Fast, filling, and usually good-value Chinese comfort food in central Amsterdam, but the cramped room, rushed vibe, and recurring service/order issues mean it’s best for a quick meal rather than a linger-long dinner.
Asian Kitchen excels as a fast-casual neighborhood staple where solid food quality and exceptional speed make it a reliable quick-lunch destination in central Amsterdam. However, inconsistent execution across orders and visits, combined with service that prioritizes efficiency over warmth, prevents it from reaching higher territory. The practical but uninspiring setting reinforces its identity as a functional refueling stop rather than a dining destination.
Asian Kitchen is the kind of central-Amsterdam spot people defend with enthusiasm because it does one thing very well: turn out hot, filling plates at impressive speed. The room itself is plain and a little cramped, more “get in, get fed, get on with your day” than “settle in for the evening,” but that hasn’t stopped regulars from returning for favorites like fried noodles, fried rice, and duck. As one diner put it in spirit: the food arrives before you’ve even finished washing your hands, which is both the charm and the operating model here. The cooking leans classic Chinese fast-casual rather than inventive or theatrical. Expect familiar stir-fried comfort food, wok-heavy noodles, sweet-and-sour chicken, duck, soups, and generous rice plates. That makes it ideal for anyone wanting reliable, uncomplicated food with big portions and minimal fuss. The downside is that this style can occasionally read as simple, oily, or inconsistent if you want nuance, and the room doesn’t do much to elevate the meal beyond the plate. For families, the menu itself has some kid-friendly basics like egg fried rice, fried noodles, chicken dishes, vegetable soup, and mini spring rolls, but the real-world experience is less reassuring. Reviews include a family being turned away and other complaints about inflexible behavior, so it is not a great bet for a stress-free kids’ outing. If your children are happy with simple noodle-and-rice food and you’re just passing through, fine; if you need patience, flexibility, or a leisurely sit-down, look elsewhere.
Area vibe: Touristy, historic central Amsterdam with shops, cafes and cultural venues.
Safety: Generally safe and well-lit with steady foot traffic in evenings, though pickpocketing can occur in busy spots.
What's nearby: Close to Rembrandtplein, Leidseplein, Rijksmuseum, tram lines and many cafés and restaurants.