Royal Thai: A Thai Restaurant in De Buurt Worth Knowing
If you’ve ever wandered through De Buurt and wondered where to find authentic Thai flavours—not just the usual suspects—Royal Thai is a place that quietly stands out. Not flashy, but real. Here we explore what makes it special: from its culinary roots to the dining atmosphere, its place in the community, and practical info for visiting.
What Does “De Buurt” Mean in This Context?
“De Buurt” translates to “the neighbourhood” in Dutch. In Amsterdam (or similarly in cities), it often refers to the close‐by area around where people live or work. When someone says “thai restaurant in de buurt,” they mean a Thai restaurant that’s nearby, easy to reach. For locals, that’s meaningful: you don’t want to travel far just for a good meal; you want somewhere accessible, consistent, inviting.
Royal Thai positions itself as exactly that kind of place: a Thai restaurant in De Buurt, accessible, offering dishes that resonate with people who crave real Thai cuisine without having to plan a long trip.
The Roots of Royal Thai’s Cuisine
What sets Thai food apart is the balance of flavours—sour, sweet, salty, spicy, sometimes bitter. But more than that, it’s about fresh ingredients, careful preparation, and a respect for cooking traditions. Royal Thai embraces these in several ways:
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Herbs and aromatics: Ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, fresh chillies, coriander (cilantro) are used in many dishes. These add fragrance and depth beyond just heat.
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Balance of flavours: Even when a dish is spicy, there’s often something sweet (sugar, palm sugar), sour (lime, tamarind), salty (fish sauce, soy), sometimes bitter or herbal. That contrast is important in classic Thai cooking.
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Texture and freshness: Things like crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, crisp garnishes, as well as tender meats or tofu. Soups are fresh, stir‑fries are quick so things stay crisp.
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A variety of cooking methods: Grilling, stir‑frying, slow simmering (soups, curries), steaming, sometimes deep‐frying. That variety means the menu can cater to different preferences—light, hearty, spicy, mild.
Atmosphere & Dining Experience
Part of what makes eating out memorable is the environment: how the place feels, smells, sounds, and how you’re treated. Based on what people report and what Royal Thai presents, here’s what you might expect:
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Interior: Warm, relaxed, comfortable. Not overly formal — enough to feel like dining is something special, but not stiff. Thai decorative touches, maybe wood tones, artwork, plants, lighting that’s welcoming.
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Ambience: Often calm, not overly loud. Good for conversations. Music might include Thai or Southeast Asian touches, or gentle background.
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Service: Attentive. Friendly staff who understand the menu, able to explain dishes to people who may not have eaten many Thai dishes before. Willingness to suggest dishes, adapt spice levels.
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Community feel: Because it’s “in de buurt,” many visitors are locals or people who pass by. That adds to a sense of familiarity—regulars, people who drop in frequently. That can make dining there feel more as part of daily life rather than a special event only.
Location, Access & When to Visit
For a restaurant in De Buurt, being easy to find and access matters. Some notes about Royal Thai:
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It is located at Lange Leidsedwarsstraat 94, 1017 NM Amsterdam. Because it’s fairly central, it’s reachable by public transport, bike, or on foot (depending on which part of the city you start from).
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Times: it’s wise to check their opening hours beforehand (they may close for a break between lunch and dinner). If you go during peak dinner time, a reservation may help.
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For those who prefer ordering in, or want takeaway, check if those options are available. Royal Thai offers “order online” and “takeaway” services via their site.
Who Might Love This Spot – And Who Might Not
Every restaurant has its audience. Here’s who will appreciate Royal Thai, and some considerations if it might not be perfect for everyone.
Likely to Appreciate:
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People who enjoy real Thai flavour, not just mild “hits” of flavour but with complexity.
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Diners who like fresh ingredients, herbs, balanced dishes.
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Those looking for a restaurant that feels comfortable, local, and accessible rather than ultra‑high‑end or touristy.
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People who enjoy exploring different dishes, maybe sharing with others.
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Visitors who want something authentic when staying in or visiting Amsterdam, especially around the central neighbourhoods.
Might Be Less Perfect If …
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You want extremely formal fine dining (white tablecloths, Michelin‑level service). This is more casual‑comfort.
