Taste of Culture Amsterdam

Taste of Culture is a lively Chinese restaurant on Korte Leidsedwarsstraat, near Leidseplein. The dining room is bright and practical, with the emphasis placed firmly on shared food rather than hushed formality. Large parties can distribute dishes around the table using a rotating lazy Susan, making it particularly suitable for communal meals. The menu spans familiar Chinese-Indonesian dishes alongside Cantonese and Sichuan-influenced cooking, but the blog’s standout recommendation is crispy Peking duck served with thin pancakes, vegetables, rice and sauce. Staff can help groups balance their order, an advantage when several diners want to share a broad selection instead of choosing separate main courses.

Where does the name come from?

The restaurant gives a direct explanation for its name. It aims to introduce guests to Chinese culture and traditions through both the surroundings and the food; hence “Taste of Culture.” The phrase is meant literally, presenting a meal as an accessible encounter with the flavours and culinary customs associated with China.

Fun fact

One of the restaurant’s defining features is its suitability for traditional shared-table dining. Larger groups can place multiple dishes on a rotating lazy Susan so that everyone can sample the meal. The blog recommends keeping it moving while sharing Peking duck, vegetables, rice and sauces across the table.