Roopram Roti

Ok, I know this place is a cult favorite, but I don’t really get it. After being told to come here for 3 years in a row («You live in Oost and haven’t been there?! How dare you?!») I finally came here for takeaway on a Wednesday night, almost intimidated by the shower of praise for the joint.
Honestly, the food was OK. I had the chicken roti, and while it was certainly enough food, I felt that the 8 Euro price tag was a little steep for what was essentially a piece of chicken in sauce, flatbread and some potatoes served out of a place with fluorescent lights and plastic plates. I’m not an elitist about my food by any means but if it’s low-​fi, I expect low-​fi prices as well.
I don’t eat a ton of roti so maybe it is the best in the city, but I don’t think I will be returning.

The Netherlands is the only colonial power to have not learned a damn thing from its colonial enterprise in terms of improving its own cuisine. This means Dutch «cuisine» is not only a misnomer but it is an abomination (if I were religious I’d say against God) but more realistically against my palate.
Therefore the best thing to happen to Dutch food is:
1. Surinamese food
2. Indonesian food
At Roopram Roti you will find an abundance of delicious fare of the Surinamese variety. The place is basic but has tables and great prices. I think I had the most expensive thing on the menu – 12 Euros.
If you eat in, get one of the plates. The owner is really helpful and the lamb is super delicious. The food is super delicious, flaky soft roti, hot sambal, crisp green beans, soft flavorful potatoes. I could go on forever.
It’s an easy ride on the # 9 tram, one stop after the Troppenmuseum. The steady stream of locals of all races can tell you this is the real deal and where to go to eat.
I went on my last day in Amsterdam but had I gone earlier, I would have gone everyday until I had the duck, the chicken and the lamb and then started all over again.
It does only open at 2pm and is not open on Mondays as I found out the hard way.

I would love to say this place is a hidden gem, but that wouldn’t really the line of people standing outside every day to get their Roti fix. Simply the best. Little tip: if you want the same quality but none of the waiting time, go to Roopram Roti on the Van Woustraat.