Halal in Amsterdam

Shortcuts

Groceries & self-catering

• Albert Heijn: The largest supermarket chain. Look for their own-brand 'halal' chicken and lamb, often found in the fresh meat section. Availability varies by store.

• Jumbo: Another major supermarket. Similar to Albert Heijn, check for specific halal-labeled meat products. Not all stores carry them.

• Local Turkish/Middle Eastern Grocers: These smaller independent shops, often found in neighborhoods like Bos en Lommer, are excellent sources for certified halal meats, dairy, and pantry staples.

• Marqt and Ekoplaza: These organic supermarkets may have some halal-certified products, but selection is limited and can be more expensive. Focus on their packaged goods like rice, lentils, and spices.

Practical tips

What travellers told us

1. 1Use the Zabihah.com app and website to locate halal restaurants. Always cross-reference with recent reviews.
2. 2Learn key Dutch phrases: 'Is dit vlees halal?' (Is this meat halal?), 'Geen varkensvlees' (No pork), 'Geen alcohol in de marinade' (No alcohol in the marinade), 'Is de frituurolie schoon?' (Is the frying oil clean?).
3. 3Be wary of 'halal-friendly' labels. Always ask about alcohol in marinades and cross-contamination, especially with seafood or pork dishes cooked in the same kitchen.
4. 4Many Indonesian and Surinamese restaurants offer dishes that can be adapted to be halal, but communication is key. Ask if they use halal meat and avoid pork or alcohol-based ingredients.
5. 5For fresh meat, seek out dedicated halal butchers. These are more common in areas with larger Muslim communities, such as parts of Amsterdam-Nieuw-West or Amsterdam-Oost.
6. 6When ordering street food like 'broodje haring' (herring sandwich) or 'kibbeling' (fried fish), be mindful of shared fryers and preparation surfaces if you are strict about cross-contamination.
7. 7Alcohol is prevalent in Dutch cuisine and culture. Be prepared to ask about its presence in sauces, marinades, and even desserts.
8. 8HappyCow can be useful for finding vegetarian restaurants, which can sometimes be a safer bet if prepared without alcohol or animal rennet in cheese.