In the heart of Amsterdam's Chinatown on the Zeedijk, Nam Kee has been serving authentic Cantonese food since 1981. Run by the Chan family across two generations, it started with just a handful of seats and grew into one of the city's most famous Chinese restaurants.
It became a household name well beyond Chinatown thanks to its signature dish — and the bestselling Dutch novel and 2002 film both named 'De Oesters van Nam Kee' (The Oysters of Nam Kee) after it. Don't expect romance or polish: it's bright, busy and fast, and the food is the point.
The food
The must-order is the steamed oysters in black bean sauce — plump shells in a silky, savoury sauce with spring onion. Beyond that, it's classic Cantonese done well: Peking duck, dim sum, and roast duck and pork hanging in the window, plus plenty of wok dishes at fair prices.
Good to know
It's quick, affordable and no-nonsense, ideal for a fast, authentic meal rather than a leisurely dinner. It can get busy and turnover is fast, and there are sister locations nearby on the Geldersekade and at Marie Heinekenplein.
At a glance
Nam Kee is a Chinese restaurant in Nieuwmarkt (Zeedijk 111-113). It serves lunch and dinner.
Signature dishes
Steamed oysters in black bean sauce — the signature
Peking duck
Cantonese dim sum
Roast duck and pork
Wok dishes at fair prices
Photos
Photo: Peter Bloemendaal, Bob van Velzen, Kenny Mok / Google
Where to find it
Zeedijk 111-113, 1012 AV, Amsterdam
Open in Google MapsFAQ
- What is Nam Kee famous for?
- Its steamed oysters in black bean sauce, immortalised in the Dutch novel and 2002 film 'De Oesters van Nam Kee'.
- Where is it?
- On the Zeedijk in the heart of Amsterdam's Chinatown, since 1981.
- What's the atmosphere like?
- Bright, busy and fast — no-frills, with the food the focus rather than the decor.
- Is it expensive?
- No — it's affordable, with classic Cantonese dishes at fair prices.
- Are there other locations?
- Yes — sister restaurants nearby on the Geldersekade and at Marie Heinekenplein.