Cheese Making Workshop in Amsterdam: A Guide to De Kaasserie

Amsterdam has no shortage of things to do. Canal cruises, museum visits, market strolls — the classic options are all there. But if you're looking for something hands-on, social, and genuinely memorable, a cheese making workshop might be the best few hours you spend in the city.

Not tasting cheese. Making it. From scratch. With your own hands.

That's exactly what De Kaasserie offers, and it's become one of the most popular food experiences in Amsterdam for good reason.

WHY CHEESE MAKING IN AMSTERDAM MAKES SENSE

The Netherlands has one of the strongest cheese traditions in the world. Gouda, Edam, Leiden, these aren't just names on supermarket shelves. They're the product of centuries of Dutch dairy farming and cheesemaking craft, developed in the flat green landscapes just outside the city.

Amsterdam sits at the center of this tradition. And while the big cheese markets in Gouda and Alkmaar attract tourists, learning to actually make cheese yourself is a completely different kind of experience.

It connects you to the process rather than just the product. And it turns out, making cheese is far more approachable than most people expect.

DE KAASSERIE: WHAT IT IS AND WHO RUNS IT

De Kaasserie is a cheese studio in Amsterdam Oud-West, one of the city's most relaxed and local neighborhoods. It was founded by Paula, who has spent years developing a workshop format that is genuinely educational, hands-on, and fun, without being overwhelming.

Paula's connection to food is personal. Growing up between cultures, she learned early that food is one of the most powerful ways to connect people, to each other and to a place. At De Kaasserie, that philosophy comes through in every workshop.

The studio is small, the groups are small, and the experience feels nothing like a tourist activity. It feels like being invited into someone's kitchen who really knows what they're doing.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE WORKSHOP

The workshop runs for three hours and covers the full basics of fresh cheesemaking. You don't need any prior experience, the process is explained clearly from the start, and Paula guides you through each step.

Here's what you'll actually do:

You start by understanding the science behind cheese, how milk, temperature, and cultures interact to create curds. This sounds technical but Paula makes it accessible and genuinely interesting.

Then you get hands-on. You'll work with fresh milk, add cultures, and watch the transformation happen. You'll separate curds from whey, press your cheese, and shape it yourself.

The flavor part is where it gets fun. You choose your own herbs and spices — there's a good selection available, and flavor your cheese exactly how you like it.

By the end of the three hours, you've made two fresh cheeses entirely by hand. The workshop finishes with a cheese tasting, where you try different varieties and start to understand the differences in texture, age, and flavor.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

- Full guided cheesemaking workshop
- Step-by-step introduction to the process
- Making two fresh cheeses from scratch
- Choice of herbs and spices for flavoring
- Cheese tasting at the end of the session

Duration: 3 hours
Schedule: Every Saturday at 10:00 and 16:00
Group size: 6 to 24 participants
Languages: English (Dutch available on request)
Location: Bellamystraat 8, 1053 BL Amsterdam

WHO IS THIS FOR

Honestly, almost anyone. De Kaasserie works well for:

Travelers looking for a unique Amsterdam activity beyond the standard tourist trail. Couples wanting something interactive and social. Friend groups who want a shared experience rather than just dinner. Food lovers curious about the craft behind what they eat. People who have absolutely no idea how cheese is made and want to find out.

No cooking experience required. No Dutch required. Just curiosity and a willingness to get your hands a little messy.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD

De Kaasserie is located in Amsterdam Oud-West, which is worth knowing about if you're planning your day. This is one of the most genuinely local parts of the city — good coffee shops, independent restaurants, the Foodhallen food market nearby, and far fewer tourists than the center.

It's easy to reach by tram from most parts of Amsterdam, and the area is worth exploring before or after your workshop.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Address: Bellamystraat 8, 1053 BL Amsterdam
Nearest tram: Lines 7 and 17 (Ten Katestraat stop)
Workshops run every Saturday at 10:00 and 16:00
Book in advance, spaces fill up quickly

BOOK THE EXPERIENCE

This cheese making workshop is available through Farmiyo, a platform connecting travelers with authentic farm and food experiences across Europe.

Book the Amsterdam Cheese Workshop → farmiyo.com