You know what, I’ve been on the lookout for a local place outside the city centre that nails both comfort food and a great atmosphere, and guess what? I think I found it. Oma Ietje, just a stone’s throw from Bullewijk metro station (yep, that’s the one you catch on the way to IKEA), is exactly the kind of spot I’ve been searching for. Nestled in the colorful Heesterveld Creative Community, this place feels like stepping into someone’s living room – if that living room happened to have a giant beer garden and a banging menu.
What I knew about Oma Ietje before I went
Obviously, that beer garden. I’ve passed that many times on my way to the aforementioned Swedish shop. And I already knew that if the sun’s shining, you’ll want to grab a spot out there. It’s the kind of place where you can sip on a cold drink, catch up with friends, or just soak up some rays after a long day. But honestly? Whether you’re out in the garden or inside, which is just as cozy, you’re in for a treat.
A feast for everyone
And then there’s the food. Let’s get this out of the way: the menu here isn’t some afterthought for vegans and vegetarians. They’ve got dishes that actually make you feel like you’re not missing out on anything. I’m talking about Yellow beet skewers with a red beet coconut curry sauce, Loaded fries or rice with sticky Indonesian eggplant and Vegan quinoa burger with home-made sauerkraut. Sounds great right? It is.
Now, don’t think for a second that they forgot about the meat eaters either. The chicken red curry was spicy, creamy, and everything I want in a comfort dish – hearty, rich, and the kind of warmth you need when you’ve had a long week. The spicy lime cod ‘en papillotte’? You know the kind of fish that just flakes apart at the touch of a fork? This one’s got that tangy kick you didn’t know you were craving. And if you’re craving carbs (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), you absolutely cannot skip the loaded fries with Korean Beef Stew. They’re the perfect mix of crispy, cheesy, and topped with all the right stuff to make you forget about your diet for a bit.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, they hit you with dessert. The pear Tarte Tatin with miso-caramel sauce and sesame ice cream? Yeah, it’s as good as it sounds. Sweet, savory, and just the right amount of indulgent. It’s the kind of thing you won’t stop thinking about for days.
Sip, savor, and stay a while
Let’s talk drinks. Whether you’re into kombucha, specialty teas, or a good cold beer, Oma Ietje has you covered. It’s nice to see a place that’s so well-rounded with its drink selection – no matter what mood you’re in, they’ve got something to match.
Oh, and the staff? Super friendly. It’s the kind of vibe where they genuinely seem like they want you to have a great time, without being over the top. That’s what really makes a place stick with you.
What’s the verdict?
So, if you’re near Bullewijk, skip the IKEA trip for a second and pop into Oma Ietje. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to tell all your friends about (and maybe make them jealous of your hidden gem). I know I’ll be back for more. You should too.
You can visit Oma Ietje at Heesterveld 3.
Find Oma Ietje online:
Eat Drink Amsterdam 
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