Toko Dun Yong — Local services in Amsterdam

Update: 5 stars for accountability and responsiveness

I went back today and saw that the fake Chinese copy has now been removed from the shelves.

The switch from the Japanese original to the subpar Chinese copy was apparently done by the suppliers and also went unnoticed by the store staff.

Thank you for the quick and effective resolution.

---Original review---

SELLING CHINESE COUNTERFEIT VERSION OF KOALA MARCH

I loved the Japanese original while growing up and was excited to see them here as well. Unfortunately, Toko Dun Yong is selling a Chinese ripoff, and packaging is designed to be similar enough to the original but with lazy Chinese graphics.

Still, I tried tasting it. I could have forgiven the packaging ripoff if the taste was still the same, but no. Completely inferior taste and texture compared to the Lotte original. Biscuit was already stale (even though it was sold sealed within a plain foil packet). The filling was some non-descript overly-sweet syrup dyed brown to resemble chocolate, instead of the rich chocolatey coating of the original. Couldnt finish it and threw the whole thing out.

Attached photos for reference so no one else has to fall for this. Right is the Japanese original (screenshot), Left is the Chinese counterfeit version (you can tell the koala bears dont look quite right).

Re: Owner Response

Thanks for your understanding. It seems like you were also fooled by the switch through your suppliers, and I believe it was an honest mistake (having made the same one myself).

The Chinese rip-off might be somewhat edible, and even though the packaging does not say "Lotte", it is still deliberately designed to trick buyers. If this Chinese rip-off had any confidence in their product, they would have designed the package differently.

Please do not support this sort of...

Toko Dun Yong is without a doubt Amsterdam's leading Chinese supermarket, catering to both the restaurant trade and the general public. Although predominately Chinese, the toko also has a good offering of foods and spices from India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam. The owners have thoughtfully placed cards next to many of the products describing what they are used for and how to prepare them. Exotic herbs, fruit and vegetables are flown in on weekly basis. There is a huge selection of teas, many of which with medicinal properties. At the rear is a spacious deep freeze section packed with Dim Sung, frog legs, shellfish, soft shell crabs, ready prepared meals and a delicious ice cream assortment including mango, lychee, strawberry with Madame Jeanette peppers, green tea and black and white sesame. Downstairs, you will find colourful bowls and plates, sake drinking sets and many of the tools of the trade for a chef. There are another 3 floors upstairs featuring small handicraft gifts, stationery, incense, calligraphy, Kung Fu articles, kitchenware, Chinese clothing and painting, porcelain vases and decorations. The 2nd floor alternates between various pop-up restaurants and an outstanding cooking studio where one can master the art of the various...

Being Asian, I have a survival rule: never let the instant noodle stash run low. So on my very first night in Amsterdam, jet-lagged and noodle-deprived, I went on a pilgrimage in search of an Asian grocer. Enter Toko Dun Yong — my carb-laden salvation.

It’s not a massive supermarket — more “cosy treasure chest” than warehouse — but it has enough to keep my cravings in check: instant noodles (of course), sauces, snacks, and the kind of oddball imported drinks you buy just to see if you’ll regret them later.

Price-wise, I was surprised. Given Amsterdam’s reputation for being a little extra with prices, I half-expected to be paying a premium for my MSG-packed comfort food. But nope — it’s about the same as in Helsinki, where I live. Still not cheap, but not “sell a kidney” expensive either.

The proprietor is Chinese and was pleasantly friendly once she realised I could speak her language. There’s something heartwarming about exchanging a few words in Mandarin while clutching a basket full of ramen and chili paste — like finding a little pocket of home in the middle of a European city.

Verdict: If you’re in Amsterdam and in need of an Asian pantry fix, this place will have your back…...