Blin Queen. Specialty pancakes, coffee & wine — Restaurant in Amsterdam

As a seasoned traveler with a penchant for culinary adventures, my recent visit to Blin Queen in Amsterdam left an indelible mark on my taste buds and memories. Nestled in the heart of the city, Blin Queen combines the traditional charm of Russian blinis with a tantalizing twist: the infamous Kinky Waffles.

Upon entering Blin Queen, I was greeted by a cozy yet vibrant ambiance, adorned with subtle Russian decor that added to the authenticity of the experience. The menu, boasting an array of mouthwatering options, immediately caught my attention. Of course, my journey wouldn't have been complete without trying their signature blinis, which were nothing short of perfection—soft, fluffy, and generously topped with a variety of savory and sweet toppings.

However, what truly stole the show were the Kinky Waffles. These delectable creations are a fusion of Russian tradition and contemporary indulgence. Imagine crispy, golden potato waffles served with a playful assortment of toppings.  I went with salmon gravlax, which was homemade (and simply delightful), spinach and poached to perfection eggs. Each bite was a symphony of flavors and textures, perfectly balanced and utterly delightful.

The service at Blin Queen was impeccable, with knowledgeable staff members who were eager to recommend their favorites and ensure a memorable dining experience. Whether you're a solo traveler seeking a cozy meal or a group looking to share culinary delights, Blin Queen caters to all palates and preferences.

my time at Blin Queen was nothing short of extraordinary. From the warm ambiance to the tantalizing flavors, every aspect spoke of culinary mastery and passion. And of course, the Kinky Waffles—a true indulgence that I would gladly return for time and time again. Amsterdam's culinary scene shines brightly with gems like Blin Queen, making it a must-visit for food...

As an Eastern European I wanted to like this place, but I couldn’t, mainly because of the service.

I’ve seen somebody having a very similar experience, but essentially: I arrived before a friend and ordered a coffee while I was waiting. The coffee didn’t arrive for 20min (when my friend has already joined) and it wasn’t what I ordered, which is ok, they immediately offered to fix it. I would expect my coffee to be prioritised, yet it wasn’t for another 15-20min before I finally got it. Unless they were freshly roasting the coffee beans downstairs, I can’t wrap the 40min wait for a coffee around my head.

You’d think that we probably made a food order somewhere between my friend arriving, or the wrong coffee brought to our table, however we had to chase the waiters because they were too busy polishing cutlery or whatever they were doing at the station, instead of keeping an eye on the tables.

Another unpleasant surprise happened when my friend wanted to order some of the fresh tea to go. She asked if it was available, receive a confirmation and paid for it straight away to only find out 5min later that it’s actually not in stock. The cherry on top was that they refunded her with a lot of small coins. Again, not a massive issue, but definitely adds up with the rest to an unpleasant experience.

Generally, I would say, it is a nice place, if you are lucky to get served quickly. However, it seems a bit too chaotic and amateur for now.

P.S. an ugly picture of their cups - but they are so...

So I come here already for quite some time,: I visited this place about 20 times now. And the first 15 times, I was basically: 5 stars every time, for everything. Food, service, atmostphere, everything.

Now the last 5 times, that all took place this year: I can see some intresting moves: first, they replaced all chairs and tables. Then, they removed the water bottle on the table (still can use the common bottle with a crane), then the menu got some overhaul and now, as of today, the water on the bottle is back, but they took a step towards efficiency: qr code orders/payments only.

Now, to be fair, food is still great and the speed is quite good. But it start to feel more like a fast food place: the only contact with the staff would be to ask for a seat, and when you get the order. 5 words and thats it. The staff was known before for its hospitality which personally, I think, has degraded by this move. I understand the choice but it changes the dynamic between the restaurtant and the people that eat. The online app is also very strict in terms of timings. Almost half a hour before closing time, you couldnt order anything (not even a coffee).

My guess is that this move is good for the short time, but a risk for the long term. Tipping is not a standard thing you can do anymore. A different group of people will start visiting the restaurant more. And maybe I need to move on also. Its a shame but it...