De Volkskruidentuin

I still can’t find every spice I’m looking for in Amsterdam, but this place got me a hell of a lot closer in stocking up on spices.

This place is basically a cook’s heaven. I was standing outside Gary’s deli /​the burrito place next door locking up my bike when I smelled these really strong flavors. I was a bit startled as I couldn’t tell where they came from. As I spinned around I noticed this store with racks of various teas and spices outside. I walked in and had a smile on my face as I wandered around the store. They have spices in bulk included various peppers, all types of dried fruits, about 10 – 15 types of curry powders for all types of dishes, bulk dried beans, grains, various flours and meals, dates from Iran, and tons of different tea.
Yesterday I bought hibiscus tea (2 euro), sea salt (0.99 cents), and cinnamon sticks (1.30 euro). This place is cheap and quality.
Once I get my kitchen in order I’ll be back for more!
Cash only — no pin card.

This place is brilliant. Since moving to Amsterdam from LA, I’ve struggled to find lots of things I took for granted in the home of raw food shakes and bacon ice cream. Albert Heijn is everywhere, but to a foodie, it’s nowhere. The one nearest my house doesn’t even carry cumin (komijn) for my notorious chili. But the other day I was on Kinkerstraat picking up a cheap bike lock at the outdoor market and stumbled across this marvelous shop. I am guessing that the owner is North African or Middle Eastern, but wherever he’s from, he’s a frigging saint in my book. De Volkskruidentuin carries bulk spices of all varieties and provender like dried beans, dates and CORN MEAL! Now I can make my equally notorious cornbread to accompany that chili. Or I could, if I could find bakpoeder (baking powder) anywhere. And yes, forget AH for that too. But dammit, Jim, I WILL find baking materials! And I will keep coming back to this dark and lovely winkel. Prima!