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Vegan food cafe near Dam square. Menu combines Caribbean and Japanese tastes and ingredients. Sample dishes like the house-made vegan burger, quinoa salad, fresh spring rolls, udon noodle, hijiki seaweed salad, and changing vegan cheesecakes and desserts. Beverages offered include fruit shakes, tea, and coffee. Hosts special events. Reported to close an hour earlier than stated times. Open Mon 13:00-15:00, 17:00-22:00, Wed 12:00-15:00, Wed-Sun 17:00-22:00, Thu 13:00-15:00, Fri 12:00-15:00, Sat-Sun 13:00-15:00. Closed Tue.
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19 hs Sint Jacobstraat, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1012 NC
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- Accepts credit cards
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Last update on 09 Sep 2024 by koortje
Update business info -
Added by The Veggie Cook on 08 Nov 2011
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688 Reviews
First Review by ChakaKamaNath
Kau
Points +36
simply amazing - Edit
I was very happy with the service me and my boyfriend got when we visited the place on our latest trip to Amsterdam. We were the only customers during our stay, and the food came very quickly. After reading the reviews I was expecting to wait forever for the food to be ready, so it was a pleasant surprise. We both ordered the vegan plate, which was huge. Neither of us very able to finish the this enormous portion that consisted of rice, some kind of cabbage, tempeh, tofu and vegan chicken. I've never eaten tempeh so great, and the chicken was mouth-watering. The whole price for two portions and one drink was around 30 euros, which I find reasonable since it was probably one of the best meals ever. We will definitely return here.
Read morePros: the food, amazing service, atmosphere
Cons: no prices or the whole menu visible
Guest
tomeri.or
Points +44
Good - Edit
I took the mixed plate with 1 drink. The dish was home-made tasty food but overall it was a bit expensive for just a normal-size plate & a drink (€17)
Read moreGuest
TiniZ
Points +35
Chaotic, small, expensive - Edit
The eatery is located in the center, in a small streey secluded from the main busy streets. There were only 2 tables, each occupies up to 4-5 pp. We shared one table with 4 other guests. There was no menu card, only a black chalkboard with handwritten 4-5 dishes. They refer the "vegan plate" right away, which my partner took, along with a Bionadr. I took a pumpkin soup, along with a green smoothie. My soup came first, smoothie came last. In total, it cost 28 Euro, without a bill!! There were no prices so we didn't expect it to be this much! They had a drink automat selling Bionade and water. There was a glas vitrine separating guests from the bar, selling vegan milk and chips, but it was rather empty. On the wall, there was another glas shelf which sells greeting cards and picture frames... During our stay, a group of people walked in, greeted the cook and walked out. Needless to say that we just felt strange...
Read moreAll in all, food was good, nothing impressive though and really expensive. Everything does not seem in place and little space was not used efficiently. There's a lot of room for improvement.
Pros: Vegetables, Friendly staff, Location
Cons: Chaotic, Very limited menu without price indications, Expensive
Guest
sullivusb
Points +318
Fantastic - Edit
The food here was amazingly good! I was in Amsterdam on business and ate here two of my six nights in town.
Read moreThe owner makes a daily vegan plate that is customized by adding tofu, tempeh, or vegan chicken and rice, roti, or noodles. Both of the daily plates were great, the vegan chicken and noodles were particularly tasty.
The family who owns the restaurant is very nice. The owner / chef even came out and joked that he was "putting extra love in the food".
The wall has a fantastic mural painted on it, but the restaurant only has two tables so takeout could be a good option.
Pros: So tasty, friendly staff, nice mural on the wall
Cons: only a few tables, limited daily menu
Guest
Mochilo
Points +20
Nos ha encantado!! - Edit
Platos del día, todo riquisimo, barato, muy buena experiencia.
Read moreGuest
Shailey4u
Points +16
This is not your corner restaurant. - Edit
If you are looking for a restaurant, and you want to be served...and I mean this in all aspects of the word....then DO NOT GO HERE!
Read moreIf you are looking for great food, fabulous conversation, and a little education and enlightenment. Step right up, pull up a chair.
