I am going to share a secret with you; a delightful hangout joint that serves fresh yummy grub. Dignita Hoftuin right next to the Hermitage museum is my new favorite space in the city. I love the location, the food, and most of all the indulgent very “un-Amsterdam” service.

Dignita Hoftuin offers a relaxed vibe despite being in the middle of things in our busy little city.  Its central location is perfect for a day of art and culture. We did spend our day at the Hermitage, which I will be sharing soon. It has both indoor and outdoor spaces, thoughtfully organised keeping Dutch weather in mind.

The menu uses local produce and is wonderfully planned. I am posting a picture of it so that you can see exactly what I mean. We tried the Zucchini and Chickpea Fritter and Hot Smoked Salmon Royale, both I would certainly recommend. I would also love to try The Forest Dwellers, which would be perfect for chilly Autumn days, teamed with a hot chocolate.

Here’s my advice if you are up for a day of active meditation that leaves you with a heart full of gratitude: pack what you would need for a day, a book, journal, your phone, battery pack, comfy shoes, slacks, start with a hearty breakfast at Dignita Hoftuin, spend some time collecting your thoughts, read, write, exhale. Take a long tour of the Hermitage, sit in the midst of its rich generosity. Absorb. Slip out of the building for a walk along the canals, observe the cycles, boats, the city in its elements. Round it off with a tea or coffee at Rembrandtplein, which is a 6-minute walk from the museum. Around Rembrandtplein are the two most beautiful canals Amsterdam has to offer, the Prinsengracht and the Keizersgracht. Grab a takeaway lunch and sit by the canals. A city by the water is a gift; enjoy a mindful moment soaking in the trees, the parrots that now make this city their home, plump pigeons, bustling people, and impressive architecture, “eat well, do good,” as the folks at Dignita say, I would add, “exhale.”