What is a Rijsttafel? and other Amsterdam, Netherlands Local Custom Tips

This is a classic Indonesian multicourse meal centered around rice, hence the Dutch name "rice table". It has much of the Chinese banquet or family-style meal only everything is brought out at once ( or so I have experienced it in Holland or elsewhere). It is quite HOT, but the rice and some of the condiments temper the heat.There are many fine Indonesian restaurants in Amsterdam and many that are less expensive that serve this meal. Be sure to be hungry and sober before you start a meal like this. Expect to eat and drink a lot.To eat, place a heap of rice in the center of your plate and take a SMALL spoonful of many of the courses on the hot table(not the condiments around the edge). Have a liquid quencher of choice handy. (You may be told what each dish contains by your waiter if he is good and you can understand him/her).Now try each one until you have sampled them all. Remember which are most appealing or interest you. Now go back and take another spoonful of the ones you like and also appropriate condiments to supplement the taste. (Again your waiter may help). If you are not full, pick the one(s) you like the most and fill up on that. You are not required (are not able) to eat it all. If dessert is not included pour peanuts over the remaining banana. Be aware of how much alcohol you consume with your feast. Bon appetit!

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Jenever gin (also known as Old Tom Gin) is a 16C concoction of distilled alcohol made witha heavy infusion of aromatics (eg juniper berries). It tastes nothing like "Dry Gin" which is a lighter variant made in 1870 and is popularly mixed with fruit juices or vermouth. Jenever is drunk straight and usually chilled. There are 3 grades (of increasing price and smoothness). Outside of Holland it is hard to find. If you are on a KLM flight (their plane and crew, not a shared flight with others) it may still be available. Ask. A little old Dutch lady and I each enjoyed one on my last KLM flight!

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These individuals appear to be ubiquitous in tourist infested large cities. It is more entertaining than begging (and safer to the walker). Too many stand rigidly made up in silver simulating statues (whichis really begging). Of course you can take a picture of them (fee optional?). This old English chap was outside the Rijksmuseum. We had a pleasant chat with him about how to locate our missing wives. It was worth the fee.

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