This is like coming back home to mom's house and she's cooking in the kitchen. Except here it's dad working his magic. I come here to be nourished. I don't ask for anything specifically, I just tell him to make me whatever he wants. Whatever moves him, cook it up, and AMAZINGLY it has always been fabulous. I have read a few of the reviews here about the cost of things at his place, but seriously, good vegan food is hard to find, and maintaining any establishment in Amsterdam ain't cheap!
This place isn't about sitting apart, it's about communal eating. It may throw many people off because we have been fed a stereotype of what a restaurant is suppose to look like. Well, what if you took your mom's kitchen table, you know the old oval one with the leaf insert and put that in as your main eating area. This encourages people to sit and talk to one another, strangers with the same eating habits actually sitting around and talking! Mix in some great island home cooking with a little asian flair and next thing you know you're all talking and eating and SHARING!
I've met people from around the world here from Isreal to Alabama, Texas to Taipei and back again, and it's amazing what seating can encourage people to do. I too was a bit thrown by the atmosphere at first, but some great things come weirdly wrapped. I spend a lot of time in Amsterdam and this is the only place that I eat. Find me sitting at the square table, pull up a chair and lets talk and eat together.
I have been eating here at least twice a week for about a month and the conversations with people are so great and the food is so good I didn't even know until a few days ago that he also has WIFI. It helped out when someone tried to explain ackee and jackfruit to me. Oh yeah, he has that in the kitchen too.
Server yourself your own beverage out of the beverage area, and just wait. you'll be pleasantly surprised. And if you see me, just smile and say hello! :)
So if you're looking for a "you must server me...or a ...have it your way" kind of restaurant... Burger King is around the corner.
Pros: Great food, Easily accessible, It's VEGAN!
Cons: Wish it were a little bigger
Guest
Oliv211_Fr
Points +648
Ambiance rasta pour un repas délicieux et varié :) - Edit
Ambiance rasta en dehors du temps et de l'espace un peu space au premier abord ^^, mais une fois l'immersion effectuée et le plat apporté, que du régal, varié et équilibré :)
Read morePros: Ambiance dans un autre espace-temps, Qualité du plat, Tout vegan
Cons: Cash only
Guest
Marie Watisas
Points +36
cool atmosphere and amazing plates - Edit
the owner welcomed my boyfriend and I so well ! He was really funny and cool guy. there were nobody else in the restaurant as it was a bit late for a lunch, and he made 2 big and delicious homemade plates. For me it was Tofu with a sweet sauce, azuki beans, "roti" (like a big pancakes really good), and some vegetables with delicious topping and sauce. My boyfriend had vegan chicken nuggets, brown rice, vegetables. Everything was absolutely delicious and we want to go back the next time we visit Amsterdam.
Read morePros: excellent food, funny and lovely owner, feel "at home"
Cons: slow service, a bit pricey
Guest
organicmakeda
Points +16
AMAZING FOOD!! - Edit
I went on hols from UK to Amsterdam with my friend and we visited TarraZen. It has a really relaxed atmosphere and very friendly staff. There was so much choice, it took my ages to decide but I had the beans/greens and rice and it was AMAZIN, so good that a few days later my hubby joined me in Amsterdam and we went back for lunch. A 'must-eat' if your a vegi/vegan in Amsterdam, would definitely go back. xx
Read morePros: Excellent Food, Nice Atmosphere, NIce Staff
Cons: Nedd more menus, Faster service, a tad pricey but sooo nice
Guest
ashwinn
Points +806
the love affair is over - Edit
Love the owner and family but things are going downhill for terra Zen. For the second time I arrive and the door is locked. Phone number rings the house, no one knows where the owner is. Strolls over 20 mins later and makes a nice plate of tofu for me. For 17 euros including a drink. Great food, great guy but this business model is not going to fly.
Read morePros: owner
Cons: price , unpredictable hours
Guest
Kyttiara
Points +1160
If only I could go there everyday... - Edit
Great slow food! Everything is vegan, super well-cooked, great atmosphere. Don't go there if you're in a rush. The food is kinda Japanese-cuban fusion it will blow your mind. Really loved it!!!
