5 Icecream Parlours to visit in Amsterdam

ICECREAM. My favourite topic! I’ve been exploring cafes in Singapore for the best icecream and waffles experience, and been diligently logging down my experiences under the hashtag, #icewjcream, on Instagram. When I’m overseas, I try to continue this “hobby” of mine to visit different icecream parlours and rate their icecream based on flavour, variety, and their waffle’s texture.

In Singapore, we are used to having icecream on waffles. Here in Amsterdam, icecream is served in waffle cones or cups. Some stores have sugar/icing-coated Belgian waffles to go with the icecream, but they are usually not made on the spot.

I like small-batch, homemade icecream. This ensures quality on the part of the icecream maker, and icecream fans experience novelty because new flavours keep popping up from these stores! Most icecream shops here in Amsterdam serves gelato (the Italian name for icecream, with major differences from icecream). You may visit this site for a short explanation on the difference between “gelato” and “icecream”; in short, icecream and gelato differs in the amount of air and fat content, as well as the temperature they are served. Icecream increases in volume as air is whipped into them; cheaper icecream tends to have more air, and tastes suffer as a result of too much air.

1. Banketbakkerij Van Der Linde

This is my first contact with icecream in the Netherlands. I was expecting a smooth, ice-cold vanilla flavour to dance in my mouth, since this store only sells this one type of icecream, and they better be darned good at what they are doing. I was disappointed because all I tasted was warm whipped cream. The texture was airy, warm (relative to “normal” icecreams), but very smooth. Another plus point is that it is cheap, for just €0.95 for a single scoop on a cone!

The shop is conveniently located along Nieuwendijk, opposite the large HEMA store. This shop was definitely eye-pleasing thanks to their retail equipment which they might have bought on sites like shop supplies. There are always queues in the shop, but it moves really fast. Is this a favourite for me? No. Is it worth a try? Yes, I guess – based on the queue! =P Let me know how you find its taste!

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2. Ijsboutique

Ijsboutique is located in a quaint neighbourhood next to Vondelpark, far from the main city centre of Amsterdam. It was a random find as I searched on Google maps for an icecream place that is open at night. That’s what we usually do in Singapore – we go for icecream after having our dinner, and we can hangout till late (11pm) at the icecream shop. Here? Most cafes and shops that do not serve alcohol close by 6pm. Imagine how excited I am when I found this shop!

When you see icecream displayed in swirls like this, it indicates that these are gelato. Therefore, expect the texture to be denser, temperature to be warmer, and feel less guilt because there is LESS FAT content than icecream! =P

I had three scoops of icecream, in a cup, for €4. I tried their coffee, salty caramel, and an un-pronounceable cookie flavour. My only complain is that they should serve larger scoops of icecream!

http://www.ijsboutique.nl/

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3. Nutella Ice Bakery

I only tried this shop, after many times of walking past it, because my friend recommended their stroopwaffle flavour. Here in Amsterdam, you see many Ice Bakery around. It can be easily recognized by the display of Nutella bottles at their window.

I had their stroopwaffle and hazelnut flavours. The texture was good, and I liked their waffle cone 🙂  Well, I forgot how much this costs me, but I remember that the experience is worth the cost =P

http://icebakery.nl/

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4. IJscuypje

I can’t pronounce the name of the shop… Someone enlighten me?

It was a random find – again – after dinner nearby the area. I couldn’t find this shop on my Google maps, and I realize that they were originally located in another address, but recently shifted its shop here. I tasted a small spoon of their Vanilla flavour. This is important, because the ultimate of icecream-making is mastering the vanilla flavour – simple, elegant, but very challenging to craft to taste. The vanilla flavour tasted decent enough, and I decided to try their other flavours! =P

Got a scoop of chocolate chip icecream, which does not look nor taste like chocolate chip icecream in my mind. Usually there will be bits of chocolate chips in my vanilla icecream for a “chocolate chip icecream”. For this, there were swirls of chocolate ganache in a pale-yellowish icecream based. Still tastes good! It’s just €1.50 for a cone like this!

http://www.ijscuypje.nl/

The address given below is accurate, despite the different shop indicated here. Use google street, and you can see the storefront of Ijscuypje in construction.

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5. Metropolitan (MY FAVOURITE!)

I always leave the best for the last. In my most recent find, I chanced upon Metropolitan while revisiting Amsterdam city centre on foot. You are greeted by the smell of chocolate the moment you enter the shop, and you are lured to walk further in, and.. and to get something from here!

I saw people eating icecreams on waffles. FINALLY! And I went straight up to the bar and asked for their most popular flavour.

THIS WINS ALL. The salted caramel was not salty nor sweet enough, but it goes well with the waffle because the waffle adds on to the sweetness of the overall dish. Moreover, the wafffle is made fresh and served warm. A scoop of icecream on a waffle costs €4.95! Pricey, but worth the happiness =D

Before I left the icecream shop, I saw that they serve red velvet cake too! This gives me a reason to visit Metropolitan again. They have other products on sale, mostly chocolate related: chocolate soap, cacao beer, stroopwaffles (in ceramic containers), etc. Even if you are not a fan of icecream, this place is a must-visit because of the good vibes and chocolatey products on sale!

http://www.metropolitan.nl/

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This post was originally published in limwjtravels.wordpress.com