About Sama Sebo
The oldest Indonesian specialty restaurant in the Netherlands
Sama Sebo is much more than just a restaurant; it is a center of cultural experience, beloved for its authentic Tempo Doeloe dishes. Founded by Sebo Woldringh, who gained valuable experience at the renowned restaurant Bali, Sama Sebo offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes everyone feel right at home. This restaurant is known for its excellent Indonesian cuisine, cozy ambiance, and special connection with its guests, which has earned it the nickname “the living room of Amsterdam.” With a rich history full of famous visitors and a dedicated team, Sama Sebo symbolizes the essence of Dutch hospitality and quality, remaining a beacon of culinary excellence.
Stop by for lunch, dinner, or a refreshing drink. The kitchen is staffed exclusively by chefs with Javanese roots. They know better than anyone else “how it’s supposed to be.” No compromises on original dishes, no way. Forget that Nasi Goreng you throw together at home. Expect regional dishes like gado-gado, an extensive rijsttafel, or customize your own (non-)vegan meal. In about 5-10 minutes, the batik-clad waiter will serve it to you. How great is that when you’re really hungry? The Indonesian kitchen is all about preparation. When the order is placed, only the finishing touches are needed. Don’t worry about freshness, though; that’s well taken care of. After window shopping in the P.C., they’ll be happy to welcome you soon at Sama Sebo.
History
In the bustling heart of Amsterdam, amidst a year full of historical events like the first moon landing and the iconic Woodstock festival, Sebo Woldringh opened Indonesian Restaurant Sama Sebo in 1969. This establishment is not just a restaurant; it is a cultural phenomenon, recognized and beloved throughout the Netherlands and beyond. With its unique offering of Tempo Doeloe-based dishes, Sama Sebo has distinguished itself as the top destination for Indonesian cuisine.
The founding of Sama Sebo by Sebo Woldringh, after his thorough training at the famous restaurant Bali, and his wife Gea Kok, marked the beginning of a new era in Dutch hospitality. Their passion for hospitality and quality dishes created an environment where every guest feels at home. This feeling of homecoming is further strengthened by the loyal customer base the restaurant has built, including well-known Amsterdammers and Dutch figures like Salo Muller, Cor Zadelhoff, and Freddy Heineken.
The Magic of Atmosphere and Dedication
Sama Sebo’s success is not only due to its exquisite food or the welcoming atmosphere but also the humor and conviviality, especially at the bar. This atmosphere, created by Sebo and continued by his sons Sebo Jan and Daniël, makes the restaurant a place where friendships flourish and are maintained. It’s a place where people come together to enjoy life, as evidenced by the many autographs of international celebrities in the guestbooks, including Johan Cruyff, Tina Turner, and David Bowie.
The dedication of the staff also plays a crucial role in Sama Sebo’s success story. The restaurant is considered “the living room of Amsterdam,” a title carried by both customers and the staff, many of whom remain with the restaurant for a long time. This low staff turnover contributes to the consistent experience guests have during each visit.
A Fortress of Tradition in a Changing World
Despite constant changes in the world, Sama Sebo has stood firm as a fortress of tradition and quality. The kitchen remains loyal to the authentic flavors and quality of Indonesian cuisine, something considered an art and carefully safeguarded by the current leaders of the restaurant. This dedication to quality and tradition, combined with the unique atmosphere and strong bond with customers, has made Sama Sebo an icon of the Amsterdam hospitality scene.
In een wereld die constant verandert, biedt Sama Sebo een zeldzame constante: een plek waar mensen zich altijd thuis kunnen voelen, ongeacht hoe lang ze weg zijn geweest. Met zijn rijke geschiedenis, trouwe klantenkring, en voortdurende toewijding aan kwaliteit en gastvrijheid, staat Sama Sebo symbool voor het beste wat de Nederlandse culinaire wereld te bieden heeft.