Shop at Amsterdam’s Iconic Streets & Enjoy Authentic Indian Food

Amsterdam is one of the most exciting shopping cities in Europe. From the historic high streets jam-packed with world-famous brands to luxury avenues boasting boutiques of top designers, and from bustling open-air markets to delectable shopping complexes, the city's retail scene is second-to-none. Even more impressively, shopping soaks seamlessly into culture, architecture and everyday life.

After hours of scouring shops, markets and secret shopping pockets, all visitors end up in the same place - hungry. And when you wind down after a day well spent, nothing rounds out the perfect shopping trip like a tasty and comforting dinner. Situated in the City Centre at Bethaniëndwarsstraat 17, 1012 CB Amsterdam, Samrat Restaurant awaits you and serves piquant flavoured Indian dishes; an ideal way to end your day after shopping around Amsterdam’s famous streets and markets.

This guide takes you through Amsterdam’s most famous shopping destinations and shows why finishing your day at an Indian Restaurant is the ultimate reward.

Amsterdam – Where Shopping, Culture & Cuisine Come Together

Shopping in Amsterdam is woven into the city’s rhythm rather than confined to malls or single streets. Every step seems to brim with history, from centuries-old canal houses to narrow streets that lead onto even more hidden courtyards and inventive nooks. There’s as much atmosphere to browsing here as there is choice. Upscale boutiques and independent designers, vintage shops, and local markets—each in one way or another an extension of the city’s cultural history- All reside harmoniously alongside each other. Anything goes is the motto of Amsterdam, and the feeling at our hotel, where the experience unfolds slowly as a guest takes their time to take in what makes Amsterdam so special.

This dense city centre is a boon to discovery. One shopping area spills into the next, making it impossible not to embark on long, leisurely walks that are likely to yield unanticipated discoveries. A quiet café pops up right when you need a break, followed by a bookstore, small gallery or street performer bringing the place to life. This walking world view makes shopping into something that takes all day instead of a task to be checked off. And when your bags begin to weigh you down, Amsterdam’s food scene has myriad places to stop and take stock of the day.

Samrat Indian Restaurant is one such stop on this odyssey. After a day of wandering shops and streets, it’s a peaceful, welcoming spot to retreat from the madness and tuck into proper Indian flavours. With its warm smells, cozy curries and huge portions, Samrat acts as a welcome refuge from the chaos of the streets. The menu is rich and soothing without being heavy on the wallet, which makes it a great way to finish off a successful shopping day. To relax, refuel or just indulge in familiar flavours in the heart of the city, Samrat completes your Amsterdam story with an unforgettable taste.

Amsterdam’s Most Famous Shopping Streets You Can’t Miss

Kalverstraat & Nieuwendijk – The Heart of City Shopping

Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk are the pulse of Amsterdam’s high-street shopping culture, running through Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk. These two popular pedestrian streets traverse the core of downtown and make up a dynamic shopping district that lures both locals 22 and tourists alike. From international fashion heavyweights and beloved European retail parades to offbeat trinket shops filled with traditional Dutch gifts, the range is so varied you’re bound to find something that fits the bill. Whether it’s just the latest in fashion, some casual wear, cosmetics or shoes and maybe even a few inexpensive souvenirs, these streets rarely let you down.

What truly differentiates Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk is the atmosphere. The pace is relentless and infectious - people then appear to be moving on mass in every direction; stalls opening up for business, scenic buskers playing music or entertaining with magic tricks or adorning the streets with art to add to the public gallery. Eye-catching window displays and seasonal sales draw customers in, while there are plenty of cafés and snacking spots just steps away where you can take a break from shopping. This is because they’re all right near each other – near Dam Square and other major downtown attractions, so shopping here dovetails with sightseeing, rather than is perceived as its own separate annex.

Because when people pour into Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk, it's a day trip for a great many. Hours could sweep by, drifting between shops, stopping for photos and ducking into nearby landmarks or side streets. You walk, and you’d like to sit down and just chill out with some real food after all the stimulation. Nearby, check out this Indian Restaurant, an oasis from the frenzy of shopping streets. It’s slow, they are mellow and friendly – and there is nothing like the taste of real Indian to revive the body and soul. And the heart-warming food from a Samrat Indian Restaurant will not only fill your stomach, but also give you that same sense of groundedness on an otherwise busy shopping day in downtown Amsterdam.

