Discover Amsterdam’s finest foods and goods at De Hallen

Apr 18, 2014 | by Minne | Event, Spots

About the author

Minne: Is aware of the fact that she has a weird name. Likes breakfast at 6pm, treasure hunts, big cities and lemons. Loves music and Club Mate. Doesn't feel people who say 'Carpe Diem', but will never admit this in public.

Hold on to your panties; the west of Amsterdam just got a whole lot cooler, with a brand spankin’ new hotspot that just opened up. De Hallen is home to a hotel, restaurant, TV studio, cinema and library, located in an old tram shed in the Kinker-neigbourhood. It aims to be a new centre for culture, media, fashion and local craftsmanship. Kicking off this weekend with a bang, hosting the first Local Goods Weekend Market.

local goods

Amsterdam Made

The lifeline of De Hallen is a giant passage, connecting the Ten Katemarkt to the Bilderdijkkade. The ideal place for special markets, like the first Local Goods edition. “It’s nostalgia at its best. Back in the days people would go to their butcher and know the person behind the product. I think people like to see a face with a brand again, and hear the story that goes with it”, Aimee Verburgt from Pakhuis de Zwijger explains. She joined forces with platform Made in Amsterdam and Indie Brands to organize the first market in Amsterdam that offers only local brands. Aimee: “People don’t realise that there are a lot of interesting things happening here. They feel that starting an own brand is out of their reach. This market shows that it’s not, as long as you’re passionate about your product. Hopefully visitors will be inspired and who knows, maybe start their own company.”

Upcycling

Foods & goods

All brands – food and non food- were free to sign up, but only the ones designed and crafted in Amsterdam made the cut. The result is a hipster mix of all things sweet in life: from bikes, clothing, glasses to lamps, furniture and photo books but also home-made sausages, chocolate and ice-cream. Aimee is looking forward to Hans Glock de Tekenmongool: “I’m a big fan of his artwork and think it’s so cool that he’s coming to the market to show and sell his stuff. Ludduvuddu is another one of my favourite local brands. She makes ‘heartbreak boxes’, that you can give as a present to cheer up a friend who just got dumped.”

hallen zwartwit

So, if you’re planning to escape a dreadful Easter breakfast with your in-laws, want to walk off the thousand chocolate eggs you ate or just want stroll around in a cool new place, checking out what Amsterdam finest has to offer: De Hallen is where it’s at this weekend.