Read morePros: great slow food, Menu = mouthwatering, nice location, very calm
Cons: a bit slow
Guest
Chnanis
Points +8086
Great Vegan food, Home-cooking, Home-service - Edit
I went to have my meals here many times when I was in Amsterdam, eat-in and also take away. It was like having a meal at a friend's home. Every dish was made fresh & hot from the kitchen with the feeling of home-cooking. Although I ordered some of the same dishes, each time they were not exactly the same, but every time was very good.
Read moreThe owners are such a lovely couple of husband & wife. I can feel that they cooked from their heart. Someone might feel that their service is 'weird'. But as I mentioned, if you expect a five stars or a proper restaurant service, this place is not for you. But if you like home-cooking and simple-friendly atmosphere, I definitely recommend. For me, if I live in Amsterdam, I would regularly have my meals here.
Anyway, one thing you need to be ready for is waiting, it is not very ideal to have a meal or order a take away here if you are in a rush. Just chill out, good food needs some time and they will serve you the best you can get.
Pros: Good taste, Fresh ingredients, Hot dishes
Cons: Quite a long wait
Guest
JonJon
Points +21082
Not really amazing... but good vibe - Edit
I had good expectations about this restaurant (exotic cuisine and 100% vegan) but when I tried it, I was a bit disappointed. Among the negative points were at first the very poor service. We ordered 3 dishes and 1 was forgot even if we were only four people inside the restaurant! At the end, one of our desserts was also forgot. They seem to be really disorganized. They are very friendly nevertheless. The man is a character and funny.
Read moreIn terms of food, I was also a little let down. I ordered the TerraZen main dish that consisted of brown rice, some vegetables and vegan chicken nuggets and tempeh. It was not bad, but it was not amazing. I can do the same home. Moreover, there was no sauce for the rice or the vegetables. It was accompanied with a miso soup that was however really good. But 16,5 euros (with night extra charges) was really to much for that. We also ordered the crispy sushis. They were good, but were served without any soya sauce. Our third dish was a bowl of rice, vegetables and vegan chicken nuggets, also accompanied with a miso soup. It was good and correct for the price (less than 13 euros) but finally rather basic. As a dessert, we wanted to try the chocolate ice cream but they didn't have it anymore. We finally chose the banana cake and the chocolate cake. The banana cake was really good (with a fresh cut banana over it and soy cream) but the chocolate one was a bit dry and rather basic. However, their price was fair.
To sum up, I believe that some dishes are really good whereas other are basic and clearly overpriced, considering taste and service. The place is nice and has a good vibe but you have to be patient, tolerant and accept sometimes overpriced food.
Pros: 100% vegan, menu items, friendly staff, nice vibe
Cons: small, very poor service, overpriced, food rather basic and not impressive
Guest
thetofutravellers
Points +7325
Torn between four and three stars - Edit
This restaurant is well located close to Damrak and the train station, and although it looks very run down, and the furniture can best be called a brave mix, I immediately liked the relaxed atmosphere. The reggae music and the vibe of the place really cheered me up. The owner/chef is quite a character and was very friendly, and I got my meal very quickly. Well, it was the wrong one - I didn't say so, though, because to be honest, I was very hungry, it looked well and I knew it was vegan, so I didn't really care. Of course, this still shouldn't happen and I wonder what the owner would have done if I had told him.
Read moreWhat I got was an avocado and rice dish and it tasted good in a homemade style. Unfortunately, the Matcha Soy Milk I had ordered was really just that - soy milk with Matcha powder, nothing else, not sweetened at all. You can imagine how bitter and disgusting it tasted. The miso soup accompanying the main dish was very good, though. I was also delighted to find chocolate ice-cream on the menu!
Altogether, the meals could be presented in a nicer way and it all could do with a makeover, but on the other hand it might lose its special character then, which would be a pity.
My meal came to more than 16€, which was quite expensive considering what you get.
Because I still somehow liked the place and enjoyed it very much, I am torn between four and three stars, but considering the mere facts, it has to be three.
