Cycling and tasting!
Discover this fun cycle route through the Zaan region and taste the region at local makers
The Zaan region is best discovered by bicycle. Pedalling through the typical Dutch landscape, you pass windmills, the Zaan river, vast meadows and special places where regional products are made with love. Along the way, you regularly stop to taste, look around and take something nice home with you. This turns a day of cycling into a tasty voyage of discovery.
Brewery Hope
A great start to the route is at Brouwerij Hoop in Zaandijk. This artisanal brewery brews characterful speciality beers with a nod to Zaanish history. In the tasting room, you can taste different beers and get an insight into the brewing process. It is a cosy place to catch your breath with a good glass of beer and something tasty to go with it.
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Smells like chocolate
If you like sweet, don't miss Smells Like Chocolate in Zaandijk. As soon as you step inside, the smell of cocoa meets you. This chocolate boutique offers handmade chocolates, chocolate bars and other cocoa specialities. You can also go there for a hot chocolate drink or coffee. A perfect stopover for a bag of chocolate powder, that way you can also enjoy a hot chocolate at home.
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Two-headed Phoenix
Nearby on the Zaanse Schans you will find De Tweekoppige Phoenix, a distillery where craftsmanship and taste come together. Here, gin, liqueurs and other distillates are made. In the tasting room, you can taste different drinks and discover which flavours suit you best. It is a special stop where you will be introduced to local drinks that you will not easily find anywhere else.
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Kramer Farm
If you cycle further towards the countryside, you'll come to Boerderij Kramer in Assendelft. This family-run business sells products straight from the farm. In the shop you will find cheese, dairy and meat from their own farm, supplemented with other regional products. Here you can literally taste the farm life of the Zaan region and easily take something away for a picnic or a meal at home.
Jongwijs
Jongwijs in Westzaan is another special place to get off your bike. Here it's all about local products, craft and creativity. You will find delicacies from small makers and unique products from the region. It is the ideal location for a delicious lunch.
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Beka meat
For lovers of honest and local meat, a visit to Beka meat is highly recommended. This company works with meat of regional origin and stands for quality and craftsmanship. Whether you are looking for something for a good lunch, a drinks board or an extensive barbecue, you will find tasty products from the region here.
So get on your bike, take a bag for all the goodies and be surprised by the flavours of the Zaan region, because the Zaan region tastes like more!