Description
Phu Thai Thai Take Away sits in Amsterdam’s Nieuwmarkt neighborhood and has been serving Thai food since it opened. I’ve travelled around Southeast Asia, and while it’s no Bangkok street stall, this cozy spot does a good job of bringing Thai flavours to the city.
Walk in and you’ll catch the aromas of lemongrass, kaffir lime, and spices coming from the open kitchen. It’s a small space, with a handful of tables and a counter for takeaway orders, but don’t let the modest setup fool you. Phu Thai serves up some of the best Thai food in Amsterdam, and locals know it.
What sets Phu Thai apart is its focus on authentic cooking. Members of the Phuthai ethnic group, originally from northeastern Thailand, run the restaurant and bring generations of culinary knowledge to the dishes. You’ll find familiar Thai favourites, from coconut curries to spicy stir-fries, all made with care.
Key Features
Phu Thai has an extensive menu, so there’s plenty to choose from whether you’re a pad thai regular or keen to try something less familiar. I’m particularly fond of the tom yum soup – it gets the balance of sour, spicy, and savoury just right.
They also make it easy to accommodate dietary restrictions, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. The staff are happy to adjust the spice level or ingredients, too. Just mention what you need when you order.
The warm welcome is another reason I keep coming back. The staff are friendly and happy to talk about the food and their culture. On my last visit, the owner spent a good ten minutes explaining Thai curry paste to me – now that’s going the extra mile.
Prices are reasonable, too. In a city where eating out can quickly get expensive, Phu Thai offers good value, with most dishes in the €5 to €23 range. It’s an affordable choice for budget-conscious travellers without skimping on quality.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit depends on what kind of meal you’re after. For a quieter visit, try between 2 pm and 5 pm, after the lunch rush and before the dinner crowd arrives. You’ll have time to look through the menu and chat with the staff.
If you prefer a livelier atmosphere, come in the evening. The restaurant fills up after 6 pm with locals and visitors stopping by for Thai food. It can get busy, especially at weekends, so consider booking ahead or be ready for a short wait.
One local tip: if you’re in Amsterdam during the warmer months, from May to September, try for an outdoor table. It’s lovely to enjoy a bowl of curry while watching the Nieuwmarkt streets go by.
If you like spicy food, you could also plan a visit around Songkran, the Thai New Year in mid-April. Phu Thai often has special offers and dishes then, so you might get to try some traditional holiday food.
How to Get There
Getting to Phu Thai is straightforward. You’ll find it at Koningsstraat 25, in the Nieuwmarkt area. If you’re staying in central Amsterdam, it’s an easy walk, about 10 minutes from Dam Square.
Coming from further away? Take public transport. Nieuwmarkt is the nearest metro station, just a short walk from the restaurant. Metro lines 51, 53, and 54 stop there, and from Amsterdam Centraal, it’s one stop on the metro.
If you’d rather cycle (and let’s face it, when in Amsterdam…), you’ll find bike racks nearby. Bring a good lock, though: bike theft is unfortunately common in the city.
Want to fit in some sightseeing before dinner? Take a stroll along the old city centre’s canals. Start at Dam Square, wander through the narrow streets of the Red Light District (it’s perfectly safe during the day), then make your way to Phu Thai. It’s a nice way to build up an appetite and see some well-known sights on the way.
A word of caution if you’re driving: parking in central Amsterdam can be a headache, and it’s expensive. If you have to come by car, use a P+R (Park and Ride) facility on the outskirts and take public transport into the centre. You’ll save yourself a lot of hassle (and euros).
Phu Thai is open until 10 pm most nights and 9 pm on Sundays, so it works well for a late dinner after a day out. Check their Facebook page before you go in case the opening hours have changed.
