You really can eat delicious food at NS stations
For a long time, things were pretty dire when it came to food and drinks at train stations. Passers-by had to make do with the offerings of soulless chains such as Smullers (bad fries), Kiosk (weak coffee) and – how do you even come up with a name like that – De Broodzaak (tasteless sandwiches). But there is hope on the horizon for hungry travelers who have a little more time to sit down.
As the larger NS stations undergo ongoing renovations and refurbishments, the selection of better places to eat is growing. The latest opening is Grand Central Food Market, which opened its doors at The Hague Central Station last week. The name is derived from Grand Central Terminal in New York, the world-famous station with its dozens of food outlets (including the legendary Oyster Bar).
The arrival of Grand Central fits in with the trend toward better food service at stations
The Hague’s Grand Central Food Market, located on the first floor in the central hall, houses three adjoining restaurants in one large space (more than 400 square meters).
Behind the large glass façade, overlooking the bustle in the hall, is Firma Pickles (with locations in Utrecht, Rotterdam’s Markthal and De Pier in Scheveningen, among others), serving their excellent burger. Next to it is Bellotabar, with real Spanish bellota ham, carved from the leg, and a choice of more than thirty wines by the glass. The third concept is Fishbar Saltzer, with a vintage interior featuring mint-green corrugated sheeting and neon signs. The promising menu includes fish&chips, oysters and half a lobster. This establishment will also open a location at Amsterdam Central Station later this year (2016).
Better food service
The arrival of Grand Central fits in with the trend toward better food service at stations. In Amsterdam, several new restaurants have opened on the so-called IJ side in recent months, with doors opening onto views of the IJ. These include Wagamamma – always good for an invigorating noodle dish – and the Belgian burger flippers at De Burgerij, where you can enjoy a burger with a specialty beer.
Also at Amsterdam Central Station: the IJ passage – a new connection between the front and rear entrances of Amsterdam Central Station – which looks like a kind of luxury indoor shopping street. Foodies can visit Le Clair, a Parisian-style café-patisserie specializing in éclairs. If desired, accompanied by a glass of Veuve Cliquot. In the mood for better pasta and sourdough bread? Bistrot Centraal has been at Utrecht Central since the beginning of this year, drawing inspiration from Italian Slow Food dishes. Also at Utrecht Central: ENOKI, a concept the men of Mister Kitchen developed specifically for NS. At ENOKI, you can get Asian-inspired take-away dishes (breakfast, lunch, dinner), made with fresh ingredients and prepared on the spot.
Fast casual
The idea behind these so-called ‘fast casual restaurants’ (as insiders call them) is that, in 30 to 45 minutes, you are guaranteed a decent meal in a pleasant setting. And those in more of a hurry can opt for a take-away option, which many of these restaurants also offer.
The arrival of these restaurants does not, incidentally, spell the end of the Smullers and Broodzaken of this world. They will remain prominent at stations, especially in the busiest passages. So those who want to eat well sometimes have to look around.
But the good news is that there is finally more choice if you are looking for an actually delicious beer, glass of wine, snack or lunch bite.
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Text: Marcus Polman
Images: Firma Pickles / Instagram Marieke Migchelbrink