Pros: Interesting place full of character, Unusual meals, Great location
Cons: Quite expensive, Small size of meals
Guest
MarkHelmy
Points +129
Hit and miss. - Edit
I was in Amsterdam with my girlfrriend in February. We decided to get somthing to eat and after looking on happy cow we settled on the terrazen centre. We found it and straight away it was very odd. It was empty other than one couple and there was no one working there to be seen. We sat down and after a few minutes a man appeared from outside and asked us what we would like? This was a weird question as we hadn't seen a menu. We asked what they had and I eventually went for a vegan chicken katsu curry whilst my girlfriend went for some noodles. He went off to start cooking it and we felt a bit awkward. There was a couple sitting in the corner eating alone and music playing but some how the atmosphere of the restaurant/ caffe was strange. Eventuly the food arrived and whilst my girlfriend devoured her noodles, my "chicken" katsu curry tasted a little too realistic. I know that might sound stupid but it put me off. We finished our meals and paid (it was quite expencive for what it was) Overall it was ok but I don't reckon id be going back. The service was weird/ non existent and there was a strange atmosphere.
Read morePros: Good location, Interesting food.
Cons: Poor service, Strange atmosphere
Guest
Amy1274
Points +4979
I felt like a guest in someone's home - Edit
I visited here with my husband approximately 18 months ago, and whilst the food faulted, in my opinion, it was rather expensive, priced as an upmarket restaurant rather than a cosy cafe. The owner was very friendly, and did nothing personally to make us feel unwelcome, but I still got the feel that we were in the way, because the only other occupants were friends or family of the staff, who were slow to break off the personal conversations to serve us. The small size of the place made this more noticeable. It's very conveniently located, and has a unique menu, but is not my favourite restaurant in Amsterdam.
Read morePros: location, quality of food, unique menu
Cons: price, service speed
Guest
coco_marina
Points +29
Japanese & Caribbean fusion - Edit
It's a rare opportunity to try Japanese & Caribbean fusion, and the food wasn't bad, just a bit odd and slightly pricey. The service however was terrible. It was very hard to understand how the staff could have mixed up our order with someone else's, since the place, at full capacity, only seated 9 people, a modest amount of customers. We also got the wrong bill, and the owners attitude towards us afterwards was rather disrespectful. He didn't apologise or anything.
Read moreGuest
minrathous
Points +109
Not worth it. - Edit
I really wanted to like this place because it's all vegan and close to where I was staying, but I will not go here again.
Read moreFirst thing - it's dirty. The table I sat at had bits of food on the floor, a tablecloth that I'm sure has never been washed or even shaken out - old bits of food all over it, and when I touched it, it felt really grungy.
Second thing, the WAIT. From ordering, it took something like an hour and 20 minutes to get my food. One hour and 20 minutes of awkwardly sharing a table with strangers (who also waited over an hour), trying to stay occupied... the restaurant wasn't even that busy.
Third. The amount they charged was more than on the menu, with no indication of this. The dish I ordered was supposed to come with miso soup but didn't ever get it, but at that point I was so desperate to get out and not wait probably another hour for the soup.
On the plus side, well, the food was reasonably tasty, though it'd be tastier if it weren't seriously overpriced for what it is, and what this restaurant is.
Pros: food is pretty good, all vegan
Cons: dirty, incredibly long wait, small portions/high price
Guest
DanielAmaral
Points +697
love it or hate it - Edit
The guy who runs this place is quite a character. And, for the both times I went there, he was running it all by himself. He takes the orders and prepare the food. I was the first one for lunch for both times and the time I had to wait for the food was about 30~40 minutes. It was a ok time for me, but I was really sad for the people who came later. Some of them were waiting 20 minutes so they could order.
Read moreDespite all that, the food was great and really tasty. The cook does not spare on the spices and everything was delicious.
I would (and want) to come back only if a have a lot of time to wait. If not, I'd go to some other place.