Leidsestraat & Spuistraat

Leidsestraat is one of those streets that smacks you right in the face with some Amsterdam energy. A kind of connector between retail hubs and Leidseplein, the place draws a steady stream of locals’ traffic as well as shoppers. Fashion shops, music stores, lifestyle brands and eclectic gift shops hug the street for a character-driven and contemporary feel. As the day wears on, this space changes in feel, with cafés swelling and surrounding theatres, cinemas and live rooms taking on an added vibrancy. Shopping here is hardly ever an end in itself; it’s organically combined with entertainment, making Leidsestraat a place where browsing and culture no more clash than does shopping and nightlife.

Spuistraat provides a different kind of analysis, equally engaging but with a slower pace. With its independent bookstores, fashion stops and cultural landmarks, it draws those who like to linger and investigate well-thought-out places. That street has a slower, more thought-out rhythm, where browsing seems like something you do on purpose rather than in passing. It appeals to readers, creatives and visitors who’d rather uncover unusual finds than shop around at a fast pace. Though tamer in tone, Spuistraat is still very much a part of Amsterdam’s cultural makeup and an important part of any shopping itinerary.

Both streets lead visitors organically into the heart of the city, transforming a day of discovery into a seamless, walkable adventure. As you transition between busy storefronts and the relaxed cultural cornerstones, this Indian Restaurant is a brilliant stop at day's end. Its friendly atmosphere and familiar flavours offer a satisfying pause, with a casual dinner that is just right after hours of shopping and discovery.

P.C. Hooftstraat & Van Baerlestraat

If you’re looking to shop in luxury style, then Amsterdam’s P.C. Hooftstraat is a street that exists in a class of its own; here are the best shops you can find there… This chic street is home to the world's best designer brands, flagship stores, glossy-windowed retail spaces and shiney happy, fashion-friendly people (there are some rich peeps shopping here). The street’s polished nature is evident not only in the stores that line it, but in its peaceful, upscale air — browsing feels almost private and leisurely. Shopping is here as much about the experience as it is about labels and provides a glimpse of Amsterdam’s more highbrow side.

Right next door, Van Baerlestraat contributes a quieter, no less refined note to the neighbourhood. Tasteful stores and cultural landmarks line it, providing a slower pace that still feels polished. Together, both streets create an equilibrium of luxury shopping that ranges from high-end to laid-back. Once you've browsed your way through high-end offerings and luxuriated in the fancy environs, the post-shopping meal often craves something that seems worthy of all that luxury without being fussy or aloof. Here, at Samrat Indian Restaurant, you will find that perfect balance – a true taste of India in comfortable surroundings where you can relax and enjoy your food with all the pure flavours of India to hand after an indulgent day’s shopping if only life could always be this simple.

Utrechtsestraat & Reguliersdwarsstraat

Utrechtsestraat is remarkable for its personality-centric shopping. It's filled with indie boutiques and artisan stores, and like the carefully paced handful of high-quality specialty shops. Every single place has something special in store for it and prefers individuality rather than the same retail experience over and over again. The vibe of the area encourages you to take your time, chat with the shopkeepers and to connect with a more creative side of the city, so it comes as no surprise that it’s a sure-fire hit with those who value something special in their shopping experience.

Reguliersdwarsstraat provides an antithetical yet equally captivating dose of energy. The street is bustling even during the day, and that's when you experience it in its full glory. Popular for its liveliness and for being inclusive to everyone, no matter who they are, it comes alive at night. With bars and night spots as well as a variety of shops and eateries, it’s what makes it all so interesting. Utrechtsestraat and Reguliersdwarsstraat combined generate a cocktail of creativity, dynamism and identity appealing to visitors searching for variety and authenticity. After all that rickshaw riding through the vibrant streets, you can’t think of a better way to wind down that pace than in this Indian Restaurant, where you have a chance to savour rich and comforting flavours and make the most of taking it easy.

Beethovenstraat & Cornelis Schuytstraat

Beethovenstraat and Cornelis Schuytstraat reflect a more upscale local side of Amsterdam shopping. It’s the kind of street that locals and repeat tourists love, among those who prefer quality over quantity. Decorated with fashionable clothing shops, luxury delis and handpicked independent boutiques, it has a sense of composure in its understatement. There are no throngs of tourists to cut through, and it feels more personal and relaxed than rushed.

Shopping these streets takes place at a relaxed pace, where focus can be on detail, workmanship and service. The way the place is set up to keep you hanging out, instead of zooming out the door, gives it something balanced between classy and a setting for normal life. A day spent in this peaceful and high-end sanctuary can only be complemented by an evening at this Restaurant. The individual authenticity of the Indian flavours and the friendly vibes give a down-to-earth feel to the day, finishing it off with a rich and lovingly cooked dinner which naturally complements the easy-going, up-market appeal of these local shopping streets.

