New King - Chinese restaurant, Amsterdam

Just for fun I will occasionally share an Amsterdam restaurant recommendation from the venerable Louis Bryan @ NoeHill

For the uninitiated, Louis is a Bay Area writer of world-class essays and journals about his exploits in Amsterdam, along with many other topics.

Louis is also one of the few Americans with the energy, brains and chutzpah to get off his ass and actually learn to speak Dutch (we are not worthy...)

One of my favorite Louis Bryan essays is Dutch in Three Weeks

Provided you are not a mouth-breathing american drug tourist, and if you like good writing, kick back some evening with a bottle of jong jenever (and maybe even a puff or two) and savor some of Louis Bryans writing "downstairs" at Noe Hill. ..it will grow on you....

On to the food.....

Favorite Dish: Louis recommends babi pangang, (sometimes "bami ") what I thought was an Indonesian pork dish, but New King is touted as "one of the best Chinese restaurants in Amsterdam, " so go figure..?

Either way, both at New King's website menu and in Ms Verheydens lovely foto it looks delicious!!

I have been fortunate enough to share a meal or two with Louis, and though I have yet to eat at the New King, you can bet that will be my first stop next time I'm in Amsterdam and babi pangang will be my entree of choice. Give it a shot, and let us know what you think.

Geniet van uw maaltijd, alstublieft!

Here is a review of the restaurant:
New King review

PHOTO CREDIT: Tine Verheyden Babi Pangang by the amazing Tine Verheyden
© Copyright Tine Verheyden 2003-2004
Ms Verheyden is an excellent and talented photographer. Check her work out here: Tine Verheyden

Why? well, there are two important reasons:

Firstly, New King is located in Chinatown area - which is also 'next' to red light district, so chances are you will be around the neighbourhood anyways;
Secondly the food at New King is so good and authentic it is very similar to the real Chinese food you find in Asia - so in itself is worthy of a vacation 'experience'.

As with most restaurants in Chinatown, the place is small and can be a bit claustrophobic. During dinner hours when it's very busy you might have to share your table with strangers.
Prices are one of the lowest in the whole city - and rice is given for free. An entree cost around Euro 10 so you will probably be down Euro 12 per person.

Favorite Dish: I always like their Sui Kiau (shrimp wonton) noodle soup and the combination of roasted crunchy pork & honey roasted sweet pork.
Alternatively go for the duck fried rice.

We ate at this Chinese restaurant, near the red-light district area, on the first night. They had an eat as much as you can (from the buffet) in an hour offer for 7.50 Euros. Thanks to Sabsi for the recommendation!

A great choice and huuuuuuge portions! A main course is around EURO 10-15, starters are EURO 3-10.

Favorite Dish: I had Sweet & Sour Chicken which was rather spicy (be careful with the red chillies!!) but a taste sensation!!

'New King' is right opposite the Buddhist temple in Chinatown on Zeedjik.Its definitely the best Chinese we had in Amsterdam.The ambience is great and I preferred it to the much talked about 'Nam Kee' next door.Friendly staff,yummy food and nice place in general.Good for dinner as they only have half the place opened at lunch time.

Favorite Dish: Rice dish with Roast Duck,BBq Pork and Crispy Pork!!i absolutely loved it.Huge portions and great value for money.Must visit.
The Noodle soups are good too.