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Rijsttafel for one or maybe two?

Posted by (North Carolina) on

I didn't get a chance to experience a rijsttafel dinner on my last visit to Amsterdam, and I'd like to do it during a two-day stay there in late July; however, my husband will be with me. He is not a particularly adventurous eater, and in addition he tends to be extra-careful when traveling because he has colitis that sometimes flares up when eating and drinking unfamiliar things. So I'm wondering:

  1. Does it make any sense to order a rijsttafel for one?
  2. If I did order rijsttafel for one, would there be mild and fairly familiar a la carte dishes that he'd probably be happy with?
  3. Would there be enough mild and fairly familiar dishes on a rijsttafel that we could possibly share the experience (leaving the spicy and more unusual things for me)?

Thank you!

Posted by
1806 posts

Just to note, you should research which places might actually let you order a rijsttafel for just one person - the ones I've seen usually want the entire table ordering it.

When a group of us went to Sampurna in Amsterdam, the waiter announced what each item was as he placed it on the table. Out of all the dishes served, I would estimate only about 20% of it was actually spicy (and not the "OMG, I need to chug a giant glass of water" spicy, more like it had a little bit of a kick to it), the rest was mild - and we didn't even ask them to make anything mild for us - we just let them cook it however they would normally, but if you need everything extra mild, then just let the waiter know. And when they deliver it, ask them questions if you are concerned about what might be in any of the dishes your husband may be willing to try. They list most of what makes up each dish on their menu, but doesn't hurt to ask questions or ask for them to make adjustments.

Posted by
1924 posts

When I was in Amsterdam and researching places to go for rijsttafel, I was unable to find anyplace that even served it for one person. The minimum was for two people everywhere I looked. If you can find a place that will serve rijsttafel for one, great! Otherwise, you'll have no option but to order it for two (or more).

I found another traveler on this forum who was going to Amsterdam at the same time I was, so we ended up meeting up and sharing it.

But I agree with Ceidleh: there were a lot of dishes that were perfectly mild and little or nothing I would describe as totally weird or unfamiliar. And there was SO MUCH FOOD that even if there are only a few dishes your husband feels comfortable eating, he will be happily well fed.

Posted by
318 posts

Thank you for the replies! Sounds like we'd be fine ordering it for two.

Posted by
2134 posts

We recommend Kantijil and de Tiger (address: Spuitstraat, 291), based on a recommendation from another RS forum member. You can order rijsttafel for one, also you can order dishes al la carte. We choose this place, because I wanted to try a rijsttafel meal while my husband wasn’t interested. The restaurant is quite casual and open noon to 1 am daily. I would go again.

Posted by
318 posts

Thank you! If it turns out that he doesn't want to try it, I'm glad to know there's a place I can still go.

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