I was kicked out of a restaurant
I was kicked out of a restaurant in Amsterdam but ended up at Thaise Snack Bar Bird to eat some of Amsterdam’s favorite Thai food!
So, back to getting kicked out. It was one of those restaurants that appears a bit dingy from the front door. Once we were inside, there were white tablecloths, napkins folded into seashells, and large dining room chairs with armrests. Nothing spectacular, but a bit superior to a Brown cafe.
There were only two other parties in the restaurant. A couple, and a group of four seated nearby. The waiter gave us the menus and came back shortly after to take our order. We both ordered a bowl of the Thai Coconut soup, and a Heineken. The waiter immediately glanced over his shoulder and whispered to a man who looked “more in charge”. They both shook their heads and out we went like yesterday’s garbage.
We were being kicked out for not ordering enough food. You would think when a restaurant only has six other customers they would want your money. Apparently not. Definitely didn’t mention them in my Top 15 Things to do in Amsterdam post.
Upon kicking us out, the more “in charge looking” man smugly recommended another establishment that would be “more appropriate”. He referred to the place as a snack bar. So in hopes for some good food and people who appreciated our business, we attempted to locate the “snack bar”.
Thaise Snack Bar Bird
To our surprise and delight, it was actually called the snack bar, Thaise Snack Bar Bird. The Snack Bar is located on Zeedijk, a busy shopping street by day and a popular street to wander by night. It is directly between the Red Light District and Chinatown so it is popular with tourists and locals alike.
Every table and countertop space was taken and there were multiple parties waiting outside or eating their takeout on the benches. The windows were fogged from the 20 diners laughing and enjoying their meals. Inside, the two chefs and the hostess were hard at work in the small open kitchen facing the dining area.
We told the cheerful hostess our name and within ten minutes we were seated at a narrow bar that lined the windows, elbow to elbow with our fellow diners. In order to get to the bar we had to climb over a few purses and squeeze between some dining chairs, but once we wiggled our way to our seats, the bar was a prime opportunity for people watching.
The Thai chefs use fresh ingredients including local produce, imported spices, and homemade curries. After admiring some dishes and reviewing the extensive menu, I ordered Pad Pak Luom Mid (Thai mixed vegetables with cashews) and my dining partner ordered Tom Ka Kai (Thai coconut soup with chicken).
The food was served quickly and the portion sizes were huge! My entree was served with a large helping of white rice and tofu, and the only thing lacking from both of our dishes was a bit of spice. We added the hot pepper flakes and experimented with a few more sauces that were out on the tables and thoroughly enjoyed our meal.
The Recap of Thaise Snack Bar Bird
To recap, Thaise Snack Bar Bird, is an authentic Thai restaurant in Amsterdam. The location is perfect for an afternoon snack or dinner. The menu is extensive and the portions are large. In addition to meat and seafood dishes, there are plenty of vegetarian options and even dessert. Keep in mind, the Thaise Snack Bar does not serve alcohol! Across the street from the snack bar, there is a more classical and much larger restaurant for bigger groups, drinks, and a more formal dining experience.
So, try Thai in Amsterdam! You won’t be disappointed. For more of my favorite things in Amsterdam, read here.
Thaise Snack Bar Bird Zeedijk 77, Amsterdam, Netherlands
