I used to visit Vatten Ramen occasionally, usually when I happened to be nearby and felt like a bowl of tori paitan. I liked it, but it wasn’t somewhere I regularly planned a trip around.
After my latest visit, that might change.
Between the miso ramen, the rich chicken broth and an unexpectedly memorable plate of eringi mushrooms with kombu butter, I left thinking that Vatten has stepped up its game. This is starting to feel like somewhere I’d go out of my way for.
Eringi Kombu Butter: Ridiculously Good
Let’s start with the side dish, because honestly, I’m still thinking about it.
The eringi kombu butter was ridiculously good. Eringi are king oyster mushrooms, and here they’re served with kombu butter — a simple combination that turned out to be one of the highlights of the meal.
I know this is a ramen blog, but please make room for these. They’re absolutely something I’d order again.
Miso Ramen with a Gentle Kick and Lovely Ginger
The Sapporo Miso Ramen was another reason this visit stood out.
There’s a little heat to it, but I found it pleasantly mild. The ginger adds a lovely flavour and is a big part of what makes the bowl work for me.
What I especially liked was how light and straightforward it felt. It’s a simple, satisfying miso ramen without that heavy feeling you sometimes get from a richer bowl. The gentle spice and ginger give it plenty of character.
And the noodles are delicious, too. Vatten makes its own noodles, and they deserve attention alongside the soup. This was a bowl I really enjoyed eating.
Vatten Ramen: The Rich Chicken Broth Is Still Worth Ordering
The signature Vatten Ramen, their tori paitan, was delicious as well.
Tori paitan is a creamy chicken broth, and this one had a satisfying richness. It reminded me why chicken ramen was the reason I used to stop by in the first place.
If you’re choosing between the two bowls I tried, I’d go for the miso when you want something lighter with a little spice and ginger. For a richer chicken broth, the Vatten Ramen is still a very good choice.
From an Occasional Stop to Somewhere I’d Make a Trip For
I’ve enjoyed Vatten before, but this visit changed how I think about it.
Previously, it was more of an “I’m nearby and feel like chicken ramen” kind of place. Now, I can see myself making the trip specifically to eat here — and doing that regularly.
I can’t tell you exactly what has changed behind the scenes. What I can say is that, based on this meal, the food feels like it has reached another level.
Good homemade noodles, two bowls I’d happily eat again, and that eringi kombu butter. That’s more than enough reason for me to come back.
Where to Find Vatten Ramen Zeedijk
This review features Vatten Ramen Zeedijk, in central Amsterdam. You’ll find it on Zeedijk, a short walk from Amsterdam Centraal.
Address: Zeedijk 18H, 1012 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 12:00–16:00 and 17:00–22:00. The kitchen closes at 21:30.
Get directions on Google Maps →
Reservations and current opening hours →
Address and opening hours checked against the official Vatten Ramen website on 22 October 2026. Check before travelling, as hours and seasonal menus may change.
Looking for your next bowl? Explore my Amsterdam ramen guide.
