CHANG-I — Restaurant in Amsterdam

Oriental fine dining at central location. Great food with nice presentation though over priced especially for starter. The ambience was also carefully curated with a clear oriental touch. The most disappointing if not annoying part is the sub bar service. What’s particularly disappointing is the clear difference in the attentive attitude with other guests. Being the only Asian guest in the restaurant hope that is not the reason behind the differentiated service level if not discrimination.

As a fine dining restaurant, hope the house can prioritize guest experience in their service protocols. For example, I was told the tea I ordered cannot be topped up with hot water which is very unusual for a high end Chinese restaurant. Not sure how many guests will indeed order another pot but the hospitality is somewhat missing. It was also disappointing to be told not to drink my own water while the water finally showed up 5 minutes after I took my seat. It is fair to have such rule but only appropriate after greeting your guest present the menu and take the drink order first.

Another area of improvement is for waiter to understand better their menu. The waiter struggled to explain several items on the menu which is not expected in a fine dining place.

Overall, still a...

Ate there during the restaurant week. Was not impressed. Makreel was grilled ok. But makreel with noodles just isnt for me. Grilled seabass was again grilled ok but not much taste.. the grapefruit decorations i think does not mix with seabass. Wine per glass was expensive. Interior of the restaurant was shady. Time between meals was longer then average. The lamb was quite raw grilled... but the kitchen very friendly grilled it a second time to medium and added some extra vegetables. Changi does not serve a lot of vegetables though. Lemon ice desert was decent. Maybe chinese food and haut cuisine are for me two seperate worlds... changi does not serve bad food and the personel is very friendly but i would not come back...

One of my early favourites here in Amsterdam. This place combines Asian cuisine with European preferences in an amazing way. Interior design reflects the culinary approach by providing a very modern Asian style. Menu choices are not too many but very different from each other. All starters are awesome in their own way, desserts are good as well but the main courses really make this place special. Wine selection is good-ish, although I could see some people expect a bit more from a place like this. Service is without a doubt all you can ever hope for: the staff is friendly, observant and adapts to the people they serve in many ways. If you don't feel right at home here, then I don't know what else you could be...