From pastrami to perfection: Davie’s sandwiches in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam’s Jordaan neighborhood, there’s a tiny sandwich shop making a big name for itself. Davie’s has earned a devoted following, with customers happily waiting in long lines for a taste of their handcrafted sandwiches. With fresh, locally sourced ingredients and bread baked especially for them, it’s no surprise this little spot has become such a hit.

But what makes it stand out in a city full of food options? With an empty stomach and high expectations, I joined the queue to find out what all the fuss was about.

What I knew about Davie’s before I went

I’d heard plenty about Davie’s before my visit: sandwiches so good people willingly give up their entire lunch break to queue for them – and they don’t regret a second of it. That’s a bold claim to live up to.

Their menu is small but focused, featuring handcrafted sandwiches made with locally sourced, fresh ingredients. The bread? Specially baked for them by Kaandorp Bakery, adding a layer of exclusivity to every bite. One sandwich in particular, the Lelie, came up again and again: pastrami, mustard, and pickles on marbled rye bread. It sounded deceptively simple but undeniably tempting.

Stepping inside: A slice of chaos

Walking into Davie’s, you’re met with organized chaos. The space is rather tiny – just a few square meters – but it buzzes with energy. The counter is a blur of motion as the team preps sandwiches at lightning speed. The queue stretches out the door and around the corner, but the staff somehow manage to make you feel welcome amidst the whirlwind.

Every single person behind the counter deserves a medal. Efficient yet cheerful, they work with the kind of precision and patience that seems impossible under such pressure. Hundreds of orders fly in and out, yet they never miss a beat. Watching them is like witnessing a well-choreographed dance – one where the finale is a mouthwatering sandwich in your hands.

The sandwich experience: A bite of perfection

And oh, the sandwiches. Mr. EatDrinkAmsterdam and I both ordered the Lelie. Let me tell you: this isn’t just a sandwich – it’s a revelation.

The marbled rye bread is a star in its own right, soft but sturdy enough to hold the generous filling. The pastrami is rich and smoky, perfectly complemented by tangy mustard and crunchy pickles. Every bite is a balance of flavours and textures that feels carefully crafted, not thrown together.

The attention to detail here is what sets Davie’s apart. The bread, baked specifically for them, feels like it was made to elevate the fillings rather than compete with them. The ingredients are impossibly fresh, and even during the lunch rush, the sandwiches are handed over with astonishing speed.

Is it a little pricier than your average sandwich? Sure. But let’s be clear: Davie’s is anything but average. If you’re after a quick, cheap bite, this might not be your spot. But if you want to experience one of the best sandwiches Amsterdam has to offer, there’s no contest.

What’s the verdict?

Davie’s is everything you’ve heard – and then some. From the friendly staff to the unforgettable sandwiches, it’s no wonder this little shop has such a devoted following. The queues? Worth it. The Lelie? Life-changing. The experience? Unmissable.

You Can Visit Davie’s at Tweede Leliedwarsstraat 13

Planning your visit? Don’t forget to check them out online:
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