Winkel 43

Winkel 43

Noordermarkt 43, 1015 NA Amsterdam, Netherlands +31 (6) 020 623 0223

Twenty – Four minutes past 2pm, Tuesday afternoon, the Jordaan neighborhood in Amsterdam.

How can I say this without sounding like a dick? My mothers, your mothers, even our grandmothers Apple Pie or “Appeltaart” as “Dutchies” like to say, suck in comparison to Winkel 43!

“Ik wil graag een stukje Appeltaart met slagroom, alsjeblieft!” is all you need to know when placing your order inside this quaint café that’s nestled close to the Prinsengracht (Prince’s Canal) and Noordermarkt. Yea I know, I’m bringing it with the Dutch but you’ll thank me later!

Owned by 3 childhood friends since 1983, saying “Winkel” to someone in Amsterdam is like saying “Grape drink” in the hood!

For nearly 35 years, Winkel has been serving up traditional Dutch fare to the residents of Amsterdam as well as tens of thousands of tourists each year! Delicious treats like Tosti’s, Dutch Sausages, Filet Americain (Google it), Club Sandwiches even a Young or Matured Dutch cheese selection is offered daily (must be 21yrs to enter).

Equipped with a full bar, have a cocktail, a “Bier”, some “Wijn” or a bite to eat, Winkel has something for everyone.

Summer, Winter, Spring or Fall. Morning, Day or Night, I’m a Fat Kid and I’m here to eat Apple Pie!

Although a gorgeous day in the city, today, I’m sitting at the bar because I want to see what happens inside this Apple Pie mecca. Eight slices per pie, 80-100 Apple pies baked daily, a dumbwaiter is busy at work providing elevator service to fresh pies like a bellhop at the “Waldorf Astoria.”

Ever see Whipped Cream ON TAP?! Yup, I said Whipped Cream ON TAP! Each horizontal pyramid of love is garnished with a healthy dose while these Apple Pie “drug dealers” aka waiteresses deliver to eager patrons sipping “Koffie” and “Thee” on the veranda.

2:41pm now, I wait patiently..  

Sort of.

2:47pm, I’m elated as my “slice of life” arrives.

Food trident in hand, I position my spear and make sure an even amount of Whipped Cream equals an even amount of Apple Pie.

That first bite!

Close to climax, it’s warm spices and flavors are seductive, leaving you feeling a bit naughty with each bite. I look at my Apple Pie cohorts knowing they understand the euphoria I am experiencing right now.

An orgy of Butter, Cinnamon, perfectly Baked Apples (possibly Braeburn), Brown Sugar, Raisins, Egg, a little Lemon, a little Orange and a hint of Apple Brandy all complemented by this incredible jagged buttery crust creates a smile stretching from ear to ear..

2:50pm, nearing the end, that Donna Summers’ song, “Last Dance” plays in my head.

Could I eat another? HELL YES!

Will I?

Not this time..

My final bite is perfect leaving me feeling content. I push the plate away in a celebratory manner as one of the Apple Pie “drug dealers” walk over and ask, “Heeft het gesmaakt?” handing me the bill.

I reply with extreme jubilation, “Hartstikke lekker!!” as I pay the tab and walk out the door.

Winkel 43 is really one of a kind. The neighborhood, the people, the décor, the menu, the Apple Pie will give you a perfect Dutch experience if you’re a tourist or a local. Next time you’re in the Jordaan, stop in and say hello! You’ll thank me later!