Iconic Shopping Centres & Department Stores in Amsterdam

Kalvertoren Shopping Centre

Make shopping in the centre of Amsterdam a special experience, with a visit to Kalvertoren Shopping Centre. Multi-levelled and full of a wide range of popular fashion and lifestyle brands in one place, it's a nice destination for those not loving an open-air experience. The convenient location enables shoppers to hop between Kalvertoren and the adjacent streets, blurring a targeted retail visit with that of an overall citywide experience. After cruising the stores and hanging out for a while, lots of shoppers emerge from these places wanting to get off their feet and into a real meal. Conveniently located in the centre of town, Samrat Indian Restaurant is a popular choice for dinner – you just literally cross the roundabout, and you’re there. It’s also nice and relaxed away from the hustle and bustle of all that shopping energy.

Magna Plaza

The exterior and interior of Magna Plaza Designer Shops don’t jump out as being distinctly Dutch, but it does have some interesting architecture. This stunning, restored historic building provides the shopping experience one would expect upon entering it: refined and engaging. Fashion and accessories take centre stage in the selected batch of stores (like the sophisticated Magna Plaza Designer Shops). Whilst there are quick-bite and fast food options in the Magna Plaza Food Court, some shoppers want to finish off their day away from the fray of the centre. Samrat Indian Restaurant provides that escape, a place where everyone can relax and sit down to have a hearty meal in a quieter setting after the dazzling experience of shopping till you drop.

Bijenkorf

Bijenkorf is one of Amsterdam’s most iconic department stores, offering a high-quality range of fashion, cosmetics, homeware and giftware. Shopping here feels curated and luxe, with plenty to offer visitors who appreciate quality, design and variety all under one roof. Inside, the Bijenkorf Food Hall has upscale snacks and light meals that are perfect for a quick break between departments. But after hours of wandering the store, some visitors will seek something heartier and more comforting. Then there’s Samrat Indian Restaurant, a satisfying alternative that offers strong Indian flavours, and hefty portions that leave you feeling like you’ve completed the day shopping in stylish company.

The American Book Center

The American Book Center holds a unique spot in Amsterdam’s cultural landscape. Best known for its broad selection of international books, magazines and quirky gifts, it brings in readers who like to browse shelves and come across something unexpected. Time often goes by quietly here, in a serene, meditative atmosphere. Then, when you walk out of the bookstore, the thought of winding down over dinner seems like a logical continuation. Bridging the gap is Samrat, and its warm, inviting ambience, a place where friends can linger long into the evening, partaking of soothing Indian food in an environment that perfectly suits a thoughtful day surrounded by books.

Boutique Shopping & Creative Corners of Amsterdam

The 9 Streets (De 9 Straatjes)

The 9 Streets, or De 9 Straatjes, are renowned for their picturesque canals and independent shops. It’s a boutique lovers' paradise here with vintage fashion, handmade jewellery, as well as art and design pieces. The Negen Straatjes Boutiques have contributed to the area’s individual character, which has led it to become one of Amsterdam´s most photographed shopping neighbourhoods.

After perusing the boutiques and absorbing some of that creative energy, tourists will often seek a dining experience that feels just as real. Samrat gives you that authenticity with traditional Indian food made with dedication and soul.

Haarlemmerstraat & Haarlemmerdijk

Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk are beloved for their mix of independent shops, specialty food stores, and trendy fashion outlets. These streets attract a creative crowd and offer a relaxed, local shopping experience.

After wandering through these vibrant streets, finishing the day at this Indian Restaurant provides a satisfying contrast—bringing bold flavours and comforting dishes to close the experience.

Traditional Markets That Show the Soul of Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s old markets help to portray a city that is lived in, expressive and part of daily life. Each market has its own rhythm, feel, and personality – inviting tourists and locals to engage in the city beyond storefronts and museums. From raucous street-fair stalls to more serene, community-driven venues, these markets transform a shopping trip into a cultural event with easy transitions to lounging and dining.

Albert Cuyp Market

The Albert Cuyp Markt is the most famous street market in Amsterdam, which covers a neighbourhood administered by de 19th century plan Zuid. Stands selling fresh food, clothes, accessories, flowers and a large selection of street foods overflow into the streets, generating a continuous buzz from sunrise to sunset. A stroll through the market is vibrant and sensory, filled with vendors shouting their wares, aromas wafting in the air, and locals intermingling with visitors. Wandering through the market whets curiosity and appetite, especially for a sit-down meal in its wake. Between all that hustle-bustle, however, sits Samrat Indian Restaurant — a refreshing oasis from the street-level chaos where time can be taken to sit down and savour sumptuous Indian food.

