<< back to foods in Amsterdam

Uitsmijter

What: Its intimidating name belies its simplicity: Uitsmijter (“outs-my-ter”) is merely an open-faced ham, cheese, and egg sandwich. It’s similar to the French croque madam, except it’s not at all mistaken for something dainty—there’s white bread and a minimum of three eggs involved here. Perhaps explaining its rough edges is its alleged origin story: The dish used to be served at cafes late at night before people were kicked out; the name, in fact, translates to “bouncer.” Nowadays it’s more popular at breakfast or lunch, when—true to its roots—it makes a great hangover food. You’d better be hungry.

Where: In the Jordaan, we found this dish at Daalder Eten & Drinken (Lindengracht 90), a handsome, renovated brown café. Unfortunately, the cafe has since changed its concept since our last visit and no longer offers this dish. Please see our alternatives below for other places to find uitsmijter.

When: Sun-Thurs, 10am-1am; Fri-Sat, 10am-3am

Order: This massive uitsmijter (€8,50) came with several pieces of white bread (not toasted, unfortunately), a thin layer of ham, a few sliced tomatoes, three sunny-side-up eggs, and a thick covering of a melted, mild cheese, probably a young Gouda.

Alternatively: Many cafes and restaurants serve this at lunch, like Jordaan’s Café Winkel (Noordermarkt 43, map) and De Blauwe Hollander (Leidsekruisstraat 28, map), near Leidseplein, where you have the option of bacon as well. Downscale kroketten house Eetsalon Van Dobben (two locations including Korte Reguliersdwarsstraat 5-7-9, map), near Rembrandtplein, also has a variety of uitsmijter, made with ham or roast beef (bonus: you can order it “halved” there for a smaller serving).