MAI Kitchen: an Asian retreat in the Red Light District

The evocative Red Light District in Amsterdam, particularly the iconic Zeedijk Street, is a sensory explosion of hustle, bustle, chaotic energy, and the unmistakable scent of weed and beer-fueled revelry. Modern-day chaos collides effortlessly with ancient history, and iconic brown bars still endure (who doesn’t love those beauties!?) Amidst all this, the Vondel Hotel group has planted a little piece of living history with its hotel, MAI AMSTERDAM, offering a stylish nod to  Asian style.

Here’s a good tip though, skip the chaos of Zeedijk and take the path less traveled by entering the hotel from the more serene Gelderskade. Plan a Friday night, bring a few friends, and start your evening with a visit to the neighbouring MAI Gallery. The current exhibition, *Neuro Disney* by Bob van Dijk, features expressive comic art that will undoubtedly bring a smile to your face. Also, take a moment to admire the monumental building you’re about to enter. Dating back to 1609, it once served as a whale oil storage facility and later a glass manufacturer. Keep an eye out for the facade stone, a unique detail in many Amsterdam streets, which points to the building’s storied past.

Next, head to the hotel’s reception—a space designed to invite you to unplug and unwind. Sink into the plush velvet sofas and admire the interior designer’s clever Asian touches throughout the space. Intriguingly, the hotel operates an honesty bar. Pour yourself a drink, settle the tab at reception, and most importantly, make yourself at home. This little aperitif is a perfect prelude to what lies ahead.

From there, move past the beautifully designed restrooms (trust me, they’re worth a stop) and into the MAI Kitchen. For a bit of fun, start your evening by spinning the lucky prize wheel at the Zeedijk front door. Win anything from a lucky cat (mine’s already on my desk) to 10% off your dinner, or even a signature cocktail—I recommend the Sakatini. It’s a playful way to kick off the night before diving into the meal.

Once inside the MAI Kitchen, prepare to take a little trip across China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines. The dishes are served as small plates—perfect for sharing and spreading across the table, allowing everyone to taste a bit of everything. It’s the ideal setup for a relaxed, social meal where sharing is part of the experience. Some highlights include the Jianbing, a traditional Chinese crepe packed with bold, savoury fillings like duck, chicken, or shiitake mushrooms. If you’re a dumpling lover, try their homemade Jiao Zi, offering a variety of fillings like shiitake, chicken, beef, and pork. For a taste of Japan, try the Okonomiyaki—a savoury pancake topped with wavy bonito flakes. The Korean Kimchi Salad with bok choy adds a nice, pungent punch. And don’t miss the KFC chicken and satay, which are crowd favourites too. And for sweet endings, Phillipino style, the standout is the housemade purple yam Ube Ice Cream, served with autumnal red currants, strawberries, and blackberries. If you’ve never tried it, do yourself a favour.

If you’re one of those curious diners (like me!), you might have wondered what “MAI” stands for. No? Just me? Well, I’ll tell you anyway! It’s not a quirky twist on the classic M.I.A., so no, it doesn’t mean “missing in action” (though that could happen in the Red Light District!). Instead, it stands for Meeting Asia in Amsterdam—a fusion of history, culture, and amazing food. Give it a spin.

MAI Kitchen

The Place: This historic building on the edge of the Red Light District, and offering a calm retreat with an Asian twist.  
The Space: Stylish and cosy, with a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to linger, featuring plush seating and intriguing design touches.
The Base: Small plates start at €8 euros, with sharing recommended. Dinner and drinks average €55-65
The Face: A mix of curious travellers and Amsterdam locals seeking a unique, serene escape from the nearby bustle.  
The Ace: Don’t miss the honesty bar at reception, perfect for a pre-dinner tipple. 
The Veg: The menu offers ample vegetarian options.
Opening Times: Mon-Thurs 18:00-23:00, Fri-Sat 18:00-01:00, Sun 12:00-22:00

BOOK NOW

Images from hotelmaiamsterdam.com/en/mai-kitchen-amsterdam, MAI Kitchen

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Neil Roake

From founding a collective clothing brand to crafting boutique hotel experiences and game lodge menus, and with 8 cookbooks under his belt, Neil’s creativity knows few boundaries.

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