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You’re extremely sensitive to spicy food; although adjustments can be made, some dishes are inherently spicy.
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You are looking for strictly budget cuisine — Thai food can be affordable, but depending on what you order (seafood, speciality curries), bills can add up.
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If you want fast‑food speed during very busy times. It may be better to avoid peak hours or call ahead.
How Royal Thai Fits in the Amsterdam Thai Scene
In a city like Amsterdam, there are many restaurants claiming to serve Thai food. But there are differences in approach, authenticity, ambiance, price, and consistency. Royal Thai’s strengths include:
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Its central location, making it part of everyday life for people in De Buurt.
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Emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients.
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Menu variety that lets both newcomers and Thai food customers explore.
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Leadership (chefs, management) likely informed by Thai culinary tradition, with an eye for authenticity.
It’s not necessarily the cheapest Thai in town, but many people looking for both authenticity and comfort find that balance at places like Royal Thai.
Health, Nutrition & Dietary Options
For those concerned with health or specific dietary needs, here are useful points related to Thai food and what Royal Thai offers:
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Many dishes are vegetable rich — stir‑fries, salads, and herb‑filled soups.
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Coconut milk provides healthy fats, though it’s rich in calories, so portion size matters.
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Spice (chillies, ginger, lemongrass) can provide antioxidants, help with digestion, etc.
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You might find gluten‑free options (though always check, especially with sauces, soy sauce etc.).
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For plant‑based diets: tofu, vegetables, possibly mock meats. Also, cooking methods that are less oil‑heavy.
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Asking for less sugar, less oil, milder spice is generally possible in many Thai restaurants (including Royal Thai) so the meal can be adjusted to personal preference.
Practical Tips Before You Go
To get the best experience, here are a few tips:
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Browse the menu online first — see what appeals, note items you may want to try.
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Ask about spice levels — if you’re not used to chilli, start mild. Thai dishes are often built to allow that flexibility.
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Go with friends / share — many dishes are good for sharing, so you can sample more things.
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Check for daily specials or seasonal dishes — sometimes there are dishes that reflect daily fresh ingredients or local market availability.
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Make a reservation for evenings especially on weekends or during busy event periods in Amsterdam.
What Visitors Say
While everyone’s taste is personal, there are recurring themes in feedback about Royal Thai:
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People often mention how aromatic the food is — scents of lemongrass, coriander, and other herbs come forward.
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The balance of flavours is appreciated — not too sweet, not too salty, spice that complements rather than overwhelms.
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The service is usually described as friendly and knowledgeable. Staff often able to guide people unfamiliar with Thai dishes.
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The setting appeals: welcoming, relaxed, comfortable. People say they enjoy lingering, enjoying food rather than rushing in and out.
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Some mention that the price is fair given the quality and location: centrally located restaurants often cost more, but many feel Royal Thai delivers value.
Calling & Booking Details
If you’re considering a visit or want to check a few things (availability, special requests, questions about the menu), here’s the contact info:
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Phone: (+31) 20 626 7261 – you can call to ask questions, make a reservation.
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Social Media: (Here are their known accounts; check the latest updates / hours there)
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/royalthaiamster
Why It’s Good to Have a Thai Restaurant in De Buurt
A few thoughts on the broader value of having good Thai restaurants in neighbourhoods:
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Cultural variety: Food is part of culture. Having real Thai food nearby adds richness to the food landscape.
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Convenience: For locals, workers, students, having a place nearby means you can enjoy something different without going far.
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Community gathering: Places like this become meeting points — friends, families, colleagues coming together over food.
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Culinary education: Trying authentic dishes educates people about flavours, ingredients, regional differences.
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Food well‑being: Fresh herbs, vegetables, varied cooking styles contribute to balanced eating.
Final Thoughts
Royal Thai offers more than just “a meal” — it offers an experience: of flavours, of ingredients, of warmth. For many people in De Buurt, it’s the kind of place you return to, trying different dishes each time, perhaps bringing friends who haven’t tried Thai before. It blends authenticity and approachability in a way that feels natural.
If you’re ever wondering where to get real Thai in De Buurt, somewhere that cares about balance, flavour, and comfort, Royal Thai is a place worth exploring.




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