Why Amsterdam Loves Indian Chai & Samosa
Amsterdam is the melting pot for all kinds of worldwide tastes and influences. While there have been a number of international goodies that have wedged their way into the affections of locals and wanderers alike, few hold as special a place as Indian chai and samosas, the perfect union of comfort food, tradition, and big-time flavour. Be it a rainy afternoon or just a Sunday stroll and stroll by, nothing can make you feel warm on the inside like gulping down a hot cup of masala chai with the accompaniment of a crispy, golden-brown samosa.
Lucky for tea lovers and street food enthusiasts, Amsterdam hosts an increasing number of Indian restaurants and eateries, where these cherished treats are made authentic and with love. In this blog, we will take you on a tour through the city’s best places to enjoy this iconic Indian combo and introduce you to six places where chai and samosa are not just menu items, but experiences.
"A Warm Taste of India in the Heart of Amsterdam”
The Power Of Chai & Samosa
In Indian tradition, chai and samosa are more than just food: It’s a ritual. Chai is for talks, for peaceful moments, for drunk nights. A samosa, with its flaky shell and spicy filling, is the ideal snack — light enough that it won’t slow you down, hearty enough that you won’t need a meal after eating one.
Chai Facts :
- Like a robust black tea with milk, plus spices (cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves) and sweetener.
- Copal - Warming and aids with digestion.
- Chai is on every street corner, workplace, and home. When in India, chai is a beverage that every household offers.
Samosa Facts :
- It is believed that it originated in Central Asia and was introduced into Indian food long ago.
- The classic Indian samosa is filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and herbs.
- It is commonly served with mint-coriander chutney and sweet tamarind chutney.
These two, combined, make for one of the quintessential street food combinations that is both tasty, filling, and comes with cultural heritage.
So let’s go on a delicious voyage and find the best places to get Indian chai and samosa in Amsterdam.
Top 6 Places to Try Chai & Samosa in Amsterdam
1. Cuisine of India - Old School Snacks the Good Way
If you love traditional Indian dishes and flavours, this is a place you do not want to miss. The restaurant is known for its traditional method of cooking, and treats even the smallest offerings, chai and samosa, with the care and respect they’re due.
What to Try:
- Real Masala Chai: Slowly simmered so the spices develop. It’s bold and redolent, and unspeakably satisfying on a cold day.
- Punjabi-Style Samosa: Their samosas are bigger than usual and full of spiced potatoes, green chilies, cumin seeds, and coriander—the way North Indians make it.
Why It’s Special:
The cuisine of India's food is based on real home-style cooking. Their samosas are straight from the fryer, the crispy exterior yielding to a warm, flavorful center, and the chai is served as it should be, with the perfect note of sweetness and spice.
Annapurna Kitchen - A Cozy Halt for Chai, and for Himalayan Spices
Located in Amsterdam West, Annapurna Kitchen serves a mix of North Indian and Nepali cuisine, which is great for anyone in need of comforting snacks like chai and samosa. The moment you walk through the doors of this cozy, inviting restaurant, you are met with the aroma of simmering spices and fresh herbs.
What to Try:
- Masala Chai: perfectly balanced with brewed black tea, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, & fresh ginger. It’s relaxing and invigorating at the same time.
- Vegetable Samosa: A crisp, triangle-shaped snack filled with spiced potato and peas. Chickpea Flour is cooked with the following spices, deep-fried in oil. Served hot with tamarind/mint chutneys.
Why It’s Special:
Annapurna Kitchen, named for the Himalayan mountain, has a warm neighborhood vibe where chai breaks feel personal and real. Their focus on spice balance ensures every sip and bite is a good one. Perfect to sit down and catch up over a snack or take a fast, flavorful break in your day.
Holi Amsterdam - New Age Chai Vibes
Holi Amsterdam, not far from Sloterdijk, offers a contemporary take on Indian flavors. This restaurant is as bright, colourful, and fun as the festival of Holi. They look wonderful, for sure, but they taste great, too, especially when it comes to snacks like chai and samosas.
What to Try:
- Spiced Masala Chai: This is served in modern glass mugs, but brewed the Indian way. The addition of strong tea, fresh ginger, and a shakin’ of cardamom makes it one we wouldn’t forget.
- Samosas (with a twist): You can get your samosas in the traditional version, with cheese or with chicken keema (minced meat).
Why It’s Special:
Holi Amsterdam is another super trendy Instagrammable spot with the best chai you can find and cool snacks! Good for casual hangouts or work meetings, if you like your chai a little updated.
Gandhi Indian Restaurant - Classic Chai Times in Central Amsterdam
Serving traditional Indian fare only moments from Amsterdam’s Central Station, Indian Restaurant Gandhi doesn’t disappoint with their welcoming and accessible dining concept. A popular find for tourists and locals alike seeking a taste of India in the middle of the city.
What to Try:
- Masala Chai (with milk): Rich and milky, this chai is brewed old-school style — on a low flame with full spices and sugar.
- Vegetable Samosa: Classic samosa, flaky pastry shell filled with spicy and savory potatoes, served with chutneys that offer a sweet balance to the heat.
Why It’s Special:
You can head to the Indian Restaurant Gandhi to grab a chai during your city walk or shopping spree. It’s also one of the rare peaceful places in central Amsterdam to take a very good chai with a small snack, with service you can trust, and food that’s good every time.
Samrat Restaurant - Central Amsterdam’s Home of Comfort Chai
Nestled in Dam Square, Samrat Restaurant is famous for family-style dining and a warm atmosphere. Though it’s known mostly for its curries and tandoori dishes, the Samrat also does some great snack and beverage work in the Indian tradition.
What to Try:
- Indian Spiced Tea: Freshly brewed strong black tea sweetened with milk and lightly flavored with aromatic spices, and served hot, the old-fashioned way. A little sweet, just the way Indian homes would make it.
- Gold Samosas: With a thin golden crust on the outside, and a mild spiced potato filling, the tangy mint and tamarind chutney takes it up a notch.
Why It’s Special:
Samrat is the sort of place where you can relax after a day in Amsterdam’s bustling city center. Their chai and samosa combination is the perfect way to take a break and reset.
📍 Map: Chai & Samosa Hotspots in Amsterdam
Explore these 6 Indian snack spots on the map below and find the closest one to satisfy your cravings.
Tip: click on each marker for the restaurant name, address, and directions!
Conclusion: Where Do You Start Your Chai Trail?
For all the homesick desi wanderers and chai enthusiasts in search of comfort, these six spots in Amsterdam bring you the warmth of India in every sip and bite. Whether you're craving the spicy kick of a masala chai or the golden crunch of a perfectly fried samosa, this city offers more than just snacks — it offers a slice of home. From street-style flavors in Oud-West to modern chai vibes in Sloterdijk, your chai trail in Amsterdam starts wherever your cravings take you. So grab a friend, pick a place, and let your tea-time adventure begin.