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Nam Kee

chinese€

Nam Kee

A Zeedijk Chinatown institution, famous for oysters in black bean sauce.

Photo: Turan BV / Google

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.

Signature dishes

  • Steamed oysters in black bean sauce — the signature

  • Peking duck

  • Cantonese dim sum

  • Roast duck and pork

  • Wok dishes at fair prices

Where to find it

Zeedijk 111-113, 1012 AV, Amsterdam

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FAQ

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.