer lovers. If you have a curious appetite and love for connecting with fellow travellers through local beverages and food, join us. If you just want to get sloshed and laid, then I’d suggest joining the Ultimate Pub Crawl instead. They’re cheaper too!

Which is your favourite neighbourhood in Amsterdam and why?

I work at the Jordaan (pronounced Yorh-Daan), which is possibly Amsterdam’s prettiest neighborhood. However, I’d have to say that I am most enthralled by my own neighbourhood, De Pijp. Sure, it’s a breeding ground for hipsters these days, however, it’s very charming because of the mix of the old and new. There are so-cool-it-hurts bars right next to small eateries that have been around for ages, often family-owned. There’s also the smallest park in Amsterdam (Sarphatipark), Amsterdam’s best cafe (Scandinavian Embassy Coffee) right across it, it’s home to the longest market (Albert Cuypt Markt), there are good bars and restaurants at every corner, and a cosy little cinema called Rialto behind my place.

Yoghurt Barn is one of the hipster cafes in De Pijp where you can find fresh yogurt, aromatic tea, and cute Dutch waiters 😀

Amsterdam is always misunderstood as the red light district of Europe. Would you agree?

Would I agree that it’s misunderstood or that it is the red light district of Europe? I do think that Amsterdam has a reputation for being a promiscuous sin city brimming with sex, drugs and more sex. Is it true, though? I don’t frequently loiter around the red light district, but I think that it is what the individual makes it out to be. Is there sex for sale? Why, yes! And it’s not cheap! Can you watch a live sex act for 2 euro per minute? Yes, at The Peep Show (they might go out of business soon, so go quickly.). Can you really eat a banana out of a lady’s privates? At Banana Bar, you can! Yes, it is all true. We have all that here, and more. However, is it reflective of the city? No. Absolutely not. Look around, most drunks still slurring and negotiating with the Eastern European at the door are probably not from Amsterdam. Locals prefer to ‘borrel‘ at the local bars (post-work drinks).

What is a side of Amsterdam you think travellers MUST see?

I think travellers should go to amsterdamtop20.com and check out the mentioned attractions and places, It’s a website for savvy travellers looking for original experiences. I’d say definitely check out Amsterdam Noord for cool stuff. The markets are a great way to get acquainted with local produce and producers, but the supermarket is also an unconventional way to understand what the Dutch purchase and consume daily! Hagelslag is something to be savored. Go google!

Any suggestions for off the beaten track activities?

The Wetlands Safari Tour is definitely something one should try. Follow Majel, a gutsy local guide who has a real heart for the lush nature right outside Amsterdam city. You get to kayak, learn about the beautiful surroundings, see windmills and local animals. There’s even a picnic! Not to be missed, in my opinion! And of course, the Boom Chicago comedy show, Hungry Birds Food tour and Brews & Tales! 🙂

Share with us three recommendations for local restaurants, please?

I’m a sucker for surprises, so Mantoe is definitely something I’d recommend. They serve traditional Afghan dishes. There is only one mystery menu (you can choose between vegetarian or meat, but the correct answer is meat) and there is (good and cheap) wine. You sit, drink, and wait to be served. Prices are reasonable and the food is sensational..

For something totally Dutch, go to Moeders (which means mothers in Dutch). Food is traditional Dutch food. They have the usual ‘stamp pot’ which is mashed potatoes with kale, meatball or smoked sausage and gravy. Their sausage is from my favorite smoked sausage supplier, Hema (also a departmental store for everything you want but don’t need). If you bring a picture of your mom, they will hang it on the wall forever! Don’t be alarmed when you see disapproving stares from others’ moms while sinking your teeth into that third apple pie! Great ambience, great food. Highly recommended!

If you’re like me and like to go for the whole works, go to De Hallen (the hall), which is a local food court. The food is varied and delicious, plus there is a gin and tonic bar. Locals adore it, tourists can hardly find it, which means more authentic and less touristy. The only downside is that it can feel a little too hipster, but good food is good food, no matter who makes it.

Can I suggest a fourth too? Go to Winkel 43 (near the Noordermarkt) for the city’s best apple pie…

Processed with VSCOcam with g3 preset — Offering cheese after she whipped a bottle of red wine out from her backpack and served it to us!

What is a tourist trap that should be avoided at all costs?

Definitely the company with that prominent red book – Tours and Tickets. Disappointing recommendations and tours. Ice Bar is an atrocity, and few discounts here and there aren’t enough to make up for the time wasted exploring attractions made for tourists, devoid of authenticity. Remembrantplein is another hotspot to skip. However, there is Pathe Tuschinksi (gorgeous 1921 cinema that feels more like a grand performance theater but has a bad sound system), so go just for the experience. Skip those boring covered canal cruises and go local instead. (Suggestion: Those Dam Boat Guys opened by some friends of mine offer the city’s best experience on water!)

Am I alone in wanting to jump on a plane that’s headed for Amsterdam!? Do share with us in the comments section if you have recommendations for Amsterdam (:

What inspired you to move to Amsterdam?

What is the biggest difference you’ve experienced living in Amsterdam vs Singapore?

You’re juggling several jobs now. Could you tell us more about what you do?​

What differentiates the Hungry Birds Tour from the other food tours?

Tell us more about Brews & Tales and the kind of traveller it caters to!

Which is your favourite neighbourhood in Amsterdam and why?

Amsterdam is always misunderstood as the red light district of Europe. Would you agree?

What is a side of Amsterdam you think travellers MUST see?

Any suggestions for off the beaten track activities?

Share with us three recommendations for local restaurants, please?

What is a tourist trap that should be avoided at all costs?

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You’re juggling several jobs now. Could you tell us more about what you do?