The arrival of Chinese workers in the Netherlands dates back to 1911, when Dutch shipyard workers went on strike for better working conditions. To keep operations running, ship captains turned to Chinese workers in Great Britain, known for their strong work ethic and lack of complaints. They recruited these men and brought them to Rotterdam, specifically to the area of Katendrecht, which later became the Netherlands’ first Chinatown.
Some of these Chinese workers married Dutch women and started families, embedding themselves into Dutch society. The first Chinese restaurant in the Netherlands also opened in Katendrecht. However, during the Great Depression of the 1930s, many Chinese people left the country in search of better opportunities elsewhere.
It wasn’t until after World War II that Chinese restaurants began to thrive. Dutch families returning from Indonesia, then a Dutch colony, had developed a taste for Asian cuisine. Chinese restaurants adapted to this demand by incorporating Indonesian dishes into their menus, giving rise to the iconic Chinees-Indisch (Chinese-Indonesian) restaurants.
The top dishes quickly became household favorites:
- Babi Pangang (deep-fried pork with sweet and tangy sauce)
- Foe Yong Hai (Chinese-style omelet with sweet-and-sour sauce)
- Tjap Tjoy (stir-fried mixed vegetables)
Other staples included Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and Bami Goreng (fried noodles).
The golden era for Chinese-Indonesian restaurants spanned from the 1960s to the 1980s, with many Dutch families enjoying these flavors on a weekly basis. However, by the 2000s, the popularity of traditional Chinese-Indonesian cuisine began to decline as diners embraced more diverse culinary options. This shift led to the rise of new concepts such as wok restaurants, all-you-can-eat buffets, and later, sushi establishments.
Today, the old-style Chinees-Indisch restaurants are slowly disappearing. Younger generations of Chinese families are reluctant to take over the family business, and new entrepreneurs are exploring more modern and innovative restaurant concepts.
Rotterdam’s ‘Chinatown’
Rotterdam, celebrated as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the Netherlands (home to 176 nationalities), has the country’s largest Chinese community, with approximately 16,000 people out of a national total of 100,000. Despite this, the city doesn’t have an officially designated Chinatown.
The West-Kruiskade street, however, is widely recognized by locals and the Chinese community as the unofficial Chinatown of Rotterdam. Interestingly, this vibrant street is not exclusively Chinese; it is considered one of the most multicultural streets in the city—possibly even in the entire country.
On warm summer days, when temperatures climb above 20 degrees, the street comes alive with a festival-like atmosphere. You’ll hear booming music from various cultures, smell the mouthwatering aroma of street barbecues, and see people in colorful, exotic attire. Cars cruise by slowly with windows down, blaring music that adds to the lively and un-Dutch vibe. Many people liken it to stepping into another country—a mini holiday right in the heart of Rotterdam.
While the beginning of West-Kruiskade is filled with Chinese restaurants, supermarkets, barbershops, and other Chinese-focused businesses, the diversity becomes even more apparent as you move further down the street. Shops representing a kaleidoscope of cultures take over, reflecting the true spirit of Rotterdam’s multicultural identity.
