SPANG MAKANDRA: EXPERIENCING DELICIOUS SURINAMESE CUISINE IN AMSTERDAM
The Cost -$14 per person
The Atmosphere – A warm, comfortable, and lively atmosphere is what you will find at Spang Makandra which is located in the De Pijp neighborhood of Amsterdam, just south of the city center. It is a restaurant with seating for about 20 guests tucked away in a lively area of the Netherlands’ capital. Even on a weekday evening, the place teems with anticipation as eagerly waiting customers vie for a spot inside the restaurant, which does not take reservations. With tables nestled close together, the ambiance hums with loud chatter, making it a great place for a casual dinner for any number of diners.
Amsterdam, a city known for its diversity, owes its culinary riches to the immigrants who have made the Netherlands their home over the years. With about 350,000 people of Surinamese descent living there, it is no surprise that Amsterdam boasts some of the best Surinamese food outside of the South American country. One of the city’s most well-known Surinamese restaurants, Spang Makandra, which opened in 1978, is a treasured eatery that stands as a testament to the colorful culinary tapestry of Suriname. When you step into Spang Makandra, you'll be greeted by delicious scents as well as the unmistakable warmth and hospitality that characterizes the space in a setting that feels simultaneously exotic and familiar. With an array of genuine and traditional dishes that bring in influences from India, Indonesia, China, and Africa, Spang Makandra’s Surinamese food has attracted visitors and food enthusiasts from around the world.
The Order – Bara, Chicken Satay Bami Noodles, and Lamb Roti.
The Great – Spang Makandra’s Bara, an Indian-inspired bread with a distinctive circular shape and a small hole in the center, is expertly fried and seasoned very well. Served with a house-made chutney, this vegetarian-friendly appetizer offers a subtle kick but is not too spicy. It was a great way to begin the journey into Surinamese cuisine and an excellent way to start the meal.
One of the two main courses ordered was the Chicken Satay Bami Noodles, a Javanese specialty with thick noodles serving as the base of the dish. Also available instead with white rice, thin noodles, or fried rice, it's the Bami rendition that may offer the best glimpse into the Indonesian influence of Surinamese cuisine. This delightful dish was served with green beans, cucumber, onions, and three chicken satay skewers nestled invitingly on top of the noodles. An unexpected addition on the plate was the fried cassava, which, at first glance, might be mistaken for fried pork skin. The thick, slightly sweet peanut sauce did well to compliment the various components of the large entrée, bringing together the chicken satay, the bami noodles, and the vegetables. It is a dish that I’d gladly order again and again.
The other main course ordered was the Lamb Roti, another dish that I’d recommend. Roti, a traditional Indian flatbread, was brought to Suriname by Indian workers who were hired to work on plantations after the South American country abolished slavery in the late 1800s. Spang Makandra’s roti, which was served warm and on the side of the accompanying curry, was similar to the typical Indian version of the bread and was offered with your choice of proteins, of which lamb was chosen. The yellow curry contained a mix of lamb and potatoes but also had green beans, cucumbers, red onions, and cabbage which could be mixed in to make it an even heartier meal. The savory lamb and vegetables went really well with the thin roti while the cabbage added depth and uniqueness to the curry. Served with a fried egg as well, this comfort food offered a nice balance of textures and flavors.
The Verdict – Spang Makandra provides an incredible opportunity to delve into Surinamese cuisine in what most people would believe to be unexpected geographic location. A haven where this rich heritage is celebrated and savored with every bite, the restaurant is a great option for those seeking culinary exploration. The best part is that the excellent food and adventure come at a very reasonable price, especially given the average cost of dining out in Amsterdam.. Don't pass up the chance to sample the delectable and exquisite flavors at Spang Makandra next time you are in town.