Thai Restaurant Bird Amsterdam
Address
Zeedijk 72 - 74, 1012 BA, Amsterdam
Telephone: 020 620 1442
Website: www.thai-bird.nl
Thai Restaurant Bird and it's associated snackbar, found across the street from one another on the Zeedijk in the heart of Amsterdam's Chinatown, have been a fixture of the city for more than 20 years. The two locations mean that, whether you are in the mood for a sit down meal or just want to grab something on the move, Bird can help you out. Restaurant Bird's location midway along Zeedijk means that it is walking distance from Central Station as well as from the busy market square, Nieuwmarkt, and the always popular Red Light District.
Restaurant
Thai Restaurant Bird, the main location, is strangely less popular than the snackbar across the street, which does a roaring trade in quick bites. The restaurant is definitely worth a look, however, as the food that Bird is famous for is served here in more relaxed, if slightly more formal, surroundings. The restaurant is by no means large, and booking a table can be a good idea, although from Sunday to Thursday only groups larger than eight people can book. The restaurant is open every day from 5pm to 11pm.
The food is authentic Thai that most Europeans are used to, along with a few regional specialities that may be a bit more unusual, such as Yam Kai Jang, a Laos style grilled chicken. As with many Amsterdam Thai restaurants, vegetarians will find plenty of choices here, with vegetables and tofu being served in abundance. Those worried about Thai food's spicy reputation need not fear, as Bird adjusts its menu for the western palate, which may be a disappointment to some spice lovers. The staff are friendly and willing to help, however, so asking for a little extra kick to your meal should not be a problem.
Snackbar
For those looking for a relaxed and informal Thai restaurant in Amsterdam could do very well by dropping into Bird's snackbar. The snackbar's unimpressive interior is basically a small square room with a counter running along the window, perfect for watching the crowds on the busy street outside, as well as a few tables squeezed into the central floor. There may not be much elbow room in the snackbar, especially since the food attracts quite a crowd, but the cosy atmosphere is part of the draw. The staff are adept at weaving their way through the tables with plates of food and the smell of fresh cooking from the tiny, open kitchen will have you more than ready for your meal by the time it arrives, which doesn't take long at all. Bird's snackbar opens at 2pm every day for the shoppers and lunch crowd and stays open until 10pm in the evening.
As far as the menu is concerned, Thai Snackbar Bird offers the same good quality that can be found in the restaurant across the street. The snackbar's menu is a little less extensive than the restaurant's, but the best sellers are still here, including many of the popular regional dishes from north east Thailand and firm favourites such as Pad Thai.