Bakers & Roasters

Looking for a new hot spot in Amsterdam, I found…no, that’s not true at all.

Bakers & Roasters is a legend, if anything. They have a good reputation in Amsterdam’s brunch world – which isn’t the easiest industry to be in! If you don’t believe me, pass by their place in De Pijp on a weekend morning and see the line. By the way, the line is to put yourself on the list for the real line. Honestly, that’s why it took me so long to finally get here. That, and also always being in groups of 6 or some outrageous number that leads to a 2 hour waiting time.

However, do not despair. First thing to know is – you can add yourself on the waiting list online! They will also show you an estimated waiting time there. Second, if you can make an effort to go to their Center East-ish location instead of De Pijp, the wait will definitely be shorter.

And so, on a lovely Saturday (read: as lovely as Saturdays are during winter around here: windy, rainy and overall miserable) I got on my bike and cycled all the way to Kadijksplein. The lovely staff let us sit down and gave us drinks right away, even if the reservation was for 8 and we were 2 at this point.

Started the day with a Bloody Mary because I’m an adult. Well made, just a bit on the small side. That, or I have drinking issues – but that’s for another day.

Went through a couple of their cocktails throughout the day, but I’d like to tell you about the Salted Caramel White Russian. Now, I know milk and alcohol are not for everyone, but if you’re like me and love love love milky cocktails…then this is probably the best one I’ve ever had. The salted caramel was just the perfect twist.

Bakers & Roasters’ menu is a combination of New Zeeland, Brasil with a touch of Mexican. I found loads of options that sounded amazing and it took me a while to make a choice. While there are plenty of things I still haven’t tried, I’m pretty confident I made the best choice, or at least one of the best ones. I present you – the Navajo Eggs.

This has to be in top 5 best things I’ve ever eaten. You know that moment when you take a bite, and just stop to say “this is amazing”? Honestly, doesn’t happen very often. In Amsterdam, I’ve experienced it 3 times so far – and now.

The poached eggs come with the following goodies: pulled bbq pork, avocado, mango salsa & chipotle cream served with hot buttered toast. We’ve got a couple of stars here, starting with the pulled pork which was just heavenly. The bread! Perfect for dipping in the runny yolks and chipotle cream. Every single thing in here is coming together so, so well. A true A+ dish.

Hayden had the Huevos Rancheros which I also enjoyed, but I’m sticking to my discovery. We both couldn’t help but comparing this dish to Cut Throat’s, which we prefer eventually. Nevertheless, a very decent Huevos Rancheros with a nice Jalapenos kick.

A couple of the girls had the Vege Brekkie: two organic free-range eggs poached, fried or scrambled, grilled haloumi, avocado, breakfast potatoes, creamy mushrooms, homemade chilli jam & hot buttered toast. It looked great, if you want to go veggie – I mean, you had me at haloumi to be honest.

There are about 10 more things on their menu I want to try, but I don’t worry about never making it back here again. Well worth the bike ride for some absolute premium brunch.

This rivals Cut Throat pretty well in my book.

Cocktails are better at Cut Throat, but the Navajo Eggs are sublime. It’s a tough one. I’ll keep them both close to my heart for now.

Quick note – order your drinks in advance, before you actually finish the one you’re drinking. It can take a while. However staff was very nice to us at the Kadijksplein location. Not vouching for De Pijp, as I’ve heard some other things.

Bakers & Roasters, thanks for amazing me. I get that long, annoying line now. Well deserved.

Value for money: 10

Food Quality: 10

Location: 9 (Eerste Jacob van Campenstraat 54 De Pijp, Kadijksplein 16)

Service: 8

Website:  http://www.bakersandroasters.com/nl?p=home

Have a suggestion, question, or just want to hola at me? Find me here: sayhello.eatandtell@gmail.com