Netherlands

Amsterdam

Vegan

Black-Owned

Food

 doesn’t get much better to visit than at the height of summer.

It's a time when the city's bustling markets are alive, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee blends with the occasional whiff of a spliff in the air. It's also when Dekmantel, one of the city's greatest cultural highlights for travellers and ravers alike, returns. The Dutch festival, renowned for its sharp curation of electronic music, has hosted legends like Tangerine Dream, Jeff Mills and Helena Hauff in its past editions.

Dekmantel's appeal lies not only in its lineup but also in its setting. Held in the heart of Amsterdam, it's a time when visitors can experience the city's rich cultural and culinary offerings alongside the festival's extensive programme.

To help you make the most of your visit, we turned to Burundi-born, Amsterdam-based selector Arakaza, who's set to make his Dekmantel debut during its 2024 edition. As the founder of the Amsterdam club night Kumata, the local DJ spotlights Afro-diasporic and queer artists in his work. His high-energy sets see him bridge the gap between his East African roots and hard industrial sounds, underpinned by his active role in the ballroom scene.

From Black-owned businesses to Caribbean snacks and Afro-diasporic eateries, Arakaza has you covered. Whether you’re warming up for his set at the Connects stage or treating your hangover after the dance with some kelewele, Dekmantel can prove to be an endurance test. Arakaza's guide ensures you last the marathon while experiencing the best of Amsterdam.

Black-owned vegan food spot in Amsterdam southeast with flavourful Surinamese dishes. The bowls are bomb and the vegan pom is a must-try!

A family-run vegan restaurant fusing Jamaican and Caribbean dishes with Japanese dishes. I love their Jamaican plate with plantains and the owners are too sweet!

Newly open at one of my favourite clubs in Amsterdam, Garage Noord. Authentic Sichuan food with fab cocktails and a terrace as well. The club opens at midnight so you can burn the calories off with a dance!

Also known as 'the queen of johnnycakes', which are Caribbean snacks. You can find her stand in multiple locations in southeast Amsterdam. Tip: they also do vegan johnnycakes with different fillings!

Authentic Ethiopian restaurant. Great for sharing meals, especially the injera with all toppings. They also have great fruit-flavoured beers and coffee.

Ghanaian restaurant in Amsterdam southeast. You can’t go wrong with the jollof, plantains or kelewele. African restaurants are very rare in Amsterdam so I’m always looking forward to supporting any new spot.

Non-profit art space with great exhibitions and curation focusing on queer and Afro-diasporic communities.

A Black-owned event space in southeast Amsterdam facilitating its direct community by hosting small parties, panels and ballroom functions. We love to see it!

Being a part of the ballroom community, I notice how hard it is to have access to spaces to practice or get together. Cultural centre Nowhere has facilitated its space to the community for many years. There are classes every week from members of the Dutch ballroom scene as well as organised get-togethers by The Living Room.

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Arakaza on Where to Go in Amsterdam During Dekmantel Festival

This list of Black-owned businesses in Amsterdam is a result of collaboration across our global community and is by no means exhaustive. There are so many more incredible businesses out there and we welcome all suggestions. We’ll be updating this guide regularly, so if you feel like sharing, please email us.

We'd like to thank Guillaume Schmidt and Isaac Tremaine

and the anonymous collaborators who helped curate this list for us.

Here are Dutch, English and Spanish children's books, toys and maternity gifts for the little ones.

They then began to collaborate with the likes of ASICS, adidas, Converse, Nike, Reebok among other brands, after their increased online presence.

A delicious Surinamese BBQ dine-in and take-away restaurant.

The brand is fuelled by the rich heritage of African culture wrapped in contemporary designs.

A designer clothing label founded by Olaf who is continuously inspired by countries, cultures and citizens.

An independent publishing house with a flagship store and an award-winning webshop, dedicated to sharing the love for beautiful books.

This salon stands for Afro-centric styling and care of hair for all ages and genders.

The first Black doll gift shop in Europe!

A footwear designer established by Guillaume Philibert, aiming to sell premium high-quality sneakers for a reasonable price.

Founded in Amsterdam in 2012 by a group of inspired youths for consumers who want thoughtful clothing.

Quality streetwear pieces with influences coming from Japan street culture and much more.

If you don’t know this place, you'll never find it. This Surinamese take-away place is tucked away in a small nondescript building in Venserpolder, Amsterdam Zuid-Oost. The fish is Annie’s signature dish. It is American butterfish, fried to perfection and served with banana and cassave.

The first West African restaurant located in Gein serving everything from spicy calf ribs to tilapia with plantain and chicken with the famous jollof rice.

Inspired by a journey between the metropolitan cities of Addis Ababa and Amsterdam, Dechase is a contemporary shoe brand that merges diversity, sustainability, and African heritage into its core brand ethos.

The New Originals (est. 2015) make performance clothing for creatives. Our collections are made for a unisex audience.

Once an Amsterdam bike shop, now a staple brunch spot. Since 2017, the brothers at Water & Brood have brought quality interpretations of classic American brunch dishes alongside authentic Surinamese dishes straight out of their mother's kitchen. Chef Tracy B, from St. Martin, has only upped the game with her addition of classic island flavours.

An international fusion kitchen with the specialty of bringing cultures and spices together in an extraordinary meal.

A funky, family-run cafe with communal seating offering vegan versions of Caribbean & Japanese dishes.

TerraZen Centre

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