Why everyone’s talking about Kikkie van de Prinsensluis

You ever get so curious about a place that you start watching it like it’s a live TV show? No? Just me?

Let me explain. There’s this guy across the street from Kikkie who’s constantly filming little TikToks of what’s going on over there – people laughing, clinking glasses, catching rays on the corner terrace – and every time I’d see one, I’d think: what is going on in there?! And more importantly: why am I not part of it?!

So last weekend, I made it my mission to finally find out.

Turns out, Kikkie is exactly what I hoped it would be: the kind of place you wander into for a spritz and end up staying for five courses. A “light brown café,” they jokingly call it – meaning it’s got all the charm of your classic Jordaan pub (wooden floors, big bar, candles on the tables) but with a refreshingly modern vibe. It’s laid-back but good-looking, familiar but fun. Basically: a brown café for the 2020s. And it’s a vibe.

Food that feels like a hug (with a dash of mischief)

I’d already scoped out the menu online and had one dish on my radar: pork cheek bourguignon with bacon, mushrooms, and fries. I could practically taste it already. But when I arrived? Sold out. The heartbreak. (I know it just means it’s really popular, but still. Let me have my moment.) Consider this my official reason to go back.

Luckily, the backup dishes? No complaints. We shared:

• A veal schnitzel topped with anchovies, lemon, and a dollop of remoulade – tangy, buttery, and unexpectedly perfect;
• Fried octopus with spicy mayo – lightly crisped, salty-sweet, and slightly addictive;
• A side of fries with mayo
• And for dessert, a sticky toffee cake that should honestly come with a warning label. It was that good.

If the combinations sound a little random, that’s because they are. But trust me, it works. This is comfort food that’s been through culinary school and come out the other side slightly cheeky.

Boozy spritzes & people-watching gold

Of course, I couldn’t resist their version of a spritz. (It’s my thing now. Don’t @ me.) Kikkies’ take is punchier than the classic – light and zesty but with a boozy backbone. The kind of drink that sneaks up on you in the best way.

Add a terrace that catches the sun just right in that warm, golden Jordaan light – and you’ve got yourself a new favourite corner.

Worth it? Absolutely. Just book ahead.

By 7pm, the place was packed. The kind of busy that doesn’t feel chaotic – just alive. If you’re planning a visit (and you should), make a reservation or rock up early for a drink and people-watch your way into a table.

And if you’re lucky, maybe that pork cheek will be waiting for you. If not – well, there’s always the spritz. And the sticky toffee cake. And that little voice in your head whispering maybe I could become a regular here…

You can visit Kikkie at Prinsenstraat 30.

Find Kikkie online:

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