Koopman

Koopman Delicatessen is a traditional butcher’s shop and neighbourhood lunch favourite on the Elandsgracht, right in the heart of the Jordaan. The counter is filled with homemade sausages, cold cuts, salads and North Holland cheeses, but most people come here for the extensive selection of freshly prepared sandwiches.

The absolute must-order is the broodje bal: a fresh, crusty roll generously filled with warm slices of well-seasoned meatball. Simple, hearty and deeply satisfying, it is the kind of classic Dutch lunch that needs no unnecessary extras. It is also the shop’s most popular sandwich and has developed a loyal following among locals.

The menu stretches far beyond the famous meatball sandwich. Other favourites include warm grill sausage, ossenworst with red onion, egg and honey-mustard sauce, pastrami, kalfsborst and the classic Amsterdamse broodje halfom with calf’s liver and cooked sausage.

Koopman is casual, affordable and refreshingly straightforward. There is no elaborate presentation or trendy lunchroom atmosphere, just proper, generously filled sandwiches prepared behind the counter. Arrive around lunchtime and you may find a queue, but service is quick and the broodje bal is well worth the wait.

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