Waterlooplein Market

Waterlooplein Market The Waterlooplein Market has a completely different kind of vibe about it, one based on history and quirky-ness. Famous for its vintage clothes, antiques, and second-hand treasures, the market is like an open-air repository of Amsterdam’s history. Perusing the stalls becomes a quest for discovery, a huntbearer of the unexpected find and its story hiding among what is being sold. By the time you’re footsore and have discovered a few gems, you deserve to tuck into an unfussy dinner. Going to Indian Restaurant provides a place for relaxing with time to consider your day’s discoveries over restorative food packed full of taste and heat.

Noordermarkt

If you prefer quality and sustainability, as well as consider buying over relentless consuming, then Noordermarkt is your bolthole. This market is best known for its organic goods, homemade products and locally-sourced merchandise, drawing tourists who appreciate slow-paced shopping in a laid-back setting. There’s an un-rushed ambience that makes for easy conversations and deep admiration of craftsmanship. Follow a visit to Noordermarkt with dinner at Samrat Indian Restaurant, and you’ll have eaten well all day long. A pairing of well-considered shopping and thoughtfully made Indian dishes, the whole thing feels balanced, combining the straightforwardness of a market with solace and strength found in good food.

Why Samrat Restaurant Is the Perfect End to a Shopping Day

After hours spent strolling the shopping streets of Amsterdam, bumping through crowded markets or combing cultural corners, this Indian Restaurant will feel like the sort of break that’s truly earned. It is also conveniently located in the heart of everything, so there is no extra travel or drive time required! When you step inside, the momentum shifts. The warm ambiance, so relaxed and homey, beckons a guest to just relax and unwind - recuperate a little from the life of the city. So it’s common to see couples, families, sightseers and groups - all finding the environment just right – wherein to congregate once a busy day has finally come to an end.

The food completes the experience. At Samrat, the menu is traditional Indian food that is cooked with thought and depth – made with luxurious ingredients and freshly ground spices, old cooking techniques. The selection means there's something for everyone, whether that be a meaty curry or tasty vegetarian dishes and fresh Indian breads. Each meal is grounding and comforting, which is just what you need after standing for hours at a time. Instead of rushing a dinner guest to eat up, that offer s/he cannot refuse allows for a relaxed, fulfilling meal every evening and leads to a satisfying end of the day. Make something useful out of a shopping day!

From Shopping Bags to Dining Comfort in Central Amsterdam

One of the best things about eating at Samrat Indian Restaurant is that it’s a natural fit for a day spent meandering around Amsterdam’s shopping areas. Its central location makes the restaurant within easy reach of some of the city’s most vibrant shopping areas – Kalverstraat, Magna Plaza, De 9 Straatjes and the Albert Cuyp Market. No matter whether you spent the day trawling around high-street shops, poking around in boutiques or traipsing through market stalls, you never feel that you are making a detour to get to Samrat. The walk to the venue is an experience in itself, where visitors can easily move from crowded streets into a peaceful and inviting dining space.

After all those hours of walking, browsing and lugging shopping bags, a self-indulgent meal seems well-earned. You can drop off your takings near the street entrance, or better yet, head upstairs from the street with the assurance of good things to come. “We wanted the inside to slow down and feel relaxed, as the opposite of what you’re doing when you’re in the city,” Ms. Sheets said. With its convenient location, sufficiently large portions, and recognizable and comforting tastes, Samrat is the place for finishing your day off properly – one that turns an extensive shopping trip into a fully-rounded Amsterdam experience.

A Complete Amsterdam Shopping Day, Perfectly Ended

Shopping in Amsterdam is about much more than ticking items off a list. It's an experience defined by uncovering, environment and being in the groove of city life. From refined luxury boulevards and lively street markets to quirky independent boutiques and world-famous department stores, every area has its own take on the city’s personality. Walking between these reveals history and creativity as well as local life, creating an entire day’s journey of shopping rather than a single activity.

To conclude that trip at Samrat Indian Restaurant all makes sense in a way that feels organic and satisfying. After spending hours walking, the restaurant provides a relaxed space to rest your feet and taste some of its genuine Indian inspired dishes. The heartening service, abundant portions and centrally-located locale all combine to make it a simple but fulfilling one, whether you’ve passed the day perusing luxury wares, hunting down gems or simply pretending you’re in a market. A meal at Samrat turns a successful day of shopping into the epi-centre of all that is Amsterdam; it’s a memory made from comfort, taste and warm treats.

If you’re in for sightseeing the renowned shopping streets and markets of Amsterdam, make sure to end up visiting Samrat Restaurant. It is the place where discovery combines with relaxation, where a day of shopping ends in the centre of the city.