Best shops for sweets and pastries in Amsterdam | I amsterdam (2024)

Papabubble

Image from Papabubble

Sugar art. That's what founders Dominik and Marieken call their handmade artisanal confectionery at Papabubble on the Haarlemmerdijk-a true candy paradise. Here, sugar, water and glucose are transformed into all kinds of delectable forms - and tasting is allowed! If you’re feeling suitably inspired, you can even take a workshop or design your own unique candy.

Het Oud-Hollandsch Snoepwinkeltje

In this old-timey store in the heart of the Jordaan, rows upons rows of glass jars contain an overwhelming assortment of candies, licorice, toffees and chocolates. Fill your paper cone to the brim with sweets from back in grandma’s day, including lots of unusual items that are normally quite hard to find. You will also find a selection of (just as tasty) sugar-free candies. Nostalgia sure does taste sweet!

Divan & Şerifoğlu

What happens when you soak filo dough in sugar syrup and fill it with finely ground pistachios and other nuts. Well, baklava happens: a super sweet Turkish delicacy that only a true sweet tooth can handle. Şerifoğlu and Divan are the best spots in the city to see how this traditional pastry is made the authentic way, according to age-old recipes.

Japanese Delicatessen Atariya

You’ve come to the right place for exotic sweets at Japanese Delicatessen Atariya. This supermarket in Buitenveldert sells everything from the popular Gari Gari-kun ice creams to strawberry or matcha green tea KitKats.

Metropolitan

Speaking of American treats, those who are fond of marshmallows and chocolate need to head over to Metropolitan. This iconic shop founded by chocolatier Kees Raat sells an impressive selection of bonbons, truffles, patisserie items and ice cream. Prepare for envious looks from strangers as you’re walking down the street.

Life of Pie

Just walking into Life of Pie will get you into the party spirit. This patisserie in De Jordaanmakes decorated pastries like you've never seen them before. Unicorn donuts and cactus cupcakes fly over the counter, the latter made with red velvet sponge, soft white chocolate and edible flowers to really stimulate your taste palette.

Arti Choc & Van Soest

The hype for pink chocolate started in Japan and South Korea, but has also recently become available in Amsterdam. Head over to chocolatiers Van Soest and Arti Choc for a mouth-watering bar or two of this new chocolate variety. It tastes like berries and probably owes its natural color to the use of (almost) unfermented cocoa beans.

Amsterdam Cupcake Company

Few things look as cheerful as cake pops – glazed balls of sponge on a stick. They are now so loved by Americans that cake pops even have their own national themed day. But we firmly believe that every day is a great day to indulge in a mini pastry on a lollipop, and at Amsterdam Cupcake Company they sell them in all kinds of shapes, colours and flavours. Try the Red Velvet or Angel's Food varieties (vanilla cake dipped in white chocolate).