Delivery review: Sjefietshe’s delivery meal
In this crazy coronavirus era, restaurants are closed, so we’re happily eating out at home. Fortunately, lots of new and special delivery and takeaway restaurants are joining in. And we’re going to test them for you. That way, we can keep eating well and support the hospitality industry. Today: Sjefietshe in Amsterdam.
Sjefietshe?
Yes, funny, right? It’s phonetic for ceviche, the trend that has been going around for quite a few years and finally took our country by storm last year too. This originally Peruvian dish of fresh fish is cured in citrus juices such as lime and lemon, and seasoned with garlic, chili pepper, onions and coriander.
Ceviche al paso
Sjefietshe’s motto in coronavirus times: ‘Don’t freak-out, just take-out!‘ In South America, ceviche al paso (ceviche to-go) has long been part of the street-food culture. So now that the friendly Sjefietshe restaurant in Amsterdam’s De Pijp is closed, the passionate hospitality-industry pros behind Sjefietshe have turned to takeaway and delivery.
The delivery
‘Careful,’ says the delivery driver as he hands me the bag. Our hands briefly touch. Sirens blare in my head, as if I have just entered a radioactive area. Wash your hands. Wash your hands! ‘Careful,’ the delivery driver repeats. ‘There’s glass in the bag.’ I thought he was referring to the beer bottle, but a glass from Oedipus brewery is also clinking beside it. As if the restaurant knew I don’t have any beer glasses at home.
The packaging
The ceviche comes in a neat container, but since we’re eating out, I arrange the fresh pieces of fish and citrus sea on a proper plate. It looks even more appetizing that way. The burger is packed in a neutral brown box and wrapped in white paper, which keeps it nicely in shape. I hold the warm package against my lips. Food is love. The bag contains a postcard with the flamboyant signature of the phonetic fish restaurant.
The menu
The coronavirus menu is small but perfectly formed: six items representing a cross-section of Sjefietshe’s regular menu. Naturally, we start with the classic ceviche. Wonderfully firm sea bream with crunchy chulpe (a type of corn), topped with roughly chopped red onion and coriander. Simple, but so fresh and full of flavor that it’s a shame the plate is empty so quickly.
The main course
For the main course, we ordered the Spicy Fish Burger deal: a fish burger with fries plus mayo and a bottle of pale ale from local brewery Oedipus (with its own glass, naturally). The burger has a fluffy bun with a lovely texture and crispy edge, and is wonderfully light and spicy. Unfortunately, the fries taste a little nondescript, although the mayonnaise with extra mustard makes up for a lot.
Can Sjefietshe join us at the table more often?
¡Claro que sí! Lime juice is said to be very good for your immune system, and the dishes leave you wanting more. Next time, we’ll go for the famous fish cakes and grilled pulpo.
How much does it cost?
The starters from 8 euros and main courses from 14 euros are a high-quality alternative to most delivery food. Available to order via Uber EATS from now on.
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