Cafe Jansen in Bajeskwartier
Behind the recycled concrete walls of the old Bijlmerbajes prison there is now a restaurant. Cafe Jansen, opened in the Bajeskwartier on the eastern edge of Amsterdam, sat us down at a table.
Bajeskwartier is slowly turning into a neighbourhood. Cafe Jansen belongs to a short-stay hotel for expats and students, not the tourist circuit.
From cell block to restaurant
The Bijlmerbajes opened in 1978 and closed in 2016. Then years of demolition and redevelopment. Concrete from the old towers was reused in the new construction. Literally: same stone, different building.
The kitchen
The menu is vegetable-driven, seasonal, with international touches. No thirteen-course tasting menu, just dishes built for sharing.
The dinner
Tap water on the table first. Good sign. We asked the waiter for recommendations and he suggested we share.
A glass of Blanc de Blancs from Jean Gimonnet to start. Citrus, flint, yeasty note, spicy finish. Then baby carrots with ricotta, herbs, nuts and black rice. Next, roasted cauliflower with hazelnut, pine nut, red and yellow pepper, herb oil. The cauliflower paired well with a Bourgogne Chardonnay, citrussy, with good acidity.
First main: braised cabbage leaf with parsnip, herbs, mushrooms in soy broth, walnut and radish. Alongside, a Bourgogne Mâcon-Villages, peach and citrus.
Second: lamb neck with jus, potato cake and fava beans. Lightly chilled Spätburgunder beside it. Earthy notes, fresh strawberry, lively acidity. That clicked.
Dessert: a scoop of ice cream. Sometimes that is enough.
The menu
The menu shifts with the seasons. International influences, local ingredients, no fixed formula. Stews, fish, pastries, and plenty of vegetarian options.
The room
High ceilings, thick walls, metal accents from the old building. Warm dressing on top, not cold. Staff is attentive without overdoing it.
Practical
On the eastern edge of the city, metro Spaklerweg or Van der Madeweg within walking distance. A solid stop after a day in Amsterdam-East or for an evening away from the centre crowds.
Bottom line
Cafe Jansen is a good restaurant in a striking building. Dishes land, the wine pairings are thought through, and the space has character without selling its history as a gimmick.
Thanks for the invitation, Cafe Jansen.
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