Pros: Tasty, well served
Cons: only one guy running everything
Guest
worldly1
Points +25
We REALLY enjoyed the food - Edit
I had been holding off trying TerraZen due to the mix of reviews, and that there are plenty of other veg places to try that sounded like more of a 'sure thing' for my hard earned euros. In short, we'll be going back. Yes, it's decor was lacking, but we didn't find the place to be dirty. It's very much a little hole-in-the wall. They bill themselves as Japanese-Caribbean which is spot-on. The service was fine and friendly. The food didn't take long to prepare and that was the big surprise. It was delicious. We ordered their 'chicken' katsu which came with a really good miso soup, and their 'chicken' curry. The place could benefit from a sprucing up and getting rid of the large kitchen table, replacing it with a few mores small tables. But, like I said, we'll be going back, and soon.
Read morePros: The food, reasonably priced
Cons: table layout
Guest
lmorgan3
Points +26
Ganja explosion! - Edit
I have been backpacking with a friend through Europe and she conveniently lives outside of Amsterdam and we have been using HappyCow throughout our travels. TerraZen being our first place in Amsterdam to try. We walked in already alert from all the previous reviews about the "dirtiness" of this place, but we were excited to try the food. The second we walked in we were almost pushed right back out the door from the stench of marijuana. I realize it is legal in Amsterdam and without a doubt a scent you smell everywhere and is quite normal but this was overpowering! I'm not one to be bothered by the smell, but this was SO extreme after sitting down reviewing the menu we had to get up and walk out! We were super bummed but I'm not sure we would have been able to taste our food..maybe we'll try again in the near future?!
Read morePros: Friendly Staff, English Menu
Cons: Smell, Dirtiness
Guest
RinaMurray
Points +22
Yummy - Edit
This place is a bit pricey for what you get, but the food was delicious. Service was a bit lacking but it made the experience that much more amusing. Go in with an open mind.
Read morePros: yummy food, you're in Amsterdam!
Cons: pricey for portions, service was slow
Guest
pattieboyd
Points +17
Good Food, ugly place. - Edit
Very good vegan food.
Read moreJapanese/Jamaican mix, that really works.
When you first met this place, you think "what the hell is this??"" Ugly decoration, poor furniture, but a ver good flavor in food!!!
Pros: Grear taste, Lot of dishes
Cons: The Place, Decoration, Dirt
Guest
mcrvegan
Points +46
A unique place indeed! - Edit
After searching a good while for this cafe and eventually finding it (not sure if that's just me!) it was a relief to spend time here. The menu was full of unusual options and plenty of fake meaty goodness. I had a chicken style seitan burger sandwich and ginger beer. It was a fairly quiet time of day but that didn't lessen the lively atmosphere with the chef singing and chatting to regulars. When it suddenly dawned that i didn't have my purse, this was not a problem and it seemed that i could return at my leisure, which i did almost immediately.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on Sunday August 04, 2013
Pros: Excellent food, Friendly staff, Intimate size
Cons: Small portions/no sides, A bit pricey
Guest
Vegandelux
Points +75
Vegan spirit - Edit
We had vegan chicken and tempeh, both were very tasty. The chef and the waitress were really nice and friendly. A great place to eat and relax.
Read morePros: excellent food, friendly staff, nice vibe
Guest
ValentinaRitter
Points +30
very good food, not so cozy anymore - Edit
All the times I go there the food is great. The people are friendly and sweet. The waiting time is worth it, just don't come starved, have an apple as all is made fresh.
Read moreThe menu is very varied and the combination of Caribbean / Japanese makes it really exceptional!
In was cozier in the past but now the interior has changed. The venue needs a renovation to say the least.
But don't be discouraged, the outstanding food is fantastic! I still give it 5 stars
and if you compare food prizes in general in Amsterdam, it is NOT expensive. 10.- Euro for a miso soup and bowl with brown rice and tempeh is really good value
Pros: great food, varied menu, central location
Cons: interior looks run down, bit chaotic
Guest
TMcC
Points +65
Tasty food - Edit
I visited TerraZen whilst in Amsterdam this weekend. The restaurant is not fancy, but it is cosy in it's own way. I ordered brown rice, braised tofu and veggies, which was very tasty!! My boyfriend had the veggie curry with roti, but it was a very small portion and quite overpriced for what he received. Overall, the food was good and the chef was super friendly, but it is a tad on the expensive side for what you actually get.
Read morePros: Friendly staff, Tasty food
Cons: Overpriced